Common myths that we realize are false in our 20s

1. Being in a happy relationship means that you will never again feel_______(insert depressed, lonely, scared, insecure, etc):

Thinking that being in a relationship will instantly solve your problems is a pipe dream. A happy, loving relationship is one life’s greatest joys, but it can’t solve the things you don’t like about yourself. You have to do that, with work.

2. Being good at school means you’ll be good at work: Achieving academically by no means guarantees workplace success. Our former fellow students who struggled through classes could massively outpace us in career achievement. Being a great student does not mean you’ll be great in the workplace. And that’s OK.

3. Physical fitness doesn’t matter, being thin matters: Being skinny does not matter. Being physically fit really, really matters. Eat healthy food and get regular exercise.

4. Everyone has to like you: Inevitably, someone will always dislike you. Figure this out earlier in life and stop trying so hard and worrying so much about it. Use all that time and put it to doing something far more fun and interesting, like learning a new language or playing the piano. 

5. Quit something when you fail: Just because you fail at something does not mean you should quit, especially if it gives you joy or stretches you mentally. Everyone fails. Keep trying.

6. Getting rejected is the worst thing that can happen: It really isn’t. In fact, it can be a really good thing. Whether it is getting dumped or getting fired from a job. Rejection can teach us far more and have long-lasting positive benefits, beyond whatever successes we’ve had. Getting fired and waking up the next day as usual can make us realize that failure isn’t the end of the world. Getting dumped can teach us the difference between a good and a bad relationship. Getting dumped can make us a better person for the amazing partner we may get tomorrow. When rejection teaches you something new and positive, then that’s actually a pretty great thing.

7. Talking is more powerful than listening. Not really.. Sometimes listening quietly and a little introspection can make us happier. Not all silence needs to be filled.

Author of source article: Carolyn Cho