5 things you should do before you turn 25

Many a times, the youth feel that they have all the time in the world to make decisions. But this is the time to lay the foundation right. So, take yourself seriously.

Do your job right

The 20-somethings think they are keeping their options open, but they are actually closing doors. Resumes start to look thin, their peers begin surpassing them and they may get stuck in employment. Don't expect to land that dream job right off the bat. It's going to take time to get good at your job. Learn as much as you can while you are at it and always remember, it will take some time to really get good at this. Your first job will not only help you become independent, but also give you a purpose in life. Don't worry about making big bucks out of the gate, worry first about doing whatever you have to do, exceptionally well.

Choose your friends carefully

Who you hang out with matters; the people you choose to surround yourself with will affect not only your personal life, but your work life, too. So surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and push you to be your best self. The friendships you nurture will have a greater effect on your life than 'where you work' or 'what you earn'!

Make investing a habit

Set aside a bit of every pay check for investing, even if it is just a small percentage. These recurring investments will not only accrue to a substantial amount in future, but also set a good practice in place. Time is on your side now; it means that you will earn returns on the money you invest, and you also earn returns on the profits over time.

Never stop learning

A college degree is not a reason to stop studying. Education never ends and there's no shortcut. The skills that will help your career most are the abilities to assimilate, communicate, and persuade. Keep learning.

Find a passion

Pick a hobby, own it: photography, juggling—whatever. Get your 10K hours of perfect practice early, and change your life. If you want to develop your passion, stop worrying about the things you do poorly. Go with your strengths! 

Don't compare yourself to others

Comparing yourself to others only leads to heartbreak, anger, and disappointment. Most disappointments grow from unmet expectations. Set realistic expectations for yourself, based on your strengths, then strive to exceed them. Don't complain either. Change your situation, learn to cope, or change your perspective. Failure is an opportunity: no great man or woman ever achieved significance without great failures to learn from.

By Amreen Bari