Solving The Quarter Life Crisis

It could be said I am in the middle of my quarter life crisis. In a month I will turn 25. I just left my job. I am currently selling my belongings, anyone looking to buy a TV? I am moving to New York City for opportunity. Crazy, right?

From the outside it looks as if I have no direction at all. However if you listen to my answer “why” you would find that while you still might be able to call me crazy, I am crazy with a plan.

Before I move to NYC I am going for a week of informational interviews. I plan to meet with people and companies that inspire me. Oh, and I’ll be packing… packing some pretty awesome business cards. You like?

You hear a LOT of advice when you are in your 20’s. “Go explore,” “Find yourself,” “Time is on your side.” It’s a decade full of changes. After years of school determining your day-to-day schedule you suddenly have a choice. You can go into the workforce, continue your education or put all your belongings in a backpack and hit the road.

To have choices is a good thing. Yet having lots of options is overwhelming. Have you ever noticed what your plate looks like when you go to a buffet? It’s overloaded with food because you feel like you have to have a taste of every option. Let me tell you, eating everything has its repercussions. We’ve all been there, right?

I am not telling you not to try the pasta bar when you already have some sushi on your plate, I am however telling you to walk through your 20’s with intention.

1) Go Explore

So maybe you have the desire to leave the buffet and explore the real thing. You feel compelled to taste the spaghetti in Italy travel to Japan to learn to make your own sushi. Sounds fun! But before you pack your bags answer “why” first. Why you do something will lead you to your passion. Are you exploring different country's cuisine because you love cooking? Or are you merely looking to fill the hours you have?

2) Time is on your side

Until someone invents a time machine, time is the one thing we cannot change in this life. We only have 24 hours a day seven days a week. In your 20’s though, your responsibilities are minimal. No kids, no relationships (see #3), just you… and maybe a job. Use your time wisely. Take care of yourself by sleeping enough and eating right. Invest your free time acquiring the skills you need to share your passion with the world. A passion I hope you found through exploring.

3) Find Yourself

To find yourself, I suggest being by yourself. Drop that boyfriend or girlfriend of yours and discover what it’s like to live life alone. Spend time reflecting. Sit in silence. Find the answer to “Who am I?” Once you can answer that, if you still feel that the person I told you to break up with is “the one,” rekindle the flame. You didn't lose time. The relationships will be strengthened, as the two people in it will have a stronger sense of self. The relationship becomes based more on want then on need.

So now I'll go explore in NYC. (I know... the picture is not NYC... it's Athens, Greece. It's too good of a picture not to share right now.) I will look for places I can use my passions of storytelling and health and wellness. The time I spend will be done so with intention. Oh... and one flight is expensive enough... no boy in tow. This is a solo trip.

#intentional #20s #crisis