When you’re a young man, you can get away with doing some pretty stupid things that won’t have a dramatic or drastic negative impact on the rest of your life — that is, unless you don’t stop. As you age, it’s essential to stop doing things that are detrimental to your well-being so that you can live your best life. The earlier you give these up, the better.
A man evolves. And during that evolution, some bad decisions are made. Twenty-five is a pivotal age at which you need to start taking ownership of your future. At 35, you are an adult male, and by 45, you’re a grown ass man. The sooner you can get certain aspects under control, the further along you will progress and the happier you will be.
Get these under control ASAP
Living at home with your parents. You typically need to stop around age 25, unless you’re attending school or for other reasons, such as caring for your parents or helping to support your family financially. If it’s an arranged thing, that’s one thing, but if you’re trying to make it on your own, you need to move out and get your own place. You can move them with your buddies, but whatever you do, you need to stop living with your parents.
Taking money from your parents. You should not use them as a financial crutch. By the time you’re 23 and not in graduate school or pursuing a doctorate, which may require additional support, you should have a job. If you’re still relying on your parents for financial support, it’s time to reassess your life and strive for economic independence.
Blaming everybody else. If you’re blaming other people for your life at 25, you need to drop the act, stop the excuses, and start taking ownership for where you are. You are where you are because of the choices that you have made, and you need to stop blaming others. It’s not your mom’s or dad’s fault. It’s not another relative’s fault or even your boss’s fault. It’s not your ex-girlfriend. It’s your problem.
Smoking weed. If you’re smoking all the time by age 22, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of underachieving.
Playing video games. Okay, they’re not bad as a recreational activity, but if you’re spending your life as a gamer after the age of 24, you need to evolve into adulthood. You need to start thinking about your career, retirement, and having a secure sense of self.
Not taking care of your body. Around 22 years old, you need to take your body care seriously. Consider your meals, beverages, and exercise routine. Take ownership of your health.
Mental health issues. Decide to be happy and start by not blaming other people; forgive and find a way to move forward. Twenty-five years old is a big year in your life, and I personally wasn’t very secure with who I was at that time. I sought out therapy, which is an effective tool and resource. Go to BetterHelp for 10% off your first month of treatment and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help you.
Partying. After the age of 27, you should not be going out and partying every weekend. It’s time to settle down. Partying all the time will destroy your body, you may end up sleeping with toxic people, and hooking up with others.
Hanging out with losers. By the age of 26, you’re not a college kid anymore. You need to stop hanging out with people who party all the time and seek out those who add value to your life. These people need to help you ascend that ladder.
Being broke. Being smart with your money around age 26 is critical. If you want to start a family or build wealth, ideally, begin around age 26.
Hooking up. By the age of 28, stop hooking up without a purpose. Start thinking about your life and what you want it to be. Hooking up with random people or with old acquaintances is not where you should be. Start being serious about being the best person that you can be, so that you can build a family life.
Dressing poorly or inappropriately. By the age of 26, you really need to stop dressing like a teenager and start dressing better by the age of 24 to 25. Have a job where you’re making more money, so you can spend more money on nicer places to live, nicer cars, and your image. By the time you are 30 years old, you should be stable and not bouncing from job to job. Dress like a responsible and respectable individual.
Holding dead-end jobs. By the age of 30, make a plan and figure out what your north star is. In your twenties, you may be trying and testing various things, but by the age of 30, focus on one of them and pursue it with reckless abandon. Live with a plan and execute that plan.
Waiting for perfect timing. Stop thinking that the world is going to hand you something, and stop waiting for somebody to offer you a successful path. Take action; don’t wait for perfect timing because it doesn’t exist. Take control of the rest of your life.
