My top 10 tips for self-development

Advice to my 20-year-old self.

I am often asked, “What should I do to improve myself?” Here are my top tips that I wish someone had told me when I was 20:

1. Be comfortable with speaking in English.

This is a prerequisite for almost everything on the rest of the list.

2. Travel to a foreign country alone.

I did this when I was 20. I flew to Berlin, Germany, to attend a voluntary camp and then took the overnight bus from Berlin to Paris to meet with my friends. This trip overall has changed my life. Please let me know in the comments if you want to learn more about this story.

3. Live alone.

I know this can be financially challenging for many people, but if you have this opportunity, don’t miss it.

4. Live abroad.

Again, this may not be possible for many people, but even if you can do it for a short period of time, 3-6 months, you will not be the same after this experience.

5. Meet new people.

This is free, so you do not have any excuse not to do it:)

6. Read books.

Boring? Not really, when you finally find what type of books or writers you like. In the meantime, you need to be patient.

7. Listen to podcasts.

I think this is one of the most underrated hacks for self-development. Learning from your own experiences can be very costly, but learning from others’ experiences is free.

8. Watch travel YouTube channels to learn more about the world.

“Which one knows the most? Someone who reads or travels the most?” Let’s revise this good old question: “Which one knows the most? Someone who reads, travels, or watches travel videos on YouTube the most?”

9. Be good at least one form of exercise (running, swimming, yoga, etc.)

I am a huge believer in the “spillover effect,” that is, if you are good at something, this will affect your confidence in all other aspects of your life.

10. ?

Help me find the 10th tip. What would you suggest to your 20-year-old self for self-development?

Cheers,

Sidika