20 Toxic Habits To Ditch Before You Turn 30
CindyEveryone twenty-something is in a rush to become the best version of themself before they turn 30. But the truth is, while trying to do their best and put their best foot forward, many young people adopt habits that do more harm than good. The following are twenty habits to ditch during your twenties.
1. Building Social Status
Everyone wants to build a name for themself. While there's nothing inherently wrong with that, it can quickly develop into a need for constant validation. Trying to live a life that impresses others is a waste of time. The people who make a name for themselves within their industry stay true to themselves.
2. Procrastinating
Everyone has fallen into the procrastination trap occasionally, but making it a habit can harm your personal and professional life. While you were younger, you had fewer responsibilities on your plate. You could get away with putting things off until the last minute. But missed deadlines and last-minute scrambling is a recipe for stress as an adult.
3. Getting Ahead in Your Career
Every twenty-something has a laundry list of things they want to achieve before they turn thirty. While being ambitious is an excellent quality, being obsessed with getting ahead isn't. When people focus more on climbing the ladder at work, they often lose sight of themselves and compromise who they are to get there.
4. Forcing Friendships
Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and that's okay. During your 20s, you'll realize that some of the friendships you had during your childhood no longer serve you. Instead of trying your best to force these relationships to work, realize that it's okay to let them go.
5. Explaining Your Choices
You don't owe anyone an explanation for your life choices. As a young adult, you might often encounter situations where your judgment is questioned. But whether it's your relationships, career, or lifestyle, as long as you're making the best decisions for you, no one has the authority to question it.
6. People Pleasing
People pleasing is a harmful habit that undoubtedly needs to be kicked to the curb. Many people fear saying or doing the wrong thing or hurting those they love, but you have to do what's best for you. Constantly putting the needs of others before your own will quickly lead to burnout and resentment.
7. Compulsive Busyness
The hustle culture among people in their 20s doesn't equate to being productive or successful. Many young people are constantly on the go and worry that things aren't working out how they want them to. Learn to prioritize important tasks and focus on what will help you move forward.
8. Worrying About What Others Think
Who cares what anyone thinks of you? If you're in your 20s, you've likely obsessed over people's impressions or opinions of you at least a few times. But the truth is, most people are so caught up worrying about themselves that they don't notice the flaws you're worried about.
9. Holding Grudges
There's a saying that holding on to a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will suffer. It's toxic. Practicing forgiveness isn't easy, but hurt and disappointment are part of adulthood. You'll only affect your happiness by refusing to release past hurts.
10. Unattainable Beauty Standards
The beauty industry is bombarding the media with unrealistic and harmful beauty standards. For many people in their 20s, striving to achieve the trending look that society deems attractive is part of their routine. But it's a complete waste of time trying to fit into the mold that society has created. Embrace your unique beauty instead.
11. Trying to ‘Fix' People
It might be hard to accept, but you can't fix people. No matter how much you wish you could help, how supportive you are, and how many resources you provide, you don't have the power to change anyone. Offer support, but know that everyone is responsible for their own decisions.
12. Unrequited Love
Many young twenty-somethings have been victims of unrequited love. But pining after someone who doesn't feel the same way about you is a huge waste of time. Relationships aren't one-sided; if someone doesn't value what you offer, they aren't the right person for you.
13. Obsessing Over the Past
Saying to leave the past in the past is often easier said than done, especially when you're young. Many people in their 20s are still figuring out who they are and what they want. It's easy to worry about whether or not you're on the right path.
14. Not Being True to Yourself
There's nothing more rewarding than living life authentically. It's common to struggle to find yourself while you're young. But once you know what you want, pretending to be something else is a complete waste of time. Embrace who you are.
15. Judging Others
You wouldn't want others to judge you, so why would you judge anyone else? During your 20s, learn to lift people up instead of putting them down. Embrace empathy, kindness, and understanding; you'll be surprised by how much happier your life will be.
16. Blaming Others for Your Mistakes
Accountability is a sign of maturity. While it might be easy to blame others for your mistakes, part of being an adult is learning to realize your role in your problems. Own up to the mistakes you've made and learn from them.
17. Negative Self-Talk
Your internal dialogue defines who you are. If you're constantly criticizing yourself with self-deprecating comments and jokes, it's time to change the narrative. Speak life and positivity into your life, and be your own cheerleader.
18. Pointless Drama
If you constantly find yourself in the middle of pointless drama, you might be the problem. During your 20s, learn to step back from petty issues and arguments and learn to disagree without hostility.
19. Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the thief of joy. If you feel yourself measuring your self-worth against others' lives and accomplishments, it's time to reframe your mind. There's no one else like you in this world, and that in itself is incredible.
20. Everyone Else's Definition of Happiness
Don't chase everyone else's definition of happiness; what works for you might not work for someone else. While your parents and friends may have their own ideas and plans for your life, your definition of happiness is the only one that matters at the end of the day.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
