4 Things I Wish I Knew in My 20s

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Sara shares four pieces of advice for those in their 20s as she reflects on her own journey turning 30. She encourages embracing the chaos and taking calculated risks, distinguishing between right and wrong types of failures, and the importance of not making oneself sick from stress. Sara emphasizes the value of intentionality and hard work, while acknowledging that while one can't have everything, they can have a lot by staying true to oneself and being resilient through life's challenges.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Embracing the Chaos: The speaker reflects on the excitement and chaos of being in their 20s, suggesting that it's a time for taking risks and being intentional with life choices.
• 🚀 Experimentation is Key: The 20s are highlighted as a prime time for experimentation, travel, and fearlessness, rather than playing it safe.
• 💡 The Power of Having 'Nothing': Being in the 20s is a special time because you have time and can take risks without as much to lose, encouraging calculated risks.
• 🛑 Right and Wrong Failures: There's a distinction between failures that teach and empower, and those that come from lack of control or being led by others' expectations.
• 🏆 Extreme Ownership: The importance of having control over one's projects and ventures is emphasized, as it leads to more meaningful experiences and growth.
• 🤒 Stop Making Yourself Sick: The speaker shares personal experiences of health issues stemming from stress, urging the audience to avoid unnecessary stress that can harm physical and mental health.
• 🧘‍♀️ Self-Care and Reflection: The need for self-care and reflecting on one's life to ensure a healthier and more fulfilling journey through the 20s is stressed.
• 💪 Intentional Hard Work: Success comes from being intentional, relentless, and putting in hard work, as highlighted by the speaker's own experiences and growth.
• 🤷‍♀️ You Can't Have It All: Accepting that while you can't have everything, being intentional allows you to have a lot and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
• 🎯 Sacrifice for the Greater Good: The speaker acknowledges the sacrifices made in their 20s, like social activities, in favor of building skills and pursuing passions.
• 🌟 Gratitude and Self-Reflection: As the speaker approaches their 30s, they express gratitude for the lessons learned and the wisdom gained from the past decade.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Sara's video?

The main theme of Sara's video is sharing advice for people in their 20s based on her experiences and lessons learned as she transitions into her 30s.

What does Sara consider as the 'sweet time' in one's life?

Sara considers the time when one has nothing but time on their hands as the 'sweet time' in one's life, which allows them to take risks and do 'crazy stuff' without much to lose.

What is Sara's perspective on calculated risks during one's 20s?

Sara believes that taking calculated risks in one's 20s, such as traveling, starting a business, or trying different jobs, is valuable because it allows for personal growth and learning without the fear of losing much.

What does Sara mean by 'right' and 'wrong' types of failures?

Sara differentiates between 'right' and 'wrong' types of failures. 'Right' failures are those where one has control and learns from the experience, while 'wrong' failures are those where one relies on others without control, leading to helplessness and stress.

Can you explain an example of a 'right' type of failure that Sara shared?

An example of a 'right' type of failure Sara shared was her experience with 'Blanco,' a creative studio space she opened with a friend. Despite the stress and challenges, she learned valuable lessons and had control over the project.

What is an example of a 'wrong' type of failure according to Sara?

A 'wrong' type of failure, as per Sara, is when one invests their hopes and dreams into another person's idea without having control over the outcome, leading to feelings of helplessness if things go wrong.

What health issues did Sara experience due to stress?

Sara experienced a range of health issues due to stress, including acid reflux, heartburn, and chest pain that led her to believe she might be having a heart attack, which was later diagnosed as stress-related.

How did Sara's pregnancy affect her professional life?

Sara's pregnancy forced her to say 'no' to many professional commitments as she experienced severe morning sickness and had to prioritize her health and that of her baby.

What advice does Sara give about not making oneself sick due to stress?

Sara advises to guard one's mental health, avoid taking on too many commitments that lead to stress, and to be intentional about one's work and life to prevent making oneself sick.

What does Sara suggest about the concept of 'having it all'?

Sara suggests that while one can't have everything, they can have a lot by being intentional with their time and efforts, focusing on what truly matters, and not spreading oneself too thin.

How does Sara define being 'intentionally' during one's 20s?

Sara defines being 'intentionally' as making conscious choices, taking calculated risks, focusing on personal growth, and putting in the hard work necessary to achieve one's goals.