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1 - Invest Early and Often: The Top of the List of Things I Wish I'd Done in My 20's
2 - Don’t Obsess About Your Body: A Big Lesson in Finding Yourself in Your 20s
3 - Stop Over-Dyeing Your Hair: Seriously
4 - Travel to At Least 20 Countries
5 - One of the Most Overlooked Skills to Learn in Your 20s
8 - Get Curious — Even If It Means Breaking the Rules
What Stephanie is Glad She Did Do
Final Thoughts: How to Make the Most of Your 20s
Your twenties can be exciting, messy, and life-defining. But they also fly by fast. In this article, inspired by a heartfelt podcast from Stephanie Rumble, Founder of Bright Red, we explore eight powerful things she wishes she'd done in her 20s, alongside a few she’s grateful she did. Her insights offer valuable lessons to help you make the most of this transformative decade.
1 - Invest Early and Often: The Top of the List of Things I Wish I'd Done in My 20's
Stephanie's number one regret? Not investing earlier.
"I wish I had invested a little bit of money every week into a managed fund," she says. Even small, consistent contributions compound over time. The reality is, understanding money in your 20s is one of the most empowering long-term decisions you can make.”
She recommends tuning into podcasts like Girls That Invest and encourages open conversations around money — beyond just the finance bros.
"Very small amounts of money every week consistently into a managed fund grow exponentially."
This is a smart way to begin your bucket list for your 20s.
2 - Don’t Obsess About Your Body: A Big Lesson in Finding Yourself in Your 20s
Stephanie reflects on the time and energy she spent stressing about her appearance. "It was all about how big or small I was. I wasted so much headspace."
Her advice? Release the pressure. Accept your body. Learn to trust it.
Stephanie’s work as an Accountability Coach in New Zealand now helps others take this same journey — supporting healthier relationships with food, fitness, and body image, without the fads or extremes.
3 - Stop Over-Dyeing Your Hair: Seriously
Your 20s are a perfect time to experiment — but they’re also a time to embrace who you are. Whether that means going bold or staying natural, the key is owning your look.
"I wish I hadn’t dyed my hair so much," she admits. After years of blonde dye jobs, her natural colour remains a mystery.
As a Fashion Stylist in Christchurch, Stephanie now helps clients uncover their personal style with tailored colour consultations and body-shape-guided wardrobe planning.
4 - Travel to At Least 20 Countries
Still, she recommends aiming to visit at least 20 countries before you turn 30. Backpack, take tours, or settle somewhere for a while — whatever gets you moving and expanding your world view.
"Your twenties are your time to travel," she says. While she had intended to travel longer, life’s surprises shifted the timeline.
"There’s 193 countries in the world. Visiting 20 is just the beginning."
5 - One of the Most Overlooked Skills to Learn in Your 20s
Stephanie says she didn’t give her body enough credit in her 20s. From childbirth to endurance runs, it was stronger than she believed.
Learning to trust, nurture, and listen to your body is a foundational skill — and one that builds real confidence.
6 - Trust Your Instincts More
In hindsight, Stephanie wishes she had leaned into her intuition more often. Rather than overthinking or outsourcing decisions, she now sees the value of gut instinct.
Finding yourself in your 20s often begins by quieting the noise and tuning in to what feels right.
Through her Education Workshops, Stephanie teaches practical tools for self-awareness, resilience, and decision-making — all key ingredients for building inner trust.
7 - Wear Sunscreen Every Time
Here’s a tip with lifelong benefits: wear sunscreen. Always.
"I wish I’d worn sunscreen every single time I was in the sun."
From avoiding sunbeds to making SPF part of your morning routine, small actions now prevent bigger regrets later. Your future skin will thank you.
8 - Get Curious — Even If It Means Breaking the Rules
Stephanie opens up about wishing she had explored more — including the experiences she hesitated to try. She’s not suggesting anyone follow a specific path, but rather to remain curious and open-minded.
Being bold in your 20s isn’t about rebellion — it’s about growth.
What Stephanie is Glad She Did Do
Not everything was a missed opportunity. Stephanie also shared a list of what she’s grateful for:
Getting an education that provided direction and purpose
Having two of her four children before 30 (even if unplanned)
Buying property early, which created financial momentum
Travelling with her family, despite the challenges
Maintaining close friendships, a foundation for wellbeing
Learning to apply skincare and makeup through trial and error
Committing to fitness and wellbeing, setting habits that last
Letting go of others' opinions, and showing up fully as herself
Final Thoughts: How to Make the Most of Your 20s
Your 20s aren’t about perfection — they’re about exploration, growth, and finding who you are. As Stephanie’s story illustrates, this decade can be rich with transformation, even if it doesn’t go to plan.
Things to do before you turn 20? Start learning who you are.
Things to do in your 20s? Take risks. Be deliberate. Stay curious.
How to make the most of your 20s? Listen, learn, and lean into who you want to become.
Stephanie now shares her story not just as someone who’s lived it, but as a trusted Speaker and Educator who helps others navigate change, resilience, and self-leadership.
If you're seeking clarity, courage, or practical tools for personal growth, Bright Red’s offerings are designed to support you every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important financial advice for your 20s?
Start investing small amounts regularly into a managed fund or savings plan. Compounding growth makes early investing incredibly powerful.
How can I stop obsessing over my body in my 20s?
Focus on developing healthy habits and self-compassion. Working with a coach or support system can help shift your mindset long term.
Should I travel or focus on my career in my 20s?
If possible, do both. Travel can be career-enhancing and life-shaping. The key is to plan intentionally and seek growth in both areas.
Why is sunscreen important in your 20s?
Sun damage accumulates over time. Wearing SPF daily protects your skin from premature aging and long-term health issues.
How do I build self-trust in my 20s?
Start by making small decisions and honouring them. The more you listen to your inner voice, the more confident you become.
What’s a healthy way to explore your identity in your 20s?
Try new experiences, travel, meet diverse people, and challenge old beliefs. This is how you begin truly finding yourself in your 20s.
Should I go to university or gain life experience instead?
It depends on your goals. Education is valuable, but real-world experience teaches resilience. Ideally, blend both where possible.
What are good habits to start in your 20s?
Exercise regularly, eat well, save money, build friendships, and keep learning. These compound in value as you age.
Is it too early to start personal development in your 20s?
Not at all. Your 20s are the best time to build strong mental, emotional, and leadership skills. Bright Red’s Education Workshops are a great place to start.
How do I stop worrying what people think of me?
Focus on your values and growth. The less energy you spend on others’ opinions, the more confident and fulfilled you become.
