What should we do as a twentysomething ?

By Nana Zheng

http://www.ted.com/talks/meg_jay_why_30_is_not_the_new_20.html

 

“Forget about having an identity crisis and get some identity capital, do something that adds value to who you are, do something that is an investment in who you might want to be.” As a twenty something, do you agree with it ?

 

Actually, this point is from a speech named “Why 30 is not the new 20?” In this speech, clinical psychologist Meg Jay mentioned that most twentysomethings used waste time because they believe that they still have “extra 10 years” ─they still like twentysomethings when they are 30. The speaker denies that argument and convinces us it is the most significant time to decide your future when you are 20s. In the end ,she gives our twentysomethings 3 tips: First, improve yourself. Second, using your weak ties. Third, picking your family.

 

First, improve yourself. How to improve ourself as a twenty-something ? I think we can improve ourselves by society skills, academic skills, and life attitude. As an illustration, we can improve our society skills by learning cooking. As a 20-something, you have to learn to cook. You should already know how to cook pasta and eggs─ and know how to use the oven. Now, spice up your pasta and eggs with new recipes… and of course learn how to do with meat, whether it is in a crock pot, the oven, the stove, or on a grill. Of course, microwavable meals are nice when you studied or worked late or are just way too busy. But to be healthy, you must cook! I am not saying turn into a chef, but look easy recipes up online. Cooking is really not that bad. Next, you should improve your academic skills whatever in your study or work. Why? Because knowledge is never end. Then, you need to have a more positive attitude of life. Attitude decides everything. A good, positive attitude is basic to success. For instance, can you finish one thing well that you really don’t want to do? Can you treat a person sincerely and friendly when you really hate him? Or can you absolutely enjoy your life while you are complaining a lot? Of course not!

 

Second, weak ties. In my mind, I prefer to consider it as interpersonal relationship. First of all, you need to get rid of your fake friends. You should be cordial, but don’t go out of your way to make a friendship happen that is just not to going to happen. Focus that energy on new friendships with people you actually like. Don’t exclude people, don’t be cliquey, and ignore any drama that attempts to come your way. Do you and don’t worry about anyone else. Then, call friends and family. No one calls phone anymore, we just tweet, text, etc. Well, that is about it since facebook wall writing is now a thing of the past. We don’t listen to people anymore, so our conversations are completely impersonal. When someone is being nice, we sometimes mistake them for being rude and of course never say anything because it is just a text. This year, take a few minutes every week or a couple of weeks to call people. Of course face to face communication is ideal, but if you have to resort to something else and you really want to catch up to someone, or keep up with someone, please give them a call.

 

Third, picking your family. Usually, 20-somethings are the best time in our life, but why don’t we spend the best time with our husband or wife instead of a guy you can’t build a family with you? Don’t you think it is a serious sacrifice and a meaningless activity? Come on, you can’t treat your family partner and yourself so cruelly.

 

I still remember what Meg Jay said “if you want to something come true, you only need a plan and a not quite enough time.” So, twentysomethings, do it right now and don’t waste your time!