Being truly happy in your twenties isn’t always about the perfect job, ideal partner, or the coolest friends. It’s often about discovering who you really are.
As we navigate through life, our 20s often emerge as a pivotal decade, one ripe with self-discovery and personal growth.
It’s a time when we begin to set the foundations of our future, where we start to understand who we are and what we want from life.
This self-discovery journey is a pivotal process that guides us to embrace our authentic selves, and it’s something those radiating genuine happiness seem to have nailed down.
These individuals have adopted certain practices that have helped them discover who they truly are. They’ve figured out the secret sauce to happiness, and it’s all about embracing self-discovery.
In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 self-discovery practices that people who are truly happy in their twenties usually embrace. These are the practices that pave the path to genuine happiness and fulfillment. Let’s dive in.
1) Embracing solitude
It’s often assumed that your twenties should be a whirlwind of social activities. But, those who exude true happiness in their twenties often understand the value of solitude.
Solitude is a state where you spend time alone, away from the distractions of the world.
By embracing solitude, they give themselves the space for self-reflection, introspection and self-discovery.
By spending time alone, they’re able to disconnect from external influences and listen to their own thoughts and feelings. It’s a time for introspection and self-discovery. This allows them to discover their true selves and find their own path in life.
It’s in these quiet moments of solitude that they reflect, dream and discover their passions, values, and purpose.
So if you’re looking for a practice to embrace in your twenties, consider carving out some time for solitude. It might just be the key to uncovering your true happiness. Remember, self-discovery is an inward journey that often requires some alone time.
2) Embracing vulnerability
In a society that often values strength and invulnerability, it can be terrifying to show our true selves, with all our flaws and insecurities.
However, those who navigated their 20s with a sense of fulfillment often speak about the power of embracing vulnerability. They didn’t shy away from their fears or insecurities, but faced them head on, exposing their true selves to the world.
This raw openness allowed them to form deeper connections with others and foster a genuine understanding of themselves. It served as the foundation for their self-discovery journey, pushing them to break boundaries and explore new depths of their identity.
3) Cultivate gratitude
The power of gratitude in promoting happiness and well-being is backed by a wealth of scientific research.
Cultivating gratitude is about acknowledging the positive aspects of your life, no matter how big or small. It shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already present.
Those truly happy in their twenties have developed the habit of expressing gratitude regularly. They acknowledge the good in their lives – the supportive friends, the job that pays the bills, or simply the beauty of a sunrise. And this simple act has profound effects on their sense of happiness and self-discovery.
So, why not try it? Start a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It might just be the happiness boost you need.
4) Setting personal goals
Setting personal goals is a fundamental part of self-discovery. Those who are genuinely happy in their twenties often have a clear sense of direction, and this comes from setting and pursuing personal goals.
Goals give you something to strive for, they give your life a sense of purpose and direction. But it’s not just about setting any goal. It’s about setting goals that align with your values and passions – goals that excite you and make you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
These could be anything from learning a new skill, traveling to a new place, or working towards a career milestone. The important thing is that these are your goals, based on what you want out of life, not what others expect from you.
By setting and working towards these personal goals, you start to discover what truly matters to you, what motivates you, and ultimately, who you really are. It’s a practice that can lead to profound self-discovery and genuine happiness.
5) Embracing failures
No one likes to fail, but those who are truly happy in their twenties have a unique approach to failure. They don’t see it as a setback, but as a learning opportunity.
In the journey of self-discovery, failure is inevitable. It’s a part of life. But it’s through these failures that we learn the most valuable lessons about ourselves and our capabilities.
Instead of allowing failure to discourage them, these individuals use it as a stepping stone towards success. They analyze what went wrong, learn from their mistakes, and use this knowledge to improve.
By embracing failure and seeing it as a part of their growth journey, they allow themselves to take risks and step out of their comfort zone. This not only leads to personal growth but also helps them in discovering their strengths and weaknesses.
So the next time you face a setback, try to see it from a different perspective. Embrace it, learn from it, and remember – every failure is one step closer to success.
6) Nurturing a growth mindset
The way we think about our abilities and potential can dramatically shape our lives.
