By: Sarah McGill
Sarah McGill (@sarahfmcgill on Instagram) is a marketing coordinator in the natural & organic food industry by day and an indoor cycling instructor by night. She’s obsessed with all things wellness, beauty and Bravo TV. Here, she writes about dealing with a quarter life crisis.
Turning 25 comes with more than balloons and a birthday cake. It comes with adulthood hitting you hard. Somehow this age has gotten the reputation for being the time you’re supposed to have it all figured out. Instead, when I turned 25, I found myself asking questions and pondering how I should be approaching the next phase of my life. Am I accomplishing the right goals? Is my career moving in the right direction? How do I know if my 401k is set up correctly? What series do I want to binge-watch next on Netflix? You know, the important things.
This is what they call the quarter-life crisis – and here’s what mine looked like:
I was approaching 25 and not satisfied with the rate I was going at in my personal life. I felt like I needed more out of life. So, in addition to my 9-5 job I joined a nonprofit volunteer organization, checked off a few bucket list goals, like competing in a state pageant and most recently found a side hustle instructing at an indoor cycling studio. Sounds like a lot and it is. But through it all I learned the importance of pushing myself, making mistakes and not taking life too seriously. That’s really what your 20s are about. So, if you’re feeling lost right now like I was, I encourage you to read the tips below to power through your quarter-life crisis. You may just find yourself on the other side.
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How to Combat a Quarter Life Crisis
Don’t Compare Yourself
One quote that has always stood out in my mind is from Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I think these words apply today more than ever in this age of social media. We live in a time where we’re constantly comparing ourselves to our peers and where we think we should be in life based on their latest Instagram post. We see people posting all the time about their accomplishments or perfect relationship and it makes us question ourselves. Do yourself a favor and put the phone down. Social media is a highlight reel. You don’t usually see someone’s struggles posted with a pretty filter. Remember that the next time you find yourself comparing your life to a picture-perfect snapshot.
Find a Side Hustle
Take advantage of the fact that as millennials it’s perfectly okay to have a few things going on at once. In fact, it’s encouraged to get a side gig outside of your 9-5 job if it’s something that fuels your passion and brings you happiness. We all need an outlet and we’re all about bringing the best you forward. Have you been thinking about becoming a fitness instructor? Go for it. Want to start that podcast with your best friend? Do it. Maybe there’s a charity you want to get more involved with? Sign yourself up. Whatever your side hustle desire is, I challenge you to find it and go after it. You may find it isn’t for you, but you’ll never know if you don’t try.
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Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Getting out of your comfort zone was my new year’s resolution last year and it was the best goal I ever could have set for myself. To quote Roy T. Bennett: “It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.” Think about it. When’s the last time you felt inspired or invigorated doing the same mundane thing day after day? Probably never because if it doesn’t scare you, it won’t change you. There’s no better feeling than walking away from something you never thought you could do and proving to yourself just how awesome you are. Key takeaway: Get out of the box you’ve confined yourself to and amazing things will happen I promise.
Don’t Wait for It & Just Do It
Life is short and can change in the blink of an eye. I say this not to scare you, but to encourage you to not hold yourself back anymore. Wouldn’t you rather look back on your 20s and say, “I can’t believe I did that,” instead of “I can’t believe I never did that?” Those experiences make the best memories and even better stories to tell later.