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7 Things I Wish I Knew at 20
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If I could go back to when I was 20, I would share some hard-earned wisdom with my younger self. Life has a way of teaching us lessons through experience, but sometimes, those lessons come at a high cost. Looking back, there are things I wish I had known, insights that would have saved me time, pain, and effort. These are not just tips but guiding principles that could have fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life. Here’s what I’d tell myself if I had the chance to turn back the clock and offer some guidance to my 20-year-old self.
1. Stop Drinking, Doing Drugs, and Partying
The worst way to spend your time is indulging in substances and constant partying. Weekends are not meant for wasting away. If you’re broke, there’s nothing to celebrate—get back to work. Use your weekends to build skills, network, or work on personal projects that will pay off in the long run.

The culture of constant partying and substance use can seem like an essential part of youth, but it’s a trap. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of your long-term goals. Instead of spending weekends recovering from a hangover, focus on personal growth. Join a club, learn a new skill, or volunteer. These activities not only keep you productive but also help build a network of like-minded individuals who can support your ambitions.
2. Time Flies Faster Than You Think
Ten years can pass in the blink of an eye. As you age, time seems to accelerate. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have all the time in the world just because you’re 20. Understand the true value of time; once it’s wasted, you can never get it back. I’d rather lose money than time because I can always make more money, but I can’t make more time. A great read to understand the value of time is “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss.

Time management is crucial. Start setting goals and making plans early. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps and set deadlines for each. Use tools like planners or digital apps to keep track of your progress. Remember, every minute wasted is a minute you can’t get back. Prioritize tasks that align with your long-term vision and be disciplined in your approach to time management.
3. Take Care of Your Mind and Body
Don’t let your mind and body deteriorate. Society often poisons our bodies with unhealthy foods and fake medicines and destroys our minds with limiting beliefs. You need to stay mentally sharp and physically strong. Invest in your health through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and continuous mental stimulation.

Mental and physical health are interlinked. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Adopt a balanced diet rich in whole foods and stay away from processed junk. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine—whether it’s weightlifting, yoga, or a simple daily walk. Additionally, keep your mind active through reading, learning new skills, and engaging in creative activities. Meditation and mindfulness can also play a significant role in maintaining mental health.
4. Avoid University Unless Absolutely Necessary
University can often feel like an indoctrination camp for future slaves. You’re tricked into taking on massive debt, only to be forced into a job you hate to pay it off for the rest of your life. Unless your career absolutely requires a degree, consider alternative paths like self-education, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship.

Higher education is not the only path to success. Many successful entrepreneurs and professionals have built careers without a traditional degree. Explore vocational training, online courses, or self-directed learning. These alternatives can provide you with practical skills and knowledge without the burden of debt. If you do choose to go to university, be strategic about your choice of study and the potential return on investment.
5. Understand Debt and Banking
It’s essential to grasp the concept of debt—both good and bad. Comprehend how banks operate and how they create money out of thin air, expecting you to trade your time and labor for it. Fractional reserve banking is a legalized scam. Educate yourself about the banking system, the banking cartels, and their dynasties. Be aware that banks have funded both sides of wars to keep people divided and indebted. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki changed the direction of my life, and every young man needs to read this book.

Avoid going into debt to appear wealthy and impress people who don’t even care about you. If you can’t afford to buy something twice over, then you can’t afford it, period. You’ll need to work harder and smarter until you can. Taking on debt to buy a luxury car or house strips the joy from owning those things. In reality, you don’t own them—they own you, turning you into their slave.
Financial literacy is crucial. Learn about personal finance, investing, and the economic systems that govern our world. Understand the difference between good debt (debt that helps you acquire assets) and bad debt (debt that funds liabilities). Educate yourself on how to manage money, create a budget, and invest wisely. The more you understand about money, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the financial traps set by the banking system.
6. Learn the Art of War
There’s a constant war going on that you can’t see—a war against your freedom and beliefs. War is deception, and in war, there are no rules. This principle applies to business and entrepreneurship as well. If you want to succeed, understand that nothing is ever as it seems. People will do whatever it takes to win. Being aware of this will help you navigate both personal and professional battles.

Understanding strategy and tactics can give you an edge in life and business. Read books like Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” and Machiavelli’s “The Prince” to understand the principles of strategy and power. Apply these principles to your career and personal life. Recognize that competition is everywhere, and not everyone plays fair. By understanding the dynamics of power and strategy, you can better protect yourself and advance your interests.
7. Stop Watching Porn and Chasing Women
There’s a war against your soul. Pornography weakens men, making them easy to rule and conquer. It destroys your motivation, self-respect, and self-image, turning you into a creep who doesn’t know how to treat women properly. If you aren’t making more than $10K per month and are broke, you should not be dating women at this point. I wish I knew this when I was younger. Relationships require a lot of investment of time and energy. Instead, this should be spent on improving your life and leveling up in order to be a better man and attract higher quality women later. Instead of chasing fleeting pleasures, focus on building meaningful relationships and improving yourself.

Pornography addiction is a real issue that can have severe consequences on your mental health and relationships. Instead of wasting time on empty pleasures, invest in self-improvement and building meaningful relationships. Understand the value of intimacy and the importance of respect in relationships. Channel your energy into hobbies, sports, or other productive activities that contribute to your growth.
BONUS: Learn How to Work and Focus
Mastering the art of productive work is crucial. Understand the difference between deep, meaningful work and shallow, superficial tasks. Learn how your brain functions best at different times of the day. This knowledge is rarely taught, yet it’s essential. If you can master focus and productivity, you’ll be ahead of 90% of the population. Most people drift through their days, thinking they’re busy when they’re actually just doom-scrolling. Recognize these distinctions and separate them to unlock your full potential.

Productivity isn’t about being busy; it’s about being effective. Learn techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, and prioritization to enhance your productivity. Understand your peak productivity times and structure your day accordingly. Eliminate distractions and create an environment conducive to deep work. By mastering these skills, you can achieve more in less time and set yourself apart from the crowd.
By embracing these principles and making conscious, informed decisions, you can set a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. Remember, it’s never too late to start implementing these changes and working towards a better future.
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