It's no secret that we change a tremendous amount in our 20s — this includes the way we act during the holidays. The new year's resolutions we make when we're in our early 20s are most likely completely different than the resolutions we would make in our late 20s. There's obviously nothing wrong with that — we all need those years to grow and evolve — but it is definitely interesting to look back on.
Personally, I changed a tremendous amount from when I was 22 years old. At that age, I cared more about going out, getting drunk, and meeting someone cute than waking up on time for a job, or saving money for my future. That's not to say there's anything wrong with the priorities I had when I was 22 (there definitely isn't), it's just that I changed as I grew up. It happens to the best of us, I guess.
Everyone is different, and some of us don't mature as fast as others, but I think it's safe to say that there are some pretty general differences between a 22-year-old and a 29-year-old, especially when it comes to their goals for a brand new year. It might not seem like that much has changed in less than 10 years, but believe me... it has. It's weird to look back on the old resolutions you cared about, and it's just as weird to think about how much your priorities might change. But hey, let's do it together! Here are what new year's resolutions look like when you're in your early 20s versus your late 20s, for those of you who want to look back, and those of you who want a glimpse at the future.
Money Resolutions
Early 20s: Spend your money on experiences while you still can! And booze. Lots of booze.
In your early 20s, you're all about traveling and having fun, and doing what you can while you still don't have that many responsibilities. I fully support this way of thinking.
Late 20s: Save all of the money.
Getting closer to your 30s? I bet your new year's resolutions are more about saving money for your future (or current) home and family, instead of spending it as soon as you get it.
Friend Resolutions
Early 20s: Get better at staying in touch with the people you haven't seen in a while.
At 22, probably fresh out of college, you're committed to making all of your friendships work through your adult life.
Late 20s: Stop trying to make friendships work unless they're really worth it.
At 29, you're too busy to make friendships work when it's all give and no take. You don't have time for all the social obligations, and honestly, you just can't fight for a friend who is flakey.
Job Resolutions
Early 20s: Apply for everything and anything, and don't stop until you get something.
When you're just out of college, you're ready to really apply yourself and get yourself out there. That dream job WILL be yours!
Late 20s: Take a freakin' break once in a while.
By the time you're 29, you've been working just long enough to start feeling kind of exhausted by it. You have to consciously remind yourself to not work so hard.
Family Resolutions
Early 20s: See your family more often.
It's hard to juggle time with your family when you're also committed to a full social life, trying to find your match on Tinder, and applying for jobs and internships. So they fall to the sidelines, and resolutions become about making time for them.
Late 20s: Stop calling your mom about every single adult decision you need to make.
Remember how you never used to talk to your mom? Lol. At 29, you have to make a resolution to stop calling her so much.
Dating Resolutions
Early 20s: Have fun! Stop taking everything so seriously!
This is your time to experiment and go out with all of the cuties. Go for it!
Late 20s: You should probably try to have date night once in a while.
If you're in a relationship, you're probably promising yourself you guys will be more exciting this year. Snooze. If you're single, you're probably promising yourself that you'll actually leave your apartment every once in a while to go meet people.
Sleep Resolutions
Early 20s: Get to sleep by midnight at the LATEST.
Remember when you used to stay up for all hours of the night? When I was 22, I didn't even leave for the bar until 11 p.m.. You have to force yourself to get to sleep before 12 a.m..
Late 20s: Try to stay up past 9 p.m.
Sleep is now your best friend. Resolutions aren't about sleeping — they're about not sleeping, because you do it way too often.
Social Life Resolutions
Early 20s: Resolve to spend more time on your own instead of always going out.
22 with a cool social life? You need to make a resolution for "me time."
Late 20s: Go out once in a while, and stop being so lazy.
By 29 you just want to embrace being on the couch, and your resolutions become about forcing yourself to have a social life. Oh, how times have changed.
Images: Carol Yepes/Moment/Getty Images; Giphy
