Young adults who do these 12 things now will get ahead of their peers in 5 years' time

Taking these steps in early adulthood will give you a head start.

A woman wearing a hat, a white shirt, and a brown skirt is standing outside, holding a smartphone and listening to music with earbuds. She is smiling and appears relaxed, with a cityscape in the background.

As the younger generations enter the workforce and venture into the world of adulthood, figuring out how to become successful can feel incredibly daunting. Despite how scary this new stage of life can seem, it doesn’t have to be. Making small, intentional actions today can pave the way for significant advantages in the long run. Here are 12 things you should incorporate into your life now to set you up for success in the next five years.

1. Set definitive goals.

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So, you’ve made it to adulthood…now what? Even if you’re not sure where you see yourself in the near or long term, the best way to get ahead is to commit to a deadline for whatever goals you want to achieve. By setting a clear goal with a realistic deadline, you will learn to hold yourself accountable, which is an important skill to have for the future.

2. Invest in continuous learning.

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The world is constantly changing, and with it comes new skills and knowledge we need to keep up with it. Fortunately, by committing to lifelong learning—whether through online courses, workshops, or pursuing an advanced degree—you’ll be more informed about the latest trends and adapt to the changes with ease.

3. Build a professional network.

A group of people in business attire are engaging in conversation in an office setting. One person is holding a drink. Others are sitting and listening. The mood appears casual and friendly.

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or looking to climb the ladder in your current field, networking is crucial for future success. By joining professional organizations, attending conferences, or taking advantage of sites like LinkedIn, you’ll establish meaningful relationships with industry professionals who can help you reach your career goals quicker than your peers.

4. Develop soft skills.

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No matter what career field you choose to pursue, soft skills—like time management and effective communication—are important for just about every job. By actively working on these skills through public speaking or group projects, you’ll stand out among others in the job market.

5. Gain real-world experience through internships.

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Many young adults struggle to find work because of their lack of experience. The best way to fix this? Get an internship! Not only will an internship expand your resume and build your skill set, it could also help you snag full-time job offers well before anyone else you know.

6. Increase financial literacy.

A person is placing money into a pink piggy bank on a wooden table. Their other hand is using a green calculator. Some scattered papers and money are visible in the background.

According to the S&P Global Financial Literacy Survey, only 33 percent of adults worldwide are considered to be financially literate. Managing money can be overwhelming, but even through simple steps like creating and sticking to a budget or opening a high yield savings account, you will already be steps ahead of your peers.

7. Embrace technology proficiency.

A person in a suit holds a tablet with colorful icons and digital elements like emails, social media, and global connectivity symbols floating above the screen, representing various digital communication and technology concepts.

It is no secret that almost every aspect of our lives has become increasingly tech-driven. How you choose to take advantage of it is what will set you apart from others. By increasing your knowledge in skills like data analysis, coding, or using AI chatbots, you’ll gain a competitive edge that will help you in the long run.

8. Take on a side hustle.

A smiling woman in a workshop is assembling a wooden frame. She wears a denim shirt and has red hair pulled into a braid. A stapler and screwdriver are on the table. The background shows various tools and workbenches.

Let’s be honest, adulthood can be fun, but also incredibly expensive. If you’re looking to gain another stream of income while also engaging in something you love, consider turning one of your hobbies into a side gig. Not only will this demonstrate your entrepreneurial skills, it can also make you more appealing to future employers.

9. Practice assertiveness.

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For many people, setting boundaries—and enforcing them—can be a lot harder than it seems. If you are someone who struggles with assertiveness, you’re not alone. Some ways to improve your assertiveness skills are to use “I” statements to express your thoughts and feelings and to be open to constructive criticism and feedback.

10. Foster resilience and adaptability.

There is no doubt that you will come across numerous obstacles as you navigate adulthood. However, what separates successful people from others is how they overcome them. Instead of seeing challenging situations as problems that need to be fixed, try shifting your mindset to viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow as a person.

11. Cultivate healthy habits.

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One of the best ways to set yourself up for future success is to adopt habits that maintain or even improve your health and well-being. By implementing a regimen of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and healthy coping mechanisms for when life gets challenging, you’ll give yourself the energy you need to tackle your future head-on.

12. Take pride in your accomplishments.

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If there’s one thing to take away from this, it is to remember that your life is not a race. It’s normal to feel like you’re behind when comparing yourself to others—most people do. But at the same time, everyone moves at their own pace. Any of your achievements, no matter how small, is something worth celebrating. Cultivate a sense of pride in the forward steps you take in early adulthood because it’s okay to be proud of yourself. More than okay, in fact.