You Just Turned 25 - Now What?: 4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Life After Your Quarter-Life Crisis

Recently, I had the “pleasure” of turning 25. Outside of being able to rent a car without a surcharge, there isn’t much to celebrate.

The average 25-year-old views this monumental occasion as the “peak” of his or her life because it is all downhill from here. However, it has been my prerogative in life to be anything but average. Frankly, I would rather be a massive failure than an Average Joe.

My pursuit of unconventionalism has, ironically, helped me find peace in getting older.

I have to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to turning 25. Who in their right mind would be excited for a slower metabolism, prolonged hangovers and difficulty staying up past 11?

Physically, there is not much appeal about transitioning into your late 20s, but not all growing is bad. I feel like with each passing year, the amount of personal growth I experience is exponential. I feel like I have lived more in 25 years than most do in their entire lifetime.

In my opinion, there are a few key things that anyone can do to live a life that’s worth living, no matter what your age.

Travel

Traveling is one of the most important and fulfilling journeys anyone can ever embark on. It opens your mind to new ways of thought and changes your perception of the world.

Travel is a big reason I am who I am today. In my early 20s, I made it a personal mission to see as much of the world as possible. Thus far, I’ve been on five continents, set foot in dozens of countries and created countless memories.

I raved under a full moon in Thailand with 25,000 people. I jumped off the world’s second tallest bungee jump in New Zealand. I drank bottles of vino with friends on a warm summer night under the Eiffel Tower. One time in the jungles of Asia, I even rode an elephant “Jungle Book” style. I have so many amazing stories from these trips.

I implore you to travel and see the world before it is too late. Before you know it, you’ll have kids and a mortgage, and your chances to explore the world will be very slim.

Follow Your Heart

No matter if it’s in business, in love or in whatever, always follow your heart. To paraphrase Steve Jobs, “Life’s most beautiful thing is death. It’s the one thing we all have in common, and the one thing we can all count on.”

As much as death scares me, it has been my biggest catalyst to keep dreaming. Every morning, I look myself in the mirror and ask, “If today is the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” If the answer is “no” too many times in a row, I know I need to make a change.

Often, people are afraid to go after the things they really love, but money and stability are not everything in life. It’s much better to do something you love as a poor man, rather than being rich and miserable.

Follow your dreams early and take risks. You never know what will happen until you try.

Random Acts Of Kindness

We’ve all heard that money can’t buy happiness, but I completely disagree. I believe with a lot of money and influence, you have the ability to change lives on a macrocosmic level, which in turn, brings you happiness.

In the past, my birthday celebrations have consisted of me inviting friends out to a nightclub and spending thousands of dollars popping bottles. For my birthday this year, I wanted to do something different. I decided I would pay out of my own pocket to feed 25 needy families during the holidays. The total cost came to be about $3,000, but the random act of kindness felt much more significant than any drunken, crazy night ever would.

Random acts of kindness are very important in life. They inspire you to do more and make a positive impact on the world, whether you see it or not.

I believe at least one random act should be done every day, whether it be buying a burger for someone in need, calling your mom just to tell her you love her or giving your significant other flowers for no apparent reason.

I promise your outlook on life will change for the better. Random acts of kindness are contagious, too. When you do good to others, they will eventually follow suit. Who doesn’t want that?

Don't Take Life Too Seriously

A lot happened to me in 2013. Financially, I had the most successful year of my life. I was able to close a large round of venture funding and launch a successful consumer product from the ground up.

I expanded my network tenfold. My startup created chart-topping mobile apps and attracted high profile backers. Overall, my life couldn’t get any better.

If you read my previous post, it’s pretty crazy this year happened after one of the hardest years of my life. I firmly believe it all started happening when I began to relax and not take life so seriously. When you free your mind, I promise you will find peace and prosperity.

Photo via We Heart It