The Top 7 Investments I Made in My 20s for a Fulfilling Life
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Chapter 1: Life Reflections
Your life mirrors how you choose to spend it.
When I first left my childhood home at 18, I was completely unprepared for what lay ahead. The week before my move, I found myself immersed in binge-watching Battlestar Galactica in my parents’ basement while working a local market job that paid barely above minimum wage. Following the end of my high school wrestling career, I was lost, searching for direction as my father often advised me to "find myself."
I experimented with various jobs and hobbies, enrolled in school, dropped out, and returned again, eventually diving into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I made numerous mistakes along the way, which led to periods of unhappiness. However, throughout the past seven years, I’ve managed to make several wise choices that have significantly influenced my life. Below are the seven most intelligent investments of both my time and money.
Actual Investments
While I’m not a financial expert, I can share some insights. My father, who spent decades in the stock market, advised me to start with a monthly investment of $100. If you consistently save that amount for 40 years, you might accumulate nearly $50,000. Investing it in stocks could yield even greater returns. The key takeaway here isn’t specific investment advice, but rather the importance of seeking professional guidance in financial matters. Everyone interested in wealth creation should educate themselves on the financial landscape—there are countless strategies to help you grow your wealth.
Writing Online for a Year
In 2020, I hesitated to subscribe to Medium, unsure about the $5 monthly fee, especially since I was unemployed at the time. However, it turned out to be the best investment in my writing journey. Within two years, I earned thousands of dollars, gained hundreds of email subscribers, and currently attract tens of thousands of views monthly on Medium, along with approximately a million views on Quora.
I share this not to boast, but to highlight the astonishing reach of online writing. Publishing your thoughts not only enhances your clarity and reduces anxiety but also fosters productivity and goal-oriented thinking. If you dedicate a year to this endeavor, you may find yourself truly invested in it.
Getting Obsessed with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Achieving my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 24 was a pivotal moment for me. Many of my peers, who started alongside me but didn’t commit to consistent training, remain at the white belt level. Earning my black belt has opened numerous doors in the Jiu-Jitsu community and has significantly boosted my confidence and intelligence. More importantly, it has taught me resilience in ways that life alone could not. The friendships I’ve forged through this discipline are invaluable—though they are just the cherry on top of an already rewarding experience.
The best time to start training was a decade ago; the second-best time is now. I’m fortunate to have begun my journey seven years ago.
Therapy
Many individuals still hold misconceptions about talk therapy, which I find perplexing. I make it a point to attend sessions nearly every Friday when I’m at home. The insights I gain during therapy often become the foundation of my writing. I wish society would shed the stigma surrounding mental health, as therapy can significantly enhance your quality of life. If you dismiss it as unnecessary, perhaps it’s because you haven’t yet summoned the courage to seek help.
In essence, therapy helps you identify your shortcomings and develop strategies to improve. It has been instrumental in my personal growth, steering me away from unhealthy obsessions and helping me become more focused, content, and ultimately successful.
Learning How to Eat Properly
Earlier this year, I took a decisive step to rectify my complicated relationship with food. A long-standing struggle with my weight, exacerbated by my combat sports background, led to disordered eating patterns. After three grueling weight cuts for Jiu-Jitsu tournaments this spring, I realized the need for change.
With the help of a nutrition coach, I am learning to establish healthier eating habits, aiming to correct a decade’s worth of harmful practices. Though challenging, this journey has fostered a sense of strength and clarity as I embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Weight Lifting — 3 Times a Week
Investing in a gym membership is crucial for everyone. Although I primarily focus on Jiu-Jitsu, I ensure I lift weights three times a week. This commitment not only benefits my physical health but also enhances my mental resilience. The discipline required to maintain a regular weightlifting routine provides an incredible edge in life. Plus, the aesthetic and emotional rewards of strength training are undeniable.
A Good Set of Friends
While life is often portrayed as a solitary journey, it’s essential to remember that we are not alone. Collaboration and interaction with others are vital parts of our daily lives. Building friendships with good people helps us navigate life’s challenges and fosters a fulfilling experience. Unfortunately, many individuals today overlook the importance of friendships, leading to widespread feelings of loneliness.
True friendship is key to achieving a happy and meaningful life.
Closing Thoughts
Habits act like investments—they accumulate and yield returns over time. The person you are today is shaped by decisions made over the past five years, the last six months, and your current circumstances. Eating a nutritious meal can boost your energy, while six months of a restructured diet can lead to lasting habits, improved mental health, and increased alertness.
Long-term commitments to healthy habits lead to significant benefits—both in terms of life satisfaction and longevity.
Chapter 2: Key Financial Investments
This video, "The 7 BEST Purchases To Make In Your 20s," outlines crucial investments that can enhance your quality of life, providing practical advice for young adults.
Chapter 3: Financial Freedom Strategies
In this video, "7 Investments You Need To Make In Your 20s and 30s | For Financial Freedom!" discover essential strategies for achieving financial independence during your formative years.