10 Things ALL Men MUST Have in Their 20s & 30s!

One of the benefits of being 45 years old is that I have some life experiences and perspectives that younger men don’t. That being said, I will go over ten things that all guys must possess or develop by 20 – 30 years old. Even if you get there at 40, that’s okay — but the sooner you can find or develop them, the better off you will be. 

1. Healthy relationship — it’s impossible to feel good about yourself if you’re in a toxic relationship. Take an honest look in the mirror and identify if your relationship is healthy, uplifting, and positive.
2. Self-control (discipline) — if you cannot control yourself when you go out drinking, shopping, or otherwise, you won’t be able to move forward in life. You have to control your impulses.
3. Schedule — adhere to a routine (stick to a plan) to succeed.
4. Protection plan — identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes globally. You need to protect yourself online because your life can be ruined if someone steals your identity. I use Aura for identity theft protection, fraud monitoring, VPN, password management, and anti-virus software. It’s all in one easy-to-use app.
5. Financial plan — my 20s were a financial disaster, but in my 30s, I got it together. Make sure you have a plan and save for your future, which means delayed gratification and living below your means. You should have FU money by the end of your 30s. If you have 3-4 months, you’re put in a position of power.
6. Mentor or role model — find someone you admire and learn from their mistakes and advice. Ask for help when you need it as well. If you surround yourself with like-minded people, you’ll have more resources and accessible knowledge to help point you in the right direction.
7. Good friends — these are people that you’re influenced by and help uplift you. You go to these people when times are tough. Don’t be dragged down by small-minded individuals.
8. North star — have a goal that you are working and striving for. When you’re in your 20s, you need to find your own purpose and path.
9. Self-respect — we earn respect as it’s not guaranteed. Position yourself in a manner that is worthy of respect. Take care of yourself and your personal packaging. Think of your image as your brand (is it high class or low budget?).
10. Failure — you’ll have failures in your 20s and 30s. If you don’t, you’re not reaching outside of your comfort zone. Fear of failure holds you back, but you’ll get over it once you have failed and move closer to unlocking your potential.