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20 (Realistic) Things To Accomplish Before Your 20th Birthday

We always see those lists about making a bucket list for yourself, but they always seem to include crazy shit like "jump out of a plane" or "shave your head!!!" Here are 20 things that you can ~actually~ get done.

Taylor Kellogg

Jun 01, 2019

Louisiana State University

357

20 (Realistic) Things To Accomplish Before Your 20th Birthday

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Now that I'm halfway to 21, I've realized some of the most important things that I've learned/done/seen in my two decades on this earth.

1. Get a credit card (and learn how to budget your money).

Being a young adult is ridiculously expensive, so make sure you stay on top of your game. Also, it's literally never too early to start building good credit. Research what credit card is best for you and just use it to buy groceries once in a while or for emergencies (AND THEN PAY IT OFF RIGHT AWAY)!!!

2. Perfect your LinkedIn.

Taylor Kellogg

You might think this is an old person thing, but I promise that it will help in your career journey... so many potential networking opportunities can come from this so make sure yours looks good.

3. Find something you're good at.

THIS CAN LITERALLY BE ANYTHING. Playing an instrument, art, running a small business, taking photos, tutoring, going on mission trips, literally anything that you're passionate about and enjoy doing - this will make you happier and seem super impressive.

4. Master the 'fun facts' about yourself.

You're going to have to sit through boring ice breakers in class, so you might as well stunt on your peers and have some gems ready. For example: I say that "the first thing on my bucket list is to take a DNA test on Ancestry.com to see if I'm related to the creator of Kellogg's cereal."

5. Register to VOTE!!!!!

Be part of the change we need to see in the world, it's falling apart and we are the generation that needs to save it. Do your civic duty.

6. Watch the sunrise.

Taylor Kellogg

Good for your mental health... and your snapchat story.

7. Go to a music festival.

Taylor Kellogg

One of the most fun things you will do, dancing to your favorite songs with your favorite people.

8. Make a vision board.

Super lame and cheesy but this helps you get excited about your dreams and ideas and plans. Laying everything out in front of you and looking at it every day can actually help you achieve these dreams faster.

9. Road trip with friends.

Taylor Kellogg

Every single person needs to do this once in their lives; you don't even have to go far (drive to the next state or go visit your grandparents... just pack up the car and drive).

10. Learn how to change a flat tire.

Taylor Kellogg

You don't realize how useful this will be when you're in a sticky situation with your friends. Ask your dad, I'm sure he would be so excited to show you.

11. Get a planner (and actually use it).

This will help you get your shit together... and we all know you need it.

12. Learn a foreign language.

The world is changing, learn a language other than your own and be able to communicate with other people.

13. Take a risk.

Go cliff jumping, ride that roller coaster you're kinda scared of, get bangs or dye your hair blue. Do something that makes your heart race a little bit and I promise you'll feel better afterward.

14. Deep clean your closet.

Get rid of that shirt that you're holding on to "in case you go to a Hawaiian-themed party one day." You're never going to wear it and if you get rid of enough stuff, you can probably make a good bit of money (pro tip: sell your gently-used clothes at Plato's Closet!!!).

15. Tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.

Taylor Kellogg

Make their day, they need to hear it as much as you need to say it.

16. Figure out a plan.

Whether that be for next week, next year or the next two decades, figure out what you want to do with your time and make sure you start working to accomplish those goals.

17. Do an activity by yourself.

Taylor Kellogg

OK, you might feel a little lame at first, but I promise that this is kind of freeing. Go see a movie, take a cooking class, go to yoga, anything really. One time, I went to a concert by myself because no one else wanted to go, and it was honestly one of the most fun nights of my life. Sometimes you have to be your own best friend and do things that make YOU happy.

18. Find your go-to dish to cook.

You can impress people by having them over for dinner or show your parents that you're not incompetent — either works!!!

19. Fall in love.

If it's not with a significant other, then fall in love with yourself. Now is the prime time for us to get down on ourselves — we're young and scared and unprepared. So make sure you tell yourself that you're proud of where you are and where you're going.

20. LSU Edition: hit all the iconic spots!!!

Taylor Kellogg

Jump in Dodson fountain (or you won't graduate). Dance in the sprinklers on the parade grounds in the middle of the night. Try every ice cream flavor in the dairy store. Go see who lives in your old dorm room and make friends with them. Watch the sunset from the top of the Barnes & Noble parking garage.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

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20 (Realistic) Things To Accomplish Before Your 20th Birthday

We always see those lists about making a bucket list for yourself, but they always seem to include crazy shit like "jump out of a plane" or "shave your head!!!" Here are 20 things that you can ~actually~ get done.

1. Get a credit card (and learn how to budget your money).

2. Perfect your LinkedIn.

3. Find something you're good at.

4. Master the 'fun facts' about yourself.

5. Register to VOTE!!!!!

6. Watch the sunrise.

7. Go to a music festival.

8. Make a vision board.

9. Road trip with friends.

10. Learn how to change a flat tire.

11. Get a planner (and actually use it).

12. Learn a foreign language.

13. Take a risk.

14. Deep clean your closet.

15. Tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.

16. Figure out a plan.

17. Do an activity by yourself.

18. Find your go-to dish to cook.

19. Fall in love.

20. LSU Edition: hit all the iconic spots!!!

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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