Life Before 30: Making the Most of Your 20s

Your 20s are a whirlwind of experiences and growth. Before you know it, you’re on the doorstep of your 30s, and life starts to feel different. This decade is truly foundational, a time to create the life you want to live, build meaningful relationships, explore new opportunities, and understand yourself better.

Lately, Facebook memories have been reminding me of posts from 10, 12, and even just 6 years ago. Every time I see one, I think, “Wait, what? It’s been 10 years already.” Some of those moments feel so fresh like they just happened last week.

These little reminders got me reflecting, and I suddenly realized I’m about to hit 30 in a month. Thirty. How?! When?! Why?! I swear, I was 22 just two months ago. Time’s been flying by like it’s in a hurry to leave me behind.

And then, there’s this little voice in my head saying,

“About to hit 30, huh? Welcome to the uncle zone, ndinu abambo akulu ka!”

(In watipaso Nungu’s voice Tone) 

But seriously, as I reflected (overthinking), I started wondering: What have I really done with my 20s? Have I grown as a person? Have I made any difference in my family, my friendships, and my community? Have I served God as I should? Who have I become?

Amid all that reflection, something clicked. I realized I’ve gathered a decent chunk of life knowledge and experiences over these past 29 years. And I thought, why not share some of it with you? Maybe there’s a nugget or two that could help someone else navigate their 20s.

Originally, I planned to write a whole booklet on this. But, let’s be honest, I don’t have the time or patience for that right now. So, a blog it is! 

I promise to keep it short and sweet. Let’s dive into this almost 30 wisdom together. Here are 10 key areas to focus on before you hit 30.

1. Discover Who You Are

The most important journey in your 20s is the journey of self-discovery. This is the decade where you start to figure out who you really are, your values, passions, and identity. 

 Speaking of identity, here’s a little secret: it’s totally okay to switch faces in your teens and early 20s until you find the one that best fits you. Trust me, I’ve been there! “Nafe tasithako mayina,” from being called Diddy Mistick in secondary school, then graduating to Ngati Kape in college, and now settling into David MJ

Your 20s are prime time for what I like to call the early life identity crisis, and honestly, it’s a fun ride. You’ll try on different personas, outgrow a few, and maybe circle back to the one you thought you’d left behind. No rush; this is the decade for trial and error But with caution. 

Let me know some of your 20s nicknames in the comments. I can’t be the only one with a list!

Your early 20s also serve the opportunity to take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses, face your insecurities, and overcome your fears. Don’t let other people’s opinions define you. Embrace who you are (ndiwe dolo! ), rebuke self-doubt, and build your confidence from the inside out. The more grounded you are in your identity, the better prepared you’ll be for your late 20’s and the future.

2. Shift Your Perspective

Perspective is everything 

Joni Eareckson Tada

As you navigate your early and late 20s, your perspective on life will shape your experiences. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them makes all the difference. Cultivate a positive mindset and learn to see obstacles as opportunities for growth, I know it’s easier said than done but be the 1% that thinks this way. A healthy perspective helps you enjoy life’s journey and appreciate your progress, even during difficult times. It’s about learning to focus on solutions, not problems. Listen attentively to (and always remember) everything Eli Njuchi said in “Temporary” wherever you go through the difficulties of life in your 20s and hold on to such a perspective. 

Contrary to challenges, when you get to grow and make it big in your 20s, make sure to live a humble and meek life. A healthy perspective will teach you that not every battle is worth fighting; this perspective will in turn help you make more allies than foes. A health perspective will help you to  Define success and not let success define you. 

3. Know and Serve God

Faith is an essential foundation that can guide you through the highs and lows of your 20s. Take this time to know God, build a relationship with Him, and discover how to serve others through your faith. Life is not just about achieving personal success; it’s also about fulfilling a greater purpose. When you center your life on God, you gain clarity, strength, and peace in all areas of life.

I stress more on this point in my upcoming book, but guess let me just emphasize that when I talk about knowing God, I’m not talking about the Sunday thing you do.(kutchena and going to church kuti a ujeni akandione,no) I mean the personal relationship you have with Jesus and how you rock with him, and no, I didn’t give you a license to live waywardly and say ine zaku church ayi ndimapephera ndekha ndi yesu wanga , thus you kuzilimbitsa mtima, you know the truth deep down. What I am saying is, in your 20s, let Jesus become your friend and let God become your Daddy; let the Holy Spirit be your daily companion. Be on the lookout for the book, thus where I dive deep. 

4. Live for Others

As you grow and build your life, remember that life is bigger than just yourself. In your 20s, learn to live for others, whether it’s through acts of service, building your community, or simply being there for those in need. Life is most fulfilling when you use your gifts, skills, and resources to uplift others. The impact you make on those around you can create a ripple effect that lasts far beyond your lifetime. 

What have you done this year that served others outside your personal interest? Some of you are just too selfish. Olo ya bundle olo ka 2k ka transport to help-out someone this year . Ayi “am all about my business”No, Auntie, you’re just self-centered. ndinu odzikonda mama musithe.

Moving on , If you have been my friend for the past decade or half, you know how I love charity work and youth empowerment engagements. 

5. Build Meaningful Relationships

Your 20s are the perfect time to cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships, whether it’s family, friends, business, or professional connections. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you to grow. These relationships will form the foundation of your personal and professional life as you move into your 30s and beyond. Invest in building and maintaining authentic connections, and you’ll create a support system that will help you thrive in the future.

Za straightforward izi, azizanu asangokhala ma bouncers aku ma clubs ndi ma zaddy ama German cars, homeboy amafunikanso thawi ina yake 😂🙌🏼.

