20s bucket list ideas for your defining decade

What should I use my 20s for?

Look no further, goal friends! I’m sharing all the ideas you’ll need to create a 20s bucket list that will make the first decade out of your teens unforgettable.

With all the ups and downs, twists and turns, your 20s can feel like a roller coaster ride, but it doesn’t have to.

What you do in your 20s will determine the trajectory for the rest of your life and how long it will take you to get there. A 20s bucket list is important for creating goals and embarking on transformative experiences.

The journey is what you make it.

It’s the one decade in life that ends faster than the blink of an eye, and the one many people wish they could do all over again.

Don’t let this be you. We expect mistakes to be made in your 20s. Yes, Y-O-L-O (you only live once), but don’t go overboard with the phrase.

It’s called the defining decade for a reason. Your 20s matter. So here’s a self-help guide to ensure you make wise choices, beat the odds, and grow in every area of your life.

Our 20s bucket list is jam-packed with ideas to add to your checklist, from travel adventures, personal goal development, and a pathway to a purpose-filled life.

We want to make sure we’re steering all the 20-something’s in the right direction.

Summer Before College Bucket List

How do I build my 20s? – 20s bucket list ideas

Travel

There are countless options available to travel when you’re young. Some opportunities even offer all expenses paid trips. Traveling to a different country may seem ambitious, but it’s the perfect item to check off your bucket list in your 20s.

Traveling overseas was always something I wanted to do growing up. I made it my mission to visit Italy before turning 30 despite my fears, and it’s the best decision I ever made.

Sometimes, a flight overseas can come at a hefty price. If you’re fresh out of college, didn’t attend college, or don’t have the disposable income to go – simply don’t.

There are plenty of cool things to do right in the states or a few hours away from where you currently live. Your 20s is the best time to explore the world, because you rarely have many responsibilities.

Maybe you’re still at home living rent free or you’re childless and you have no time constraints.

Write a bucket list of all the places you’d like to visit. Create a summer bucket list of all the cool places, restaurants, museums, beaches, and travel destinations to which you’d eventually like to travel.

Career and Education

Some high school graduates are taking off a year or two before pursuing college to gain work experience and travel.

While I’m all for sabbaticals and taking time off to figure life out, one thing I don’t regret about continuing my education is graduating from college and grad school in my 20s.

Some people wait years to pursue higher education, certifications, or actual careers that they genuinely enjoy.

Your twenties are for you to have fun, but it’s also the time in your life where you keep your head down and set yourself up for success.

You no longer have to wait until you’re near retirement to become a top earner. There are way too many opportunities for you to increase your net worth before 40.

As long as you have an internet connection and a supportive network to fall back on, anything is possible.

College is expensive, but there are millions of dollars available for scholarships.

Niche industries in tech don’t require you to go into student loan debt for a substantial salary.

Side hustles such as creating courses, drop shipping, selling your skills and talents as a service.

Imagine working hard while you’re young to retire early and live how you want to live when you’re older.

Put in the work now. Take classes, grow your network, invest in a trade or degree, so you won’t look back down the line with regret.

Personal Development

It’s amazing how much we can change over a short amount of time.

You mature after high school, but a decade later, you may not recognize that person any longer.

Personal growth is inevitable, however, it’s a choice to remain stagnant.

Exposure to different environments requires you to adapt quickly, think critically, and learn how to relate to people from various walks of life.

Overtime, your interests change right along with your lifestyle, morals, and values. Everyone knows about the quarter-life crisis (Yes, it’s real!).

Your brain doesn’t fully develop until you’re twenty-five. Therefore, it makes sense that your lack of experience and knowledge may have prevented you from making wise decisions during your formative years.

But there comes a time when you have to make the choice to grow up. Bills need to be paid. Children and marriage become a priority for those who start families young.

And at some point, you simply leave childish things behind.

All the unnecessary drama, trying to prove a point, and pleasing others will fall off your list of concerns. Some things you learn to ignore and not give energy to when you hit your late 20s.

You know you’ve grown when you’re able to prioritize what matters, and easily let things go.

Your 20s bucket list should include the development of good habits, leading a healthier lifestyle, and finding your purpose in the future.

Relationships

Friends come and go throughout our lifetime.

Some people are attachments, while others are assignments.

Attachments are usually associates or friends you make for a short stent in your life.

Assignments are typically long-term friends, partners or spouses, mentors, or family members who take the journey with you for various seasons of your life.

Your connection with people assigned to you is meaningful, because they are often your supporters, protectors, or divine lessons you need to learn in order to grow.

Peaking after high school sucks.

Unfortunately, a lot of cool kids get stuck in a plateau because they allow their youth to be the highlight reel of their lives instead of creating a brighter future for themselves.

