What I Learned From My Twenties

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Hey there,

My twenties were a chaotic blend of personal growth, questionable fashion choices, and hard-earned wisdom—basically one long, awkward metamorphosis.

At 20, I was trying to launch a podcast, rock flannel like it was a personality trait, and pretend I had it all figured out.

Big shocker, but I didn’t.

But somehow, through the fumbles and face-plants, I stumbled forward.

I came out of that decade with five big lessons — the kind I wish someone had handed me at 19 with a note that said: “Trust me, this will save you years.”

Lesson one: Most problems are communication problems. 

Nearly every conflict in my twenties—whether it was a delayed web design project or a relationship misunderstanding—could be traced back to poor communication.

Like when I had my graphic design business, and there was a time when I didn’t set boundaries with a client and ended up revising their website for four months.

Or when I expected people to read my mind instead of just saying what I needed.

Eventually, I learned: clear, proactive communication isn’t just helpful—it’s preventative medicine.

Lesson two: Happiness isn’t a finish line—it’s an inside job. 

In my early twenties, I believed happiness lived in a six-figure salary, a Tesla, or the perfect podcast mic.

I chased likes, money, and validation like they held the secret.

(Spoiler alert: they didn’t.)

Discovering minimalism and redefining what “enough” looked like helped me realize I already had so many things worth being happy about—supportive family, passion, health.

Gratitude did more for my joy than any Amazon delivery ever could.

Lesson three: There’s no substitute for hard work. 

Yes, hustle culture can be toxic—but effort still matters.

I spent years rebuilding a foreclosure after work, side-hustling, and running two businesses simultaneously.

It was draining.

But it also laid the foundation for everything I’m doing today.

You can’t shortcut experience — show up, even when you don’t feel like it.

If you’re lucky, the grind itself becomes fulfilling.

Lesson four: Ego is the silent relationship killer. 

Self-awareness and humility are essential in any relationship.

I learned to pause when I felt my temper spike, to cool off before saying something ego-fueled and regrettable.

It’s not about walking away—it’s about coming back with clarity, empathy, and maybe, just maybe, an apology (the worst, I know…).

Good communication + low ego = better relationships.

Lesson five: Growth takes time. 

There is no “overnight success.”

Whether you’re building a business, a brand, or just yourself, it takes consistency and patience.

Starting a podcast or newsletter won’t make you rich in three months.

Most of the people who “make it” did so because they didn’t quit after year two.

Embrace the slow burn.

Your twenties are for learning, failing, and laying a foundation.

Invest in yourself now and thank yourself later.

I’m 34 now, and yeah, I definitely still cringe at old photos—and sometimes even yesterday’s content.

But that’s growth — and it doesn’t end at 30.

The awkwardness, the learning, the evolution—it all continues.

And that’s actually a beautiful thing.

Have a wonderful week, all.
Keep growing, keep going - Scott (@motivatedscott).

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