How to live a Life with No Regrets

6 ways to spend your 20s {and beyond} wisely.

Did you know that almost all adults (90 percent) live a life full of regrets? Whether it be a job they dislike, dating someone they don't like, or being in a financially stressful place, these regrets can take a toll.

I used to be one of those people. I went to work at a job that I was not too fond of every day and came home, did my domestic tasks, then went to sleep and repeat. I felt like a rat in a cage. And then, everything changed. Here are the tips that I used to spend my 20s wisely. I am now on the path to being financially free and can live life on my terms.

The good part? This life is possible for you too. Here's how.

1. Value what God says over what the world is doing: Have you ever heard that birds of a feather flock together? When I began my financial freedom journey, I had to use cash. It was something I felt convicted to do.

Do you want to know what happened to my friends and random strangers?

They relentlessly teased me and questioned me about using cash. It took a few weeks for me to realize that the benefit of pleasing God and saving money meant so much more than the opinions of strangers and even my friends.

When you begin to walk the path that God wants you to, you might realize that it is an uncarved path, like in Robert Frost's poem "The road less traveled." However, God values our obedience.

2. Stop putting off your hobbies:

Female Ballet Dancer following her passions

What do you think of when you think of a hobby?

If you are like me, you probably think of either children in high school or middle school, or you think of people who are rich and ride on their boats and motorcycles for fun. But what if I told you that hobbies are the key to living without regrets?

When I was 8, my mom put me into ballet, which I loved. But when I turned 10, I decided that I wanted to play baseball instead, so I quit ballet. Fast forward to high school, I took ballet for two years. But it was a very racist program, and I found that I was being discriminated against.

Then, a few months ago, I started having a nightmare. During this nightmare, I dreamt that ballerinas in pointe shoes would poke and stab me in the eyes with their shoes (bizarre, I know). At this time, I became obsessed with the process of adult ballet dancing and pointe. But I made excuses. Maybe just like you are.

I told myself I was too broke.

I told myself it was pointless because I wouldn't be making money.

I told myself it would be too embarrassing.

The same week, my brother got into a car accident. It totaled his car and almost took his life. I realized then that life wasn't promised. And I started taking ballet classes.

When I say that my life changed forever, I mean it. I stopped having nightmares; my creativity returned, and, most importantly, I became more productive and happier at my job.

As adults, the #1 poison that we drink is the poison of monotony. We wake up and do the same thing day in and day out and wonder why we are depressed soulless, enslaved people.

But when we get a hobby, it forces us out of that monotony, and it is in that space the brain has to break down and build new connections. This process alone can transform your entire thinking.

3. Think of money as a tool and not as a stressor.

If you struggle with money, you need to read this post because I go in-depth about creating a budget that works for you. I watched a video by Graham Stephan and realized that the difference between those who live lives full of regret and those who live comfortably is that they know how to make their money work for them.

The Bible has a famous parable called the Parable of the Talents.

A man hands out money and tells each person to go out. The person with the least talents buries his in the ground, and when it comes time for him to report back, the man calls the person evil and sends the servant away. Meanwhile, those with more talents were able to multiply their money.

When you see money as a stressor, it can be easy to bury it in your bank account and not look at it.

I did this in college, and you know where it led me? To having -3.44 in my bank account at the end of the month and more snacks than I could ever eat.

Money is meant to be used to accomplish your goals, whether saving, going on a trip, funding your hobbies, or investing.

If you want more tips on how to save money, you can also check out my book "Since when did single mean sad," where I have a whole chapter about building up your finances.

Once you begin to see money as a tool, you will be able to use it in a way that builds up more for you and your family.

4. Avoid therapy, at least for now.

I know, I know. you are probably reading this and are like, "WHAT DID SHE SAY?".

I love watching YouTube, and this massive movement for online therapy with Better Help has been made. Don't get me wrong; therapy has its place. But it doesn't have to be the be-all-end-all.

