Things I Wish I Knew In My 20's

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
Managing Editor and Producer: Sam Bowers
Editor and Designer: Caroline Weigum
Editor: Juan Carlos Zuniga

* Select photos/videos provided by Getty Images *

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[jerotoro]

The irony is, if you could go back and redo your 20s, and come all the way back to this point in your life, you'd have a completely different set of regrets and things you wish you'd done differently. We're ALWAYS going to have regrets, because none of us are perfect. Don't live your life in fear of making a mistake or doing something you'll regret later. It's alright to do things less than perfectly, or the do the wrong thing only to suffer consequences down the road... that's just a natural part of trying to do your best in a chaotic and unpredictable world. What matters is that you DO IT, you reach out and act on what you want, and never be immobilized by that fear of doing it wrong or not being capable enough to do it. Just do it.

[menna_khair]

Being 18 right now, I’m really happy he’s made this video. I’m so scared of how my life will look like. He actually teaches so much, not only about being happy and healthy, but also making life so much better. Thank you doctor Mike, you’re my inspiration ❤

[Agnarrdottir]

Turning 37 this year and I think my biggest thing that I wished I did/learned in my 20s is that there's not a lofty goal for everyone. Sometimes you just find a job that pays the bills and hobbies, and that's enough. There's too much pressure to be the next X, Y, or Z and it's not for everyone. Now that I've realized that there's nothing wrong with being a general laborer, I'm a lot happier in my day to day stuff. Don't feel pressured to find a career, sometimes it's not in the cards.

[PaniPunia]

As a 37 years woman, if I had to give you one advice it would be - resist the peer pressure. You don't have to fit the mold. You don't have to marry, have kids, everything figured out by 25. I met my husband when I was 33, he's 2 years older than me, and we built our live together, because we were both ready for it. Also - giving up is good, it's not a failure, some things, relationships, activities etc. are just not working, and it's ok to drop it. "Fake it till you make it" is not always the best aproach. If it doesn't work walk away, you will thank yourself later. Make an effort, try, but don't force it.

[krystalmendez]

I'm currently in my 20s and completely agree with much of this. But some of them like maintaining friendships from high school/ college are sometimes tough when friends don't reciprocate the same energy as you in maintaining the friendship

[Machinte]

As a 22 year old, I'm so glad Mike is educating me on this. I needed this video today. Thank you Mike

[ambreenali.]

As a literature student it made me really happy to see Dr. Mike suggesting people to listen to classics. Books teach you so much about life 🧡

[viktoriavari]

I’m 22 and just lost my mom recently. My life and my future seems dark to me at the moment. I’m not sure what will come next but I try to stay positive. Thanks for making this video, it’s really inspiring!

[dietotaku]

my biggest regret from my 20s was knowing what i wanted to do but not how to make that happen. i relied too much on other adults telling me what to do, how to do it, when & where, and i ended up missing the boat entirely and now i'm too far behind and i have a degree in a field i wasn't initially interested in that i can't put to use because i didn't take it far enough. so when my daughter tells me she wants to be a programmer, we're already laying out the high school courses she needs to take, the college she needs to go to, the certifications she can get independent of a formal education that will get her foot in the door. i don't want her to waste time waiting for someone else to open the door for her like i did.

[hannahgonzalez]

I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. I ended up becoming an RN because i come from a family of medical professionals and felt that was what I should do. Here I am 5 years later going back to school to pursue my passion for teaching. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I let other people’s expectations, experiences and opinions sway me. I wish I could go back and tell myself to do what makes me happy as my career.

[vjc]

As a grandmother I can say that many of these points are spot on. Self worth, self confidence & self motivation can make for great companions.

[ohayo-]

Thank you so much for this. I’m 22, and I fell ill with a mysterious illness almost 3 weeks ago. This video is another reminder that I should care for myself right now and do it every day. My body screams for me to exercise compassion for it, and I feel like that’s an important thing to understand while I’m in my early 20’s. Thank you so much Doctor Mike, so full of wisdom. I wish good family doctors like you were more accessible here in Russia.

[TheShazzer]

As a 26 year-old with crippling anxiety that overthinks everything and worries constantly about the future, this video helps😂 thank you Dr Mike, keep posting great content ❤️ love from the UK ❤️

[libby]

as someone who just turned 20, I really enjoyed this. Thank you Dr. Mike!

[GamerGrrls]

I didn't start doing stuff alone until 4 years ago at age 40. Looking back at the opportunities I missed, I really wish I'd have done it sooner. Today, I travel alone, go to concerts alone, theme parks alone, movies alone. I love hanging with my husband and friends but I also LOVE the solo time and not having to worry about someone else having fun. I love doing what I want, when I want and how I want to do it.

[denrylluna]

As someone who is about to approach 29 this year (last dance of the 20s), what Dr. Mike said were spot on! The "do stuff alone" is definitely one of the hardest but you must love yourself first and accept that things evolve i.e. friendship, careers, etc. And yes, please TRAVEL it will open up your mind to a whole new place and will help you be more independent. Additionally, learn from your past relationships and be accountable. One last thing if I can add to what Dr. Mike mentioned, don't worry about other peoples' opinions about you- do you! At the end of the day, you know yourself better than anyone and who really cares about you. All love!

[juju]

As a 19 year old turning 20 this year, I can't help but feel like childhood is over. I've spend my past few months grieving the unlived past and scared of my future. Thanks to you I feel reminded that yes a few things end, but there are also new things I can focus on and experience. Thank you for your insight and as always helpful and kind words. 🙏🏻 ❤️
Aging is tuff but suncream and you make it worth the while. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[violetmarlo]

As a college student I’m constantly stressing about if I’m doing everything right so that my future is decent. I give myself so much anxiety from it, but this video really helps put things into perspective.😊

[Sweetly_Signing]

I’m 21 and I really appreciate this. Hearing that I’m making some of the same mistakes that you made really helps. Plus you’ve given advice on things I’m working on right now. Thank you!

[shannonforsberg]

As a 24 year old I related to most of these things, and I'm really hopeful that there's time to turn some of it around. I can't go back in time to make friends in college, join college clubs to enrich my life, or eat less fast food and junk food in my teens and early 20s, but I can start managing my money better and eating healthier.