My 20s have been a crazy ride—full of risks, failures, unexpected turns, and lessons no classroom could have ever prepared me for. I started businesses, lost jobs, worked for others, and then realized I needed to build my own future.
Looking back, these are the five biggest lessons that completely changed my life.
1. Failure is the Stepping Stone to Success
When I first started The High Road, I had big dreams. I wanted to build a thriving web development and digital marketing agency. But things didn’t go as planned. Clients backed out, I made mistakes, and there were months when I barely made any money. It felt like failure, but each setback taught me something valuable—how to manage clients, handle tough situations, and keep pushing forward even when it felt impossible.
Before that, my career had its own struggles. I started as a front-end intern at Centrepoint Networks, then moved to backend development at Imagine Web Solution. I worked hard, improved my skills, and eventually became a backend developer. But when COVID hit, the company couldn’t afford to keep many developers, and I lost my job.
That was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn’t spend my life working to fulfill someone else’s dream. I had to build my own future.
What I Learned:
- Failure is just a lesson in disguise.
- Every person has massive potential—you just have to tap into it.
- Even when things seem impossible, never give up. Tomorrow is a new opportunity.
2. Money Won’t Solve Everything, But Managing It Will
At first, I didn’t think much about saving. I spent money as it came, assuming more income would always follow. But running a business changed that. It’s not about how much you make—it’s about how well you manage it.
The Hard Truth About Money:
- Saving is more important than spending.
- Relying on one income source is dangerous—always have a backup.
- Small financial mistakes today can turn into major problems tomorrow.
3. Not Everyone is Meant to Stay in Your Life—And That’s Okay
In my early 20s, I tried to hold on to every friendship. But life moves fast, and people change. Some friendships naturally fade, and that’s not a bad thing. Instead of clinging to every connection, I learned to value the people who truly support and inspire me.
What I Realized:
- Some friendships are temporary, and that’s okay.
- A few deep connections are better than a hundred shallow ones.
- Surround yourself with people who push you to be better.
4. Your Health is the Foundation of Everything
In my early 20s, I didn’t care much about my health. Long nights, skipped meals, too much screen time—it all seemed normal. But over time, I felt the effects. Low energy, stress, and burnout. That’s when I realized: success means nothing if you don’t have the health to enjoy it.
Simple Health Habits That Changed My Life:
- Prioritize sleep—at least 7 hours makes a huge difference.
- Eat real meals, not just snacks.
- Take breaks and get outside—fresh air resets your mind.
5. Growth Only Happens When You Take Risks
Starting Langtang Gear, launching PrakritiPremi.com, and diving into web development were all risks. I wasn’t sure if they would succeed, but I took the leap anyway. Looking back, every big achievement in my life came from stepping outside my comfort zone.
How I Learned to Take Risks:
- Waiting for the “perfect time” is an excuse—start now.
- Playing it safe won’t lead to real growth.
- Even if you fail, you gain experience and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Your 20s are unpredictable, but that’s what makes them exciting. You’ll make mistakes, change paths, and sometimes feel lost. But every challenge shapes you into a stronger, smarter version of yourself.
If you’re in your 20s, take risks, fail forward, and keep pushing. The best lessons in life don’t come from classrooms—they come from experience.
FAQs
1. What’s the best advice for someone in their 20s?
Take risks, learn from failures, and manage your money wisely.
2. How do you deal with failure?
I see it as a lesson. I analyze what went wrong, fix it, and try again.
3. What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier?
That financial planning is just as important as making money.
4. How do you handle friendships changing?
I accept that people grow in different directions and focus on meaningful connections.
5. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?
Starting Langtang Gear. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
