The Balancing Act: How I Prioritized My Well-Being and Achieved Stability in My 20s
Balancing life in your 20s can feel like an impossible task. From career challenges to personal growth, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But through therapy, fitness, and self-reflection, I’ve learned how to prioritize my well-being and create a life that feels stable. In this post, I’ll share my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and tips for achieving balance in your own life.
Have I Found Balance?
I think I’m finally starting to. Life feels like that song “Back in the Day” by Ahmad—nostalgic but entirely new. I’ve never been here before, but for the first time, things feel stable. My daily routine consists of gym sessions, therapy, and work. While I sometimes falter, I’ve learned to get back on track. This rhythm makes me feel like I’m truly balancing my life.
I’m fortunate to have my dream job, though my ambitions keep me striving for more. Achieving balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Let me walk you through how I got here.
The Struggles of Post-College Life
After graduating from college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was pursuing medicine and enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program to boost my GPA. During that time, I moved back into my mom’s house. It was chaotic—my mom had just remarried, and it was a full the house.
I decided to get a job, but here’s the frustrating part: even with a degree, I couldn’t find one. To be fair, my bachelor’s degree was in multidisciplinary studies—psychology, biology, and human development. I chose the quickest path to graduation after switching majors countless times to avoid becoming a “super senior.” Looking back, I wish I had majored in art while staying on the premed track, but hindsight is 20/20.
Eventually, I found work as a team member at 24-Hour Fitness while continuing my studies. It was far from what I envisioned for myself, but it was a start.
My Quarter-Life Crisis: Rethinking My Career
Then 2020 happened. The world shifted, and so did I. I realized I didn’t want to be a doctor anymore. This realization hit me like a ton of bricks, throwing me into a full-blown quarter-life crisis.
I had spent years envisioning myself as a doctor, living what I thought was the “perfect” life. Walking away from that vision left me devastated. I hit rock bottom emotionally and turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, seeking validation in ways I’m not proud of.
Thankfully, I sought help. Therapy became a turning point for me, as did recommitting to fitness. Consistency in both areas helped me rebuild my confidence and clarity.
Lessons Learned About Balance
One of the most important lessons I learned during this time was the value of patience and resilience. Life doesn’t hand you everything overnight, and that’s okay.
As a child, I was used to getting what I wanted without much effort. Adulthood, however, requires work—whether physical, mental, or spiritual. I discovered the power of self-reflection and started to question my beliefs about success and happiness.
By asking myself tough questions, like “What do you want out of life?” I gained clarity. For me, the answer was success, independence, and eventually, a family. Once I defined my goals, I started working toward them.
How I Built a New Path
Pivoting from medicine wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I earned certifications, completed projects to build my skills, and updated my resume to reflect my new career direction. Within two years, I landed my dream job.
This process required me to restructure my mindset and rethink how I wanted to live. I realized I had used my career aspirations as a way to hide from the world. The idea of being a doctor appealed to me because it fit my preference for staying “behind the scenes”. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right path.
Through therapy and personal growth, I overcame my fear of truly living. I let go of the sheltered mindset I’d grown up with and embraced the unknown.
Advice for Finding Balance in Your 20s
Your twenties are not for the faint of heart. They’re a time of immense change and growth, but also incredible opportunity. Here are some tips that helped me find balance:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Therapy and fitness were game-changers for me. Find what works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
- Embrace Change: It’s okay to pivot and rethink your plans. Be open to new paths, even if they feel uncertain.
- Reflect and Reassess: Take time to ask yourself what you truly want out of life. Journaling or meditation can help.
- Set Achievable Goals: Break your bigger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Progress, not perfection, is key.
- Be Patient: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Trust the process and celebrate small wins along the way.
Final Thoughts: The World Is Your Oyster
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the challenges I faced and the changes I made. The twenties are tough, but they’re also transformative. If you’re in your early or mid-twenties, know that it’s okay to feel lost. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the time to adjust.
Once you find your rhythm, the world truly becomes your oyster.
By: Bria The Editor
Dec. 5th 2024
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