20 things to do before you turn 20
Phoebe Simcock,
15th Jun 2021
Tags:
Life
Blog
Ambition
The daunting prospect of turning 20 comes with levels of responsibility and pressure that can seem unimaginably scary.
The build up to this big birthday doesn’t need to be constant reminders about your age from family members or anxiety riddled and rushed career plans. Time in your teens should be filled with imagination, exploration and deciding which life path suits you.
When organising work, having a big tidy up or planning a party, a list and the satisfaction that comes with ticking things off is always my favourite part. So, when dealing with the anxiety of being a few years away from a big birthday I knew a list was the best way to feel excited about the upcoming years.
Lockdown has undoubtedly made some of us feel trapped; time is still racing by but we are merely stood by watching it pass. However, there are still ways to feel progression, both physically and mentally, and the beginning of the next step can be just one list.
Ideas of things you’d like to do.
A 20 things to do before 20 list can be the perfect way to note down ideas of things you’d like to do before your 20th birthday.
This can be jotted on the back of a pad or typed and laminated ready to be stuck up on the bedroom wall. I personally have mine written up and colour coded, with a highlighter onside for when something has been completed.
The list can be compiled of something really simple, to quite an extravagant idea. Below are 10 ideas of things that you could put onto your list, some of which are also on mine.
- Learn a new language. This could be adding a session on Duolingo to your daily tasks, taking a course or simply learning a few words from a fictional language.
- Volunteer your time. Volunteering for a charity can be a very rewarding venture, local charity shops or events will always need support and sometimes you can learn a new skill too.
- Get a world map and mark off where you’ve been and plan to go to next. This makes a lovely piece of wall art and helps with those travel cravings.
- Vote. You can register to vote here and this could help to change your future. Your opinion matters.
- Cook a meal from scratch. This may seem simple but cooking is an invaluable skill and can also be a lovely gesture for a friend or relative.
- Read 10 new pieces of material. Reading can be time consuming so you can change this number to suit you and you can include magazines or news articles if that’s your preferred reading style.
- Conquer a fear. Remember, it can take some time to lose a fear. Be patient with yourself if you give this one a try.
- Try a new hobby. This could be anything from calligraphy to rock climbing.
- Take a digital detox. Sometimes time away from technology can be the best thing for some personal reflection or quality time with friends and family.
- Love yourself. This one is easier said than done, and could be achieved by taking time out for a self-care day occasionally or reminding yourself that you are worthy and deserve love and respect from yourself and others.
I hope these ideas can help you on the next step of your journey to turning 20, and that you can conquer your fears and achieve your dreams.
