Life is a journey filled with choices, opportunities and challenges.
For young people, the decisions made today can have a profound impact on the years to come.
In a recent viral X thread, users shared hard-earned wisdom and lived advice for young people, offering practical tips for building a successful, meaningful future.
People in their 40s, what’s something people in their 20s don’t realize is going to affect them when they age?
— Synexdoche (@amor_fatti) December 30, 2024
From financial planning to cultivating relationships and prioritising health, these insights are relatable, relevant and deeply reflective.
Below, we break down some of the advice from the thread, supported by expert commentary and research.
The power of early investment: money, relationships and time
One of the most common themes in the thread was the importance of investment. Alex Dillon, a contributor to the discussion, emphasised: "Lack of investment; invest in your relationship with God, invest in your health, invest in your career, invest in your relationships… you determine the order, depending on your priorities but invest… my priority was and is still God.”
Lack of Investment; invest in your relationship with God, invest in your health, invest in your career, invest in your relationships… you determine the order, depending on your priorities, but invest… my priority was and is still God.
— Alex Dillon | Quality Advocate (@masterpiece91) December 31, 2024
This sentiment aligns with research on goal-setting, which shows that people who invest time and effort into their priorities early in life often achieve greater satisfaction and success.
A 2023 study published in “Psychological Science” noted that setting clear, intentional goals in your 20s significantly improves life satisfaction by your 40s and 50s.
Whether it's financial planning, spiritual growth or nurturing relationships, early investment compounds over time.
Another user added: "Have kids young (while you have the energy), buy life insurance young (when it’s cheap and you’re healthy), learn basic investing (conservative index funds, etc.) and don’t squander money that could be invested.”
Learning about investments, budgeting and saving early can lead to long-term stability and peace of mind.
Health is wealth: prioritise your body and mind.
Multiple users in the thread highlighted the importance of maintaining physical and mental health.
One wrote: "Not taking care of your health and skin, you will feel it when older. Lifestyle choices have a long-lasting effect. Making rash decisions out of emotions can cost you for years afterwards.”
Everyone looks good until 40. By 45, you can tell who’s been taking care of themselves. By 50 it’s too late.
— Margaret Nichols (@magsnichols) December 31, 2024
Heal your immediate familial relationships as soon as you can. It doesn’t matter what they did, find a way to bring acceptance and love to it.
Your friends who are…
This advice is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where young people often neglect self-care in pursuit of career or personal goals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep are critical for long-term health.
Additionally, cultivating mental health practices, such as mindfulness or therapy, can help young people navigate stress and emotional challenges.
Relationships matter: build and maintain meaningful connections
Another recurring theme was the importance of relationships.
One user poignantly wrote: "Make every effort to stay in touch with people, especially friends. It’s really enjoyable later in life to hang out with your friends from school and their kids. Also, having a wider network is useful in business.”
This advice resonates with findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness. The study found that strong relationships are the most significant predictor of happiness and well-being.
Meaningful connections with friends, family and partners provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which are vital for mental health.
However, relationships require effort. Another user noted: "The friends you invested time into won’t be there anymore; a shift will occur suddenly — people get married, have kids and become just individuals that you encountered.
“Focus more on meaningful friendships instead of distractional ones that don’t last in time.”
Embrace lifelong learning and neuroplasticity.
A particularly thought-provoking piece of advice from the thread was about the importance of lifelong learning:
"If you don't keep introducing your brain to new knowledge and experiences, it'll fossilise. You need to develop a taste for unfamiliar/uncomfortable stuff to stay adaptable. Exposure to new-to-you art, people, skills, places, etc., promotes neuroplasticity.”
If you don't keep introducing your brain to new knowledge and experiences, it'll fossilize. You need to develop a taste for unfamiliar/uncomfortable stuff to stay adaptable. Exposure to new-to-you art, people, skills, places, etc. promotes neuroplasticity.
Studies show that engaging in new activities — learning a language, picking up a new hobby, or meeting diverse people — helps maintain cognitive function as you age.
This advice also ties into the idea of stepping outside your comfort zone. As one user eloquently put it: "If there’s anything you want to do now but aren’t doing simply because it’s ‘cringe’—trust me, later you’ll wish you had started earlier. As you age, you care less and less what random judgy people might think, and it’s super liberating.”
Life is a series of choices and the earlier you start making intentional decisions, the better positioned you’ll be for success.
The advice shared in this X thread is a valuable reminder of the importance of prioritising health, relationships, financial literacy and personal growth.
As one user wisely noted: "Time quietly sculpts your body, your relationships, and even your dreams. You pay your greatest debts not in money but in missed moments. Life’s turns amplify your earliest choices.
“Growing older reveals how restlessness becomes a regret. Invest not just in ambition, but in wisdom, love and self-awareness.”