6. Explore and Master New Skills

Your 20s are a time for exploration and growth. Learn new skills, explore different interests, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Whether you’re mastering a technical skill for your career, diving into a creative hobby, or learning a trade, the skills you acquire now will serve you for life. Think of them as tools that not only help you earn a living but also enrich your life with meaning and purpose. I have a whole book on this one, so zambiri muzaziona menemo.get ready to buy. Koma nkhani yakuti , tiyeni nazo ,kaya ndima taking orders, makeup artists, photography, graphic designing,, etc, learn and master a few skills that pay you in your early 20s. The world has shifted to a skilled economy, so as much as your degree paper is important, in your 20’s it doesn’t pay that much (they are always asking for 5 years of experience😂), thus you’ve got to put your skills to work if you want to make money in your 20’s. In your 30’s maybe your paper will come through but for now you gotta hustle. 

7. Focus on Your Career and Financial Stability

This is the decade to start building the foundation for your future career. Take risks, and experiment with different paths. While cultivating your skills and side hustle, find work that aligns with your values and strengths. For starters, ma internship a boma wo tiyeni tipangange ndithu , overlook the 80 pin rather look at the experience gained, exposure, connections, and knowledge gained,that has no price tag to it. 

When God elevates you to the next level, start thinking about your financial future and learn how to save, invest, and manage your money wisely. The habits you form in your 20s will set the tone for your financial health later in life. It’s not just about earning money; it’s about securing your financial freedom and creating generational wealth. Forget the rat race, let’s focus on financial independence. Give yourself a set number of years to run around them offices and push other people’s agendas and after those years and experiences outgrow that to push your own agendas. No man ever became rich and wealthy pushing another man’s ideas for a lifetime. 

8. Strengthen Family and Romantic Relationships

Your relationships with your family and partner will play a significant role in your 20s. Strengthen your bonds with family members; they can be your source of support and wisdom and a little bit of pain 😂🙌🏼. Never get to a point where you’re stranded in life and you’ve got no family member that can come to the rescue; that alone speaks to your ability, or, may I say, in-ability to strengthen those bonds. Azibale ako onse sangakhale oyipa, ayi auntie zitolereleni, kapepeseni and start building new bonds with your relatives.  The same sentence applies to your top 3 friends, Oky family failed to come through for you, top 3 friends nayo zero aah ankolo make better friends, and, more importantly, be a better friend to your friends.  

Mmmh mmmh clears the throat. 

Apa Pavuta kuyakhula bwanji , our results are very little here 😂🙌🏼, but I guess I can still share from the not-so-successful perspective, yeah? 

If you’re in a serious romantic relationship, take time to understand your partner deeply and lay the groundwork for a solid future together, with an emphasis on Groundwork, coz ndika tchito ndithu eeh. If you got married in your 20’s please share with me your insights, I didn’t, so can’t say much about that😂

If you’re like me and Tay Grin, 😄 enjoy your singlehood and focus on becoming a better partner while searching. For men, focus on the bag; we can never outrule money in relationships, so get that bag. 

Overall Relationships in your 20s can shape your life in profound ways, so invest in them thoughtfully.

9. Enjoy Every Moment

Amidst all the growth and ambition, don’t forget to live in the moment. Your 20s are a time to experience life fully, to be present, and to enjoy the journey. Practice gratitude and thankfulness, make time for joy and peace, and cherish the little moments. Remember, others didn’t make it this far. Life is not just about milestones but about finding happiness in the here and now. Life is precious; be grateful for it. Be grateful for where you are, even if you’re not exactly where you want to be. Stop looking at what you don’t have instead, be grateful for what you do got and remember

kumanjoyako, Mavuto kuyiwalako

Tay grin.

10. Invest in Yourself

Finally, remember to invest in yourself, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Take care of your health, prioritize self-care, and seek personal growth. This is the time to build passions and habits that will sustain you in the long run. Habits like reading, keeping physically fit , seeking knowledge, etc 

Keep a close guard on your health, especially when it comes to drinking, smoking, and being sexually active. I’m not here to say ‘don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t have sex, you’ve heard that from your family, teachers, and pastors already. Yet here you are. So, I’ll simply say: regulate it, be smart about it and make thoughtful choices. As Dr. Namadingo famously put it, ‘uzalira ngw’i ngw’i’ (you’ll cry in regret) if you don’t. So Carry your protection, schedule regular medical checks, drink responsibly and maybe your 30s won’t be filled with as many regrets and bitterness.

When you invest in yourself, you’re preparing for a future filled with opportunities and well-being.

Your 20s are a time for living, building, and enjoying. They’re a foundation for the rest of your life, so take risks, form deep connections, and make the most of these precious years. Before you know it, you’ll be entering your 30s like me, and the life you’ve built during this decade will set the tone for everything that comes next.

I am glad to have done all these 10 things in my 20s, super excited and optimistic about what the 30s hold. “Kuchema ndipo kukoma” (it’s going to be super fun and exciting). Let’s walk this next decade together. If we are not yet friends, this is the best time to become my friend tu ooh oh 😂😂🙌🏼 . Seriously, I would love to make at least 10/15 more new friends Oganiza Bho off this blog before I hit the 3rd floor. 

P.O.V: Google’s how to become a life-coach 😂😂🙌🏼 coz I have been brief here but there’s a whole lot I can share on this subject, feeling like Vusi thembekwayo right now 😂🙌🏼🙌🏼

Promised to keep it short and sweet, and I think I nailed it, Cooked up a balanced meal. call me Chef MJ. Delivered something special call me Dr. MJ. 😅😂🙌🏼 Basi, ndapita! Remember to drop a comment and share the link let’s spread this. 🔥🔥🔥💯