Kwaku Opoku-Dame
As we grow older, life comes at us fast. Responsibilities pile up, choices become more significant, and the pressure to “figure it all out” can feel overwhelming. When we were younger, we couldn’t wait to become adults, but few of us truly understood what awaited us.
In our early to mid-twenties, many of us are trying to find our feet, sometimes with little to no success. If you feel stuck or lost, know that you’re not alone. It’s a common experience, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. Life is unpredictable, but some early guidance can make the path ahead feel a bit clearer.
Here are seven truths to keep in mind as you navigate life in your twenties:
- The Pressure of Unmet Expectations
Many people in their twenties feel crushed under the weight of societal expectations. Whether it’s about having a job, getting married, or “making it” before 30, these timelines can feel suffocating. You may be trying to live up to external standards that don’t match your reality.
I finished school at 25 and had no clear direction until my late twenties. Even then, uncertainty lingered. It’s okay to feel lost—everyone’s journey is unique. Be kind to yourself.
- Build Meaningful Relationships
Please, don’t isolate yourself just because life isn’t going as planned. Reconnect with old friends, join a local group, or volunteer. Community offers more than emotional support—it can lead to surprising opportunities.
Even something as simple as joining a neighborhood association or participating in a WhatsApp group can help you feel seen and connected. Exchange greetings (or harmless banter), and show up. Just don’t disappear into isolation.
- Monetize What You Know
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start earning. Whether it’s tutoring, selling something small, or sharing a skill online, there’s often a way to turn your knowledge or passion into income.
Even if it doesn’t bring instant wealth, it boosts your confidence and reminds you of your value. And remember—those who call you “stingy” often want something from you. Call them stingy, too. Balance restored. Everyone’s hustling.
- Guard Your Mental Health
Mental exhaustion is real. Social media can magnify feelings of inadequacy—seeing your peers succeed while you’re still figuring things out can be crushing.
Take breaks. Talk to someone. Seek affordable therapy if you can. Remember, for every person flaunting success, thousands are struggling silently. Do your best, stay grounded, and don’t let comparison steal your peace.
Also, ask yourself: Do you know how they got there? Don’t envy a journey you don’t fully understand.
- Redefine Success
Society often defines success through money, marriage, and social status. But real success is about meaning and alignment—peace of mind, personal growth, and work that feels purposeful.
If those things matter to you, pursue them unapologetically. Let others chase appearances. Your definition of success is valid, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
- Invest in Yourself
Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking an online course, or starting a trade, self-investment is powerful. In a shaky economy, practical skills give you an edge and boost your self-worth.
Even if no job comes immediately, having something you’re working on for yourself keeps you moving forward—and makes it harder for others to look down on you.
- Keep Showing Up
Progress can be painfully slow. But often, it’s not brilliance or luck that wins—it’s persistence. Apply again. Try again. Pray again. Rest, but don’t quit. Just showing up—even imperfectly—can change everything over time.
Stop putting pressure on yourself. Life isn’t a race, and comparison is a thief of joy. Take things one day at a time. Focus on these core principles: Don’t give up, invest in yourself, Guard your mental health Build meaningful relationships. These are the tools that will keep you afloat when life feels uncertain. And remember: you’re not alone. You’re just becoming.