When we think about what should be on our bucket lists, we normally think of things like "climb Mount Everest" and "write a novel". But a new AskReddit thread looked at things that we should check off of our lists in a different way — it asked what people should do in their 20s to set them up for the rest of their lives. Because a little bit of prep working and developing some good habits can make things way different down the line.
And it was amazing to see how diverse the suggests were. I mean, there were a lot of tips about saving money. "Making it automatic is the single most effective way to hit your savings goal," Jennifer Barrett, Chief Education Officer at Acorns and Editor-in-Chief of Grow, tells Bustle. "I used to have all the best intentions, but something always seemed to come up and I'd either forget to transfer money or find something else to do with it." Which will probably sound really familiar to a lot of us.
But it wasn't just practical advice (though you definitely should heed that), some of the answers were about mindsets and attitudes — which are just as important to sort out as early as possible.
Here's what they found.
3Drinking More Water
I swear that water is like the basic foundation of self-care. Never be thirsty. Never. My dad always had dozens of water bottles out on the counter so I learned this habit early — and force it down everyone's throats.
5Watch Yourself
Having fun is great, but honestly, there's so much damage done when it goes over the line.
7THIS
OK, I'm actually in total support of sleeping with as many people as you damn well please. But I do agree with the fact that you should be careful with who gets your time and attention. Even if it's just a fun one-night stand, you can do it with a decent person who is going to make you feel amazing.
10Follow Your Passions
Still regretting I stopped playing piano when I was nine, to be honest.
13Alright, Alright
I get it. I don't like it, but I get it. I'll start flossing.
Good habits are so important — because they make the tricky stuff so much easier. If you can train yourself up, it'll be come automatic. Out of your 20s? Don't worry. It's easier if you start earlier, but it's never too late. Get flossing.
