20 for your 20's

Lessons from a Self-Employed Pilates Instructor

Your 20s are a whirlwind—exciting, messy, and full of lessons you often don’t realise you’re learning until later. It’s the decade of self-discovery, taking risks, and figuring out what truly matters.

After leaving corporate life to build my own path in wellness, here are 20 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned—some the hard way, some through experience, and some I wish I’d known sooner.

1. Just Ask

The opportunities you want won’t land in your lap. Ask for advice, guidance, partnerships, pay rises. The worst someone can say is no.

2. Build Your Community Now

Success isn’t a solo journey. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and genuinely want the best for you. Energy is contagious—choose wisely.

3. Seek Feedback (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

You grow the most when you know what to improve. Take constructive criticism as a tool for growth, not a personal attack.

4. Get a Therapist (Or Find Free Alternatives)

Therapy isn’t just for when things are falling apart—it’s for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and unlearning limiting beliefs. There are free resources out there if private therapy isn’t an option.

5. Be Grateful—Look at How Far You’ve Come

It’s easy to focus on what’s next, but don’t forget how much you’ve already achieved. You’re living in the moments you once wished for.

6. Invest in Yourself

Your education, wellness, and self-development are never a waste of money. Courses, books, therapy, experiences—prioritise growth.

7. Start an Investment Account

Future You will thank you. Even if it’s a small amount each month, start building financial security early.

8. Use AI & Technology to Your Advantage

We have tools at our fingertips that can make life easier—use them. ChatGPT, automation, online learning—work smarter, not harder.

9. Stop Caring What Others Think—Would You Even Want to Be Them?

The fear of judgment holds people back more than failure ever will. Ask yourself: would you trade places with them? If not, why let their opinion shape your choices?

10. You Are What You Eat—Fuel Yourself with Health

Your energy, skin, mood, and overall wellbeing start with what you put in your body. Treat food as fuel, not just something to fill you up.

11. Discipline Hurts Less Than Regret

Skipping a workout, avoiding hard conversations, not chasing opportunities—short-term comfort leads to long-term frustration. Discipline builds the life you want.

12. You’re Not in Competition with Anyone but Yourself

Comparison is a distraction. Someone else’s success doesn’t take away from yours. Stay in your lane and focus on your own growth.

13. The Fun Is in the Creation, Not the Validation

If you’re doing something just for approval, it’ll never feel fulfilling. The process is where the magic happens, not just the outcome.

14. Choose Your Inner Circle Carefully

You become like the people you spend the most time with. If they don’t inspire, challenge, or uplift you, reconsider who gets your energy.

15. Be Your Own Person

Say no without guilt. Do things because you genuinely want to, not because you feel obligated. Protect your time and energy.

16. You’d Rather Fail Trying Than Regret Not Trying at All

The biggest risks often lead to the biggest rewards. Fear keeps people stuck—what if it actually works?

17. There’s a Difference Between Having Goals & Being Consumed by Them

Ambition is great, but don’t lose yourself in chasing ‘what’s next.’ Life is happening now—enjoy it.

18. Sometimes You Need to Lose Someone to Come Back to Them in a Healthier Way

Not every friendship or relationship is meant to last forever in its current form. Growth changes people, and sometimes space is necessary.

19. Prioritise Your Mornings

How you start your day sets the tone. Move your body, eat something nutritious, avoid your phone first thing—small habits compound over time.

20. The Life You Want Won’t Just Happen—You Have to Build It

No one is coming to save you. No one will hand you the perfect job, relationship, or lifestyle. You have to create it, step by step.

Your 20s are for experimenting, evolving, and figuring it out as you go. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula—just trust yourself, take risks, and enjoy the process.

What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments!