7 Things to do before You Turn 25 ...

One of the things to do before you turn 25 is moving out of your parents’ house. I recently started thinking about moving out on my own and I never realized how much I took for granted... apparently pots and pans don’t come with my cupboards. I actually have to buy them. With money. It’s definitely scary but exhilarating and empowering. Plus, it gives me a sense of independence that I haven’t known before. Living on your own forces you to budget, re-prioritize, be responsible, hold yourself accountable, and most importantly, learn how to take care of yourself - all which are important life skills.

There are very few quotes I read that encourage me to go out and do something. But, I read a quote by Saint Augustine which said, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page," which made me realize there is so much of the world to explore and embrace. Leaving your comfort zone, travelling the world, meeting different people and integrating in to new cultures is so essential to character building. Stepping out of your reality and stepping in to someone else’s is so fundamental in your perspective of life that I think it’s a definitely something that should be done before you turn 25.

Being in a long term, committed relationship when you’re young teaches you a lot. You learn how to trust, how to communicate, how to compromise and how to respect your partner. It also teaches you what not to do like not to be aggressive, not to always put yourself first and not to judge. Like all things in life, relationships are lessons to be learned from and I think it’s important to be in a committed relationship at least once before you turn 25.

Although there is a lot to learn from being in a long term relationship, the best way to learn about yourself is to be alone. When you’re single, the choices you make are most likely for you, whereas when you’re in a committed relationship you have to consider how your actions affect your partner. Being single is a time in your life when you can figure out what you want and who you want to be. As a result you’ll be happier with yourself and know in which direction you would like your life to head.

Whether it be towards stocks, your education or your first car, just make an investment in something practical (with an extensive amount of research first). Eating out for lunch every day and online shopping once a month is fun, but there’s no value in those things as they are wants and not needs. Investing teaches you how to put money aside, being patient and saving for something long term which is a necessary skill considering today’s economy. Make your money work for you and you’ll thank yourself later on.

Much like travelling, volunteering can change your perspective on life. Most volunteering opportunities are to help those who are less fortunate than you or to help bring awareness to a cause. It really teaches the lesson «the grass isn’t always greener on the other side» and to be happy with what you have. Also, the time and effort put in to volunteering teaches you how to commit and devote yourself without expecting anything in return.

I like to think that ages that end in 0s and 5s are the ages you need to refurbish your life. At 25 you are now a certified adult and no one can tell you otherwise. So before you turn 25, cut out all the childish drama that surrounds your life such as exes and that friend from high school who always leaves you hanging. It’s time to find friends who have similar goals and perspectives as you and are going to help you to get to where you want to be, not hinder you.

Now this advice isn’t written in stone and can always be tweaked. The most important thing is to do what’s best for you. What are your tips on what someone should do before they turn 25?