If you live paycheck to paycheck, the LAST THING you should worry about is how to fit therapy into your budget.

Why?

For one, therapy only works if you have the right therapist. I have had some terrible therapy situations, and they traumatized me more. When I start therapy again, I will have to work through the residue that the other therapist left over. Anytime that you become vulnerable to someone, they can hurt you. And therapists are not above doing this, as they are people too.

Secondly, free alternatives to therapy can work just as well. For example

Journaling ( I have journaled for over 20 years, and it is one of the number one ways that I have figured out solutions to most of my problems and processed my emotions), free support groups ( churches offer these, but there are also groups on sites such as Meetup.com. These groups can be so helpful because the problem with most mental health issues is that people feel they must deal with them alone), exercise (exercise is excellent because it can help to release endorphins that bring about feelings of happiness and excitement), Youtube (many therapists come on Youtube and share tips on how to deal with anxiety and depression for free), Reading books, and even Going to church regularly.

I am not negating the benefits of therapy. However, if you don't have $250-$300 a month for therapy sessions, it is better to find free alternatives than to go into debt for your mental health. You won't regret saving the money, but you will regret paying those credit card bills off every month.

5. Find what you love to do and do it.

We are going to do a small calculation. Say you work 40 hours per week. Multiply this by 50 weeks (in a year since most people get at least two weeks of vacation). This is 2,000 hours per year. That 2,000 hours is spent in a 9 to 5 job. Wouldn't you regret how you are spending your life if you don't enjoy your 2,000 hours of life?

Recently, a trend has emerged to "start a side hustle." And to be honest, I can't entirely agree with this. I started my business in 2021 and still have not made more than 2,000 dollars. Most businesses fail before five years. And side hustles take time, lots of it. Unless you are a superwoman, you will not want to come home from your 9 to 5 job and work on your business.

So, what can you do?

The answer is obvious but difficult.

Short answer: Quit your job and find another one

Long answer: Find certificates, passions, and hobbies and monetize them while at your 9 to 5 job.

I worked as a phlebotomist at a well-known company at the beginning of this year. I started out loving the job. But as time went on, the monotony of the job took a toll on my mental health. I wish I had known about having a hobby because …. Maybe I would still be there.

Anyway, I realized that I was just a highly paid babysitter if I subtracted the medical portion and did venipuncture on patients. I had babysat all through my childhood (oldest child squad anyone), and I knew they get paid lucratively in my state.

So, you know what I did?

I started to prepare to quit my job and pursue babysitting. I saved up my nest egg and started to recreate my resume. I went on the babysitting sites and made a profile. And by the time I quit my job, I had 4 or 5 families that wanted to interview me.

Use your job as a means to an end if you need to. And start the process of transitioning to what you want to do. If you want to do a side hustle, be prepared for MONTHS or YEARS of not making any income. So I don't recommend this route.

Comment below if you want a post about 20 jobs instead of a 9 to 5 that actually makes money.

6. Take advantage of your youth.

I saved the best tip for last. When I say youth, I mainly refer to those in their early 20s. But as long as you are youth at heart, this advice can apply. You only get a certain amount of time to be young and child-free. So take advantage of it. Travel to that destination. Ditch the credit cards. Become a nomad and live in your car. Take risks.

I have done so much in these past few months since I left the traditional path, and it has been both fun and challenging. Don't let your youth run out.

Did you enjoy this post on how to live a life without regrets? Become a frequent flyer to get target content in your email every week.

Thank you so much for reading!

Fly high,

Gabbi

Your internet flight captain

https://www.positivelygabriellewrites.com/post/how-to-escape-the-rat-race-5-tips-to-live-an-unconventional-life-and-think-outside-the-box

https://www.positivelygabriellewrites.com/post/5-secrets-on-how-to-set-boundaries-narcissists-included

https://www.positivelygabriellewrites.com/post/5-secrets-to-waiting-on-god-s-timing-even-when-it-s-difficult