Those who fondly recall their 20s often credit their happiness to nurturing a growth mindset. Rather than seeing their talents as fixed or static, they believed in the power of effort and perseverance to enhance their skills and knowledge.
By embracing the belief that they could grow and improve, they were more likely to take on challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. This mindset not only opened doors to new opportunities but also fostered a sense of fulfillment and self-discovery.
7) Investing in experiences
Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Indeed, those who feel they truly thrived in their 20s often talk about the value of investing in experiences, rather than material possessions. Whether it was backpacking across Europe, learning a new language, or simply trying out a new cuisine, these experiences enriched their lives in ways that physical objects couldn’t.
Seeking out new experiences is about pushing your boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about exploring the unknown and embracing the unexpected.
It might be scary at times, but it’s through these experiences that we learn the most about ourselves. We discover our passions, our strengths, our resilience, and our ability to adapt.
It’s interesting to note that experiences are said to bring longer-lasting happiness than material purchases. They become part of our identity, shaping who we are and how we view the world. By investing in experiences, they were not just creating memories but also paving the way for continuous self-discovery.
So don’t be afraid to try something new, as new experiences might just lead you towards self-discovery and true happiness.
8) Embracing change
Change can be scary. It can be uncertain and uncomfortable. But those who are truly happy in their twenties have learned to not only accept change but to embrace it.
Change is a natural part of life. It’s through change that we evolve, grow, and learn. It’s through change that we discover new aspects of ourselves and the world around us.
Embracing change allows these individuals to adapt and thrive in any situation. They see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
So, the next time you’re faced with a major life transition or even a small shift in your routine, try to see it as an opportunity. Embrace the change and let it guide you towards new discoveries about yourself and your potential for happiness.
9) Taking risks
Comfort zones are cozy places. They’re familiar, predictable, and safe. But they’re also where dreams go to die.
Interestingly, those who look back on their 20s as a time of happiness and growth often speak about the importance of taking risks. Instead of sticking to what was familiar, they welcomed situations that pushed their boundaries and challenged their perceptions.
By consciously stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing the unknown and taking risks, they were able to explore new horizons, test their potential, and uncover aspects of themselves they never knew existed. It’s in the discomfort that we often find our true selves and where we truly come alive.
10) Being true to yourself
Above all, the individuals who are truly happy in their twenties are those who have learned to be true to themselves.
Being true to yourself means listening to your inner voice and following your own path, not the one laid out by society or someone else. It means owning your choices, your mistakes, and your successes. It means accepting and celebrating who you are, in all your uniqueness.
By being true to themselves, these individuals have found their authentic selves and embraced their individuality. And it’s this authenticity that brings them genuine happiness.
Remember, there’s only one you in this world. So embrace your uniqueness, follow your own path, and most importantly – be true to yourself.
Final reflections
The journey of self-discovery is as unique as the individual undertaking it. Our twenties are a transformative decade, a time ripe for exploration and growth.
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery in your 20s isn’t always easy. It requires courage, patience, and a willingness to delve into the deepest corners of your being. It’s about asking yourself the tough questions, the ones you’ve perhaps been avoiding or didn’t even know you needed to ask.
As you navigate this crucial decade, it’s important to remember that self-discovery isn’t a destination, but a continuous process. It’s about exploring different paths, trying new things, and sometimes making mistakes along the way. Every experience, every interaction, every failure, and every success can offer valuable insights about who you are and what you want from life.
These 10 practices are not one-size-fits-all solutions, but they are tried-and-true methods that those who are truly happy in their twenties have embraced. They form the basis for a life lived with authenticity, purpose, and joy.
Evidence from psychology suggests that self-discovery is directly linked to happiness. The more we understand ourselves, the better equipped we are to make choices that align with our true selves and ultimately lead to joy and fulfillment.
As Carl Jung once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
Embrace this beautiful journey of self-discovery in your 20s and beyond. Ultimately, the journey towards self-discovery is about embracing every aspect of who you are—the good and the bad—and learning to love and accept yourself just as you are. It’s about discovering your passions, your strengths, your weaknesses, and learning how to use them to your advantage.
Your journey might not look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Because it’s not about where you end up but about who you become along the way.