Certain friendships need to shed for stages of growth to take place. Some people are content with staying in their hometowns, and marrying their high school sweethearts.

Others are fearful of change and stay in contact with the same people they’ve been in proximity to since childhood.

Different strokes for different folks, right? It’s not a bad thing, but not going out into the world and forcing yourself to meet new people can be a hindrance.

It’s the same as circling back to those toxic relationships that pop up from the past. Been there, done that – I don’t want to write a book about it.

Your 20s bucket list should include ways to get out of your comfort zone. Date for fun, and be intentional about your friendships.

You’re the author of your life and are in the beginning stages of painting your masterpiece.

Make every brush stroke count.

Overcome Fears

What did you fear growing up? What fears did you develop as you grew older?

Fears never go away. We overcome some, while others stick with us into adulthood.

My fear of open water is something that I may never overcome. I don’t enjoy the pool, taking trips to the lake, going on cruises, or sitting on the beach for too long.

I used my 20s to be more adventurous and a risk-taker in the name of fun.

I traveled on my first yacht to another country, went on a few beach vacations, and took swim lessons.

No, I still don’t swim like a fish. The point is, I discovered ways to face my fears through fun activities.

Maybe you’re afraid of heights or feel uneasy in crowds.

There are many ways you can start overcoming those fears; go on a hot-air balloon ride, try indoor skydiving, buy a ticket to a music festival, or go to a karaoke bar.

Turn your fear into fun, goal friends!

Give Back

Nothing feels more fulfilling than giving back to the underserved.

After graduating from college, I joined my alumni group and spent many weekends volunteering at local shelters, food pantries, and soup kitchens.

There are many junior associate boards you can serve on in your 20s.

It’s the perfect way to make an impact in your city while reaching back to people in need.

If you’re looking to build your network, getting involved with nonprofit organizations and mission-based church groups is a start.

Depending on where you work, they often have clubs or affinity groups where you can give back through volunteer events or mentoring youth from impoverished communities.

Your 20s bucket list can help you find your purpose all while helping others.

Goals In Life For A Woman With Purpose

Finance Management

Last but not least, don’t wait until the last minute to save more and button up your finances.

It’s never too early to invest in yourself. Things have changed. Your retirement is your responsibility.

Whether you’re matching your company’s 401k, maxing out your Roth IRA for the year, or simply putting away an extra hundred bucks for a rainy day; every step you take to improve your finances counts.

Take your 20s to build up your credit score, not deplete it. Steer clear of credit cards. Please don’t believe the hype. Most credit cards lead nowhere but to debt.

If you need to build credit, try these strategies instead.

When you graduate from college, try not to defer your student loans. Start paying down your debt as soon as possible rather than letting the interest rates balloon.

Check your spending habits, try to invest in stocks or REITs instead of overpriced designer clothing and shoe brands.

You don’t have to be rich to travel the world, but the budget-friendly route is better. You can create a monthly budget spreadsheet from scratch, or you can purchase one here.

Check out the top 5 books I highly recommend for managing your finances in your 20s:

Add changing your mindset to your 20s bucket list. Your mind has a surprising amount of control over attracting wealth and abundance into your life. Manifesting starts with a thought. Envision that you are already rich, financially and spiritually.

It’s only a matter of time before it comes true.

Grab your copy of the ‘Side Hustle Planner’ for an exclusive budget planning template inside!

Crazy Things To Do In Your 20s Bucket List

Hike a long trail solo
Skydive
Scuba Dive
Rock Climbing
Streaking
Bungee Jumping
Snowboarding
Cliff diving
White water rafting
Audition for a reality show
Move away from your hometown
Read 100 books in a year
Speed Date
Go drag racing
Perform in a burlesque show
Celebrate your birthday in Vegas
Go on a world tour

Rebellious things to do in your 20s

Quit your job
Elope
Hookup with a stranger
Get a tattoo
Unusual piercings
A spunky new haircut
Drink until you get a hangover
Live in a foreign country
Blow your life savings or trust fund money
Make an expensive, nonsensical purchase
Drop out of college
Join a rock band
Lead a protest

With all these ideas, you should be able to curate your 20s bucket list in no time.

Just remember, there are no age restrictions when you’re trying to live your life to the fullest.

As long as you’re above the legal age, remain safe, and make good choices, use the guidelines to build a bucket list of your own.

My only advice is to stay away from the rebellious ones.

Meg - Planner Me Up

I teach entrepreneurs how to simplify their life and business with less + own their time and maximize productivity towards their personal and monetary goals.

20s bucket list ideas for your defining decade

What should I use my 20s for?