10 Irrelevant Things That Definitely Shouldn’t Matter In Your 20s

1. Having good looks.

If your job doesn’t require you to be in great body shape or have the kind of face that will launch thousands of ships, there’s really no point for you to make extra efforts about achieving good looks. Most employers hire people based on how they can add values to their companies. Your skills, working experiences, and academic records matter more than your physical appearance. This decade of your life should be more about working toward improving your resume rather than making sure you stand out in a crowded room.

2. Keeping up with trends.

I have a friend who is obsessed with keeping up with trends, only to end up with a closet full of things she doesn’t really need. Sometimes I look at her and wonder if she’s happy with her life. In a lot of ways, I think she is, but I can tell that she is never satisfied. There’s always something else that she wants to have. It seems like a never-ending cycle for her. And if there’s one thing that I learned from observing her, it’s this: Figure out what you want, and stick with it. When you do what everyone else is doing, you’re only robbing yourself the opportunity to create an original identity. Being different is a beautiful thing. Don’t be afraid to find your own style and carry on with it.

3. Going out on Friday nights.

I swear there are other fulfilling things in the world that you can do during Friday nights. You’re not falling behind in life just because you choose to stay at home and relax. It’s nice to take a breather once in a while and embrace your own company. Being comfortable in silence is something that not all people can handle, but once you do, you’ll be surprised at how much confidence you’ll be able to build. You will realize that whether you’re surrounded by other people or not, you will always find something worth enjoying. And that sense of independence will get you so far in life.

4. Being everyone’s friend.

The fact is, not everyone will like you. It’s not your responsibility to know the reason why someone isn’t comfortable having you around. It’s their problem, not yours. You will lose friends along the way. Sometimes you will walk away from people simply because they aren’t good for you well-being. And that is normal. Life is also about finding a community where you feel understood and a tribe who gets you without having to explain yourself. Don’t give up your faith in humanity. One day, you will meet your best friends too.

5. Gaining popularity.

High School was over and done years ago. Nobody cares about how many people recognize your name. What remains in someone’s mind is your story and how you affected them, in a good way. Yes, it feels great to be well known, but that feeling will not last with you forever. Eventually, you will detest it and get tired because of it. Privacy is a gift. And maybe not sharing all your thoughts is a good thing sometimes.

6. Making sure you’re doing everything right.

You’re going to mess up at one point. I’m not saying this to discourage you. I’m saying this to let you know that it’s fine not to do everything so flawlessly all the time. You have to accept that as a human being, you have limitations and weaknesses. You can’t be everything to everyone. You have so much more learning and experiences to gain. You have to allow yourself to grow and not rush. With determination and patience, you will get what you want in life. You just need to have faith in yourself.

7. Worrying about your reputation on social media.</h3.

Social media is never an accurate reflection of reality. Everything is curated and edited in that world. Your worth as a person isn’t ultimately determined about whether or not you have a captivating brand across the internet. What you do outside your screen tells more about the kind of life that you’re creating for yourself rather than the ones that you post online. Stressing over the number of followings that you have on social media is unnecessary. You will never think about your followers when you’re laying on your deathbed someday.

8. Traveling the world.

I can’t remember how many times I’ve heard people in their twenties say that they’re dying to go out there and see the world. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. I think it’s amazing. But not everyone is capable, for whatever reason they have, to travel around the world. And there’s no shame in that. People have different priorities and goals. You don’t have to align your interest with everyone’s interest. Be true to yourself and know what you want to achieve. Believe me when I say that you’re not less successful just because you haven’t stepped into a lot of countries yet.

9. Meeting your forever person.

I get the pressure of not being in a relationship in your twenties. Everywhere you look, someone is hooking up with someone. The other person is about to get married. And your best friend is in a happy romantic relationship already that she seems to forget about you. It’s a pain in the ass, I know. But not having a significant other isn’t the end of it all. Your life is not purposeless if you don’t share it with someone special. Your 20s are mostly about figuring out who you are. There’s nothing wrong with giving all your attention to yourself right now.

10. Getting worked up about silly little things.

You have no control over how people act around you. No matter how many times you remind them to be more responsible for their social actions, they will still do what they want to do – it is human nature. But the good news is that you have power over your reactions. You have the option whether to let them get into your skin or completely ignore them. There are so many little, irrelevant things in life that we’re not supposed to be dealing with. Sometimes we have to choose the right battle that we put ourselves into. Because time is limited. And we have to use it wisely.