Lessons Learned in My 20s: Embracing Growth Through Unconventional Experiences

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One of the most defining aspects of my 20s was working and spending time with people significantly older than me. These individuals, with their wealth of wisdom and life experience, ranged from highly successful to those still finding their footing. Over time, some of these colleagues even became friends, blurring the significance of our age difference.

Photo by Ron Lach pexel

As a young man in my early 20s, it often felt odd and isolating. I struggled to fit in, frequently battling feelings of being left out or missing out. Most of my peers were immersed in college life, doing the typical "school stuff." Meanwhile, financial hardships and parental pressure pushed me into the workforce, forcing me to figure out my life’s direction early on. Although I attempted online studies, they didn’t resonate with me. Eventually, I chose to focus solely on working and studying what genuinely mattered to me—a decision that became one of the best I’ve ever made.

Navigating a Generational Gap

The downside of this phase was the stark generational gap. I often felt like an outsider trying to belong. While I grew more comfortable over time, there were moments when I overstepped boundaries or felt misunderstood, especially when my problem-solving approaches or proposals weren’t taken seriously because of my age. The disconnect extended to everyday conversations and activities; I couldn’t relate to what was obvious to the majority, leading me to question if something was wrong with me. The real issue was simply that I came from a different generation.

Moreover, certain lifestyle norms among my older colleagues, such as their ways of unwinding—which I found inappropriate—felt mandatory yet foreign. While these experiences were challenging, they were also incredibly instructive.

A Privileged Perspective

Years later, when I reconnected with my peers, I realized how much those formative experiences had set me apart. Physically, we were the same age, but mentally, it felt like a decade of difference. The lessons I had absorbed while working alongside seasoned individuals gave me an edge—a privilege uncommon among my generation.

Through this unique journey, I discovered the value of surrounding myself with people more experienced than I was. Interacting with friends and colleagues who could have been my father’s age taught me invaluable life principles. While each generation has its unique approach to life, some truths remain constant. By learning from their successes, regrets, and insights, I gained wisdom that shaped my future decisions.

Lessons That Shaped My Future

During this period, I learned:

  1. Responsibility: Observing the lives of older colleagues, I saw firsthand the outcomes of good and bad decisions. This gave me clarity on what I wanted to avoid and emulate.

  2. Learning from Mistakes: I gleaned lessons from their youthful missteps and the advice they shared about what they would have done differently if given another chance.

  3. The Power of Questions: Asking questions—both relevant and seemingly irrelevant—opened doors to deeper understanding and equipped me to make informed life choices.

In an era where everyone seems perpetually busy, gaining such diverse life insights daily is a rare gift. Unlike parents who might share life lessons filtered through a protective lens, my older colleagues offered raw, unvarnished wisdom. This unfiltered perspective was a privilege.

Real-Time Lessons vs. Social Media Illusions

Unlike the often-scripted realities of social media, I witnessed real-life outcomes in real-time. This authenticity underscored the value of enduring the discomfort of feeling out of place. While it was painful to watch my peers enjoy carefree lives while I struggled to pay bills and navigate friendships with older individuals, I eventually recognized the purpose behind it all.

Training for the Future

I was too young to realize that this was a training season—a foundation for my future. Over time, the lessons I had absorbed became practical tools that empowered me to tackle life’s challenges with confidence.

Winning Through Association

The best way to excel in life is to surround yourself with individuals who are ahead of you in experience and expertise. Running with the "elites"—those who challenge and inspire you—ensures growth. Even when you feel misplaced, the lessons you gain far outweigh the temporary discomfort. In such a race, you win whether you succeed or stumble because every experience adds value.

Embracing Life’s Unconventional Methods

Never be ashamed when life places you in situations that don’t align with your expectations. Sometimes, these moments are the catalysts for reaching your destiny. True growth often requires looking beyond conventional methods and embracing challenges that feel unorthodox. In the end, what matters are the results, not the methods.

Final Thoughts

My 20s taught me that life’s most valuable lessons often come from unexpected places. By embracing discomfort and seeking wisdom from those who have walked ahead, you lay the groundwork for a future filled with purpose and success. Always remember: the journey is as important as the destination, and the people you surround yourself with can shape both.

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