5 Really Important Things to Do Before Turning 25

In less than 20 days from now, I’ll be turning 25. For the past years of my life, I really paid little attention to my birthday. I was never really excited and never really anticipated anything. Recently, I thought that it’s really sad that I’m almost apathetic to my birthday while others celebrate, party hard or can hardly sleep thinking of surprises and presents from loved ones. It’s a little inevitable though during birthdays that one is taken to a little journey back thinking about the life behind.

I’ve always told myself, I don’t have regrets - I’m never going to have any regrets no matter how many mistakes I make in my life - simply because I believed that even mistakes are destined to happen to make me what I am in the present. However, as the day I turn 25 grow nearer, the more I unconsciously let my mind slip to the past and ask myself, “What if?”

What if I obeyed my mother and stuck with my best friends in grade school who were always in top class? Looking at their Facebook profiles today, they all became what they had dreamed of: lawyers, business consultants, engineers, doctors, etc. - and I’m still dealing with myself.

Some say the first 25 years of your life is meant for all the mistakes you have to make: dilly-dallying, procrastination, cutting classes, fake IDs, under age driving/drinking/smoking, casual sex and parties. As someone, turning 25, I’d rather say that the first 25 years is so crucial and should never be taken for granted. While others suggest that you do all the crazy stuff before turning 25, let me advice differently:

5 Really Important Things to Do Before Turning 25

• Know thyself.
• Figure out what you really want to do with your career before you step on college.
• Take several moments in your first 25 years to sit down and objectively think about all the things your mother and/or father told/nagged you about. You’ll pick helpful ones along the way.
• Learn how to manage your money. Soon when your parents stop giving your allowance, you will be left to manage on your own. You will be faced with bills, student loans, mortgages, rent, etc. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to learn how to manage your money early on. Save when you can.
• Yes, make mistakes. Have a hundred bucketloads of fun with your peers. Party hard. Laugh hard. At 25, when you have no stories to tell, you will also regret that.

In less than 20 days, I’ll be turning 25. With this blog, I am embracing the fact that there are several things I regret and wish I did. But moving on, I hope that others following my years would be wiser before turning 25.

To my present now, I will be taking on a little time travel and ask myself, “What will my future self regret so I can be here to change it now?” I'll let you know.

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How to Stay Focused on One Task

Employees and students alike are easily overwhelmed by the load of work and tasks that are needed to be done every single day. It becomes difficult to focus when the sole thought of the whole burden freezes the mind on “I can’t do it” mode. The tasks pile even more and the harder it is to finish. When this happens, here are some tips that you can follow to relax your mind and be able to finish your work without the extra and unnecessary stress.

1. Write a list of all the tasks that are needed to be done. Looking at the list could be overwhelming at first but it will help you to organize and not forget anything. List by priority.
2. Write the first task on the list on a separate sheet of paper. It could be a sticky note. Place the note somewhere you can easily see and be reminded off. It could be in front of your computer. Remember: Only 1 task is on the note and keep the rest of your list.
3. Focus on that 1 task and forget the others for the meantime. Do not stop and do not start with a new one until you’re done with that 1 task.
4. After 1 task, get your list and cross out the task that you have finished. Repeat step 2 for the second task. Don’t throw the first note yet. As it piles, it will remind you of the tasks you have finished which can give you encouragement as you progress.
5. Relax. Take a break. Have a light snack or exercise a bit. Everything will be done soon and on time when you focus and relax.

Repeat the process until all tasks are done.

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Full-Glass-Empty

Is the glass half-full or half-empty? When I was in fourth grade, I chose half-full - only because my seatmate gave away the secret behind the psychological question. Even after I raised my hand with those who chose to be positive, I still kept thinking, is it really half-full or half empty? God knows I spent a few minutes staring at the glass drawing on the chalkboard until the teacher erased it.

If the glass is full to its brim, then what if it spills and leaves me with nothing? Yes, the glass is full but I have to guard it really well because somebody might drink it. My glass is full of water - why do I only have water? Why can’t I have a glass full of soda… or beer? Why do I have to have water and others have my favorite fresh mango shake in theirs? My glass is full but I only have one glass.

If the glass is empty to its butt, then I can fill it to the brim. In fact, I can choose whatever I want to fill it with. Maybe I’d fill it with money than some beverage, what d’ya think? If the glass is empty… oh well, I still have a pitcher of ice cold iced tea in the fridge, just give me a sec. If I’m in the middle of the dessert and I have an empty glass, I could break the glass and use it to cut open a cactus for water.

If the glass is half-empty/half-full, do you have more or do you have less? I guess it really doesn’t matter whether it’s full, half or empty. Your mind will find ways to be thankful or ungrateful - however you choose. It’s your choice.

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