25 Lessons at 25-Years-Old | Macy Troyer

Life is beautiful, do you agree?

Life is happening for you right now. Each second offers a different encounter that only you can fully experience and enjoy. We create our own reality every day with the choices we make and how we decide to see people and the world with our outlook. 

I didn't always know this or believe this...

7 years ago, my idea of success was influenced by others’ expectations of me. Whom I wanted to become, how I wanted to serve others in the world was going to be completely different (and wrong) because I almost allowed others’ approval to get in my own way to live a full, joyful life.

So, how do you live a full, joyful life? I don’t have all the answers, of course!

As an activity for self-reflection, I wrote down 25 lessons I’ve learned as an (almost) 25-year-old that have helped me adopt an abundance mentality and find joy in each day.

25 lessons at 25-years-old

1. Your happiness and success looks different than others

Happiness and success are subjective- intentionally date yourself to understand what your happiness and success look like to you.

2. You will never know unless you ask

I missed out on a ton of opportunities because I didn’t ask when the opportunity presented itself.

3. Do one activity you enjoy every day

Whether it is hitting the gym, reading a chapter in a book, going outside, cooking, taking a bath... indulge in self-care, and have one activity that you can look forward to every day.

4. Give to others

And, freely give without any expectations at all. Giving not only brings joy to the receiver but to the giver as well. One way giving improves an individual’s physical health is by a decrease in stress levels.

5. Learn how money works and make your money work for you

Money is a tool and financial freedom is the goal. 

6. Appreciate and learn from different perspectives

Cancel culture is out there. We don’t have to agree with everyone's ideas, but we can respectfully acknowledge them and appreciate these different perspectives. There is something to learn from everyone even if you disagree.

7. It's really not that big of a deal- everything is figureoutable (Marie Forleo).

The struggles and embarrassing experiences eventually become learning (or even laughing) opportunities. Even if you accidentally split your skirt right before you go on a stage, it's not that big of a deal... right?

8. Always be a person of your word

Be that person someone can trust 100% that you will do what you said you would. Be a reliable and trustworthy person. I've learned that in today's world this can set you apart.

9. People will remember how you made them feel

When you come in contact with people, you can either give people energy or drain their energy. Please give them a boost, be kind, make them smile, and be authentic when you do so.

10. Marriage is like a flower- you must water each other to grow

One of the more challenging obstacles I am finding in marriage is that making and giving time can be difficult, but it is crucial. There is always going to be something to do. Is that something more important than spending quality time with your valued significant other?

11. Improve yourself and take responsibility

We have to take responsibility to improve our lives, profession, relationships, health, etc. No one is going to pave the way for you except yourself.

12. Don’t numb out life

Be present and intentional without your phone, social media, Netflix, or other distractions. I have experienced times when I have been unhappy with my reality and my escape was my phone. Through the lens of social media, the world was much easier (on a surface level) as I was able to numb emotional pain. The digital world is not your reality. Facing these feelings head-on was one of the best decisions I’ve made to be able to live in the present moment. 

13. Get comfortable being uncomfortable

I encourage you to try new things and put yourself out there to stretch yourself mentally and emotionally. When we are uncomfortable we grow, and it also helps us not to fall into a boring trap of playing it safe with our routines. 

14. Take care of your body

You only have one body for your entire existence. Try to be mindful of what you are consuming and how you are taking care of yourself. Healthy habits will positively impact your mental and physical well-being.

15. Your opinion of yourself is what matters most

Are you the kind of person you would want to meet? When you fall asleep at the end of the day (even if it is next to someone), you are YOU, and you will always be you. 

16. Surround yourself with a personal board of directors

Find people who have good intentions for you, will be honest, and keep you in check! Not everyone’s advice is good advice, so your personal board of directors should be a group of people you admire and respect.

17. If at first, you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again (yes, this is an Aaliyah reference ??)

It didn’t work out? No biggie. Try again.

18. We all have the same 24 hours in a day.

Circumstances might make your dreams seem further away, but don’t give up. Maybe you have a family now, and in this season of your life, you are unable to work on your passion project as much. Don’t throw it away because it is more challenging in the current season you are in. Life might be teaching you something in this season of life to make the passion project even better!

19. Everyone has their own struggles and flaws- even Elon Musk and Richard Branson

I let myself get intimidated by the bigwigs until my husband gave me a gentle reminder that they are human. We each have hobbies, families, quirky things about us, etc. and the bigwigs struggle too. We are human.

20. Even when I feel lonely and doubtful, God is always with me.

21. The journey of life is the reward

You might chase dreams and set goals that you may or may not achieve, but it's the moments in each day that is the journey. The experience on the journey of life is the reward.

22. Try not to take life or yourself too seriously

Look for the positive in situations. Choose to laugh and (laugh at yourself), make memories, and spend time with those you love.

23. Live a life of gratitude

Being grateful can change your life. Even when you don’t think you have anything to be grateful for, there is always something you can be thankful for. 13.75% of the world population is illiterate... Right now, you can be grateful that you can read (and have Internet access).

24. Stay true to yourself and your beliefs

Not everyone will like you, and you don’t need to change who you are or what you believe in for them to.

25. Be the best YOU

The reality is that someone will always be working harder than you, more successful than you, more intelligent, better looking, etc. Comparison is the thief of joy. Let’s not compare each other, but compare you to you. Who were you a year ago and who are you now? Are you putting yourself in a position of growth to be the best version of yourself possible?

?Final Words

I could probably write 25 more lessons! Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope this was an enriching read for you. I am turning the tables now. Your turn!??

What is one lesson/piece of advice that you can share with me?

Do you know someone who might benefit from reading this? Tag them in the comments.

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Macy Troyer is the Founder at Blossm Social Media, a social media agency that partners with brands to advance their digital presence and positions them to be industry thought-leaders.

Troyer is the Indiana SoGal Chapter co-lead to help provide resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors internationally and serves on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run Central Indiana. In 2020, she was named one of Michiana's “40 Under 40” by the South Bend Regional Chamber.