9 Things I Wish I Knew In My 20s (Now That I'm in My 40s)

My 20s were very transformative years. I lived on my own for the first time, went on exchange to Canada for a semester, got a law degree, and then my first real job as a lawyer. There was a lot of partying, but I also experienced loneliness and insecurity.

I’m in my forties now, and in this video, I want to share 9 things I wish I knew when I was in my 20s. If you’re in your 20s now, I hope you’ll get some value out of this. Enjoy!

00:00 Intro
00:32 1. Embrace failure
02:19 2. Your life does not end at 30
03:20 3. The power of compound interest
05:40 4. Learn how to learn
07:35 5. Build a second brain
10:59 6. If you don’t shape your environment, it will shape you
13:22 7. No one cares
14:46 8. You'll regret the things you DIDN’T do, not the things you DID do
17:51 9. Done is better than perfect

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– LINKS –

📚 Interesting books to read:

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[simini]

Another tip for 20 somethings: your health is your wealth, take good care of yourself!

[emilyihde]

I absolutely love the book review database! I’m going to start one too because I read usually 4 books a month and by the time the year is over, I remember maybe 10 of them. I like that it encourages reflection of what you just read so each book is more meaningful/memorable!

[penny]

There’s so much good in this video - and your book project is amazing. As for the rest of the advice, it’s brilliant. I hope many 20 year olds watch this and truly listen. Very wise. 🦉

[pondurosa]

Every person over 50 needs to make a video on this topic. Our generation needs the wisdom, despite us pretending we know everything due to all the world’s knowledge being available in the palm of our hands. We’ll never admit it, but it’s a huge cope and many of us are lost but doing our best to fake it 😅

[jeremytorgersen]

Great video and advice! As someone who turned 40 this year, these are all quite applicable, particularly the done is better than perfect as I also lean towards perfectionism.

[crsnsggs]

I turn 30 later this year and this video, along with Peter's other videos, is a much needed reminder of the things that matter versus the things that don't. It looks like you're about to hit 20k subscribers but you deserve more sir. Thank you for sharing your message!

[samda]

Loved this vid Peter! I'm 17 so I still have a lot to learn in life and you are bringing to light many things that I haven't even considered yet. 🙂

[justnoticing]

Some excellent advice here. Even though I'm in my 60's I got a lot out of this video. At this stage of my life I am able to reflect and let go of things that are not important or helpful. Minimalism and removing the clutter (physical, mental & emotional) gives me greater clarity and confidence. I continue to learn and strive to build and expand on positive habits that help me to live my best life. Many times perfectionism has held me back but I am striving to have greater courage and to let go of a fear of failure.

[beatrizs]

As always, a great video Peter, I have identified with much of what you have explained to us, I am 13 years older than you and I have learned a lot since I followed you a year ago, the subject of minimalism and the practices that surround it, for example. I had never been so interested. I personally think that good training is one that not only makes you actively participate and learn, but also gives you something else. As a teacher I had used to say, wanting to learn and improve fills your backpack. And among the things that this training can fill your backpack with, there are three that stand out: (knowing), (knowing how to do) (and wanting to do). As always, a pleasure, and greetings from Barcelona.🙂🤗

[AustinGirl]

Excellent vid and advice! Your vid's get better and better! Lots of work involved and it shows! Keep them coming!

[atino]

@IAmPeterCook you are awesome! In every next video, you impress me more. I always wait for your videos that are loads of wisdom/knowledge. I am 43 now and I see that my intellectual progression has similarities with what you stated, except the fact that during my 20s, I used to be fitness fanatic (still I am) and at that age, I instilled regular jogging/stretching in my lifestyle, which keeps me protected from health complications...

[vijijeyakumar]

Wish I could have hit the subscribe button in 2017! 🙂Great share as usual. I would like to see your kitchen tour on minimalism front! Had a chance to sneak peak behind the scene today! But love to see it in detail! Have a great weekend.

[rrkddux]

Like the way you use different angels/cameras in your videos, it makes big difference. I agree, i m 51 and the life is about the same than 30 or 40 but whit more experience. Your slow living examples are interesting and something i try to fit in my life. And yes, time is the most valuable thing we have.

[edithaseva]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts . Good Job po

[irondeath]

Fantastic video! Thank you reminding us that life doesn't end when you hit number that ends with "0". (though it's a little depressing when you think about it and how fast the time runs =/)
Lovely that you mentioned he compound interest, it's a great thing to have, though I still have to research more about it and find investments with good %.

[renedrost]

Een goed kanaal tip: Finding Value Finance.

[simini]

I can relate so much, wish for example I discovered minimalism earlier (I am 45), but better late than never!

[waldzwerg]

How is the site of your book database called?

[swiftismymum]

Thanks peter you're the best... This is so informative I write them down and I'll start incorporate each one into my life one by one... I wish you never stop posting such a valuable content