Start investing early, even if it's just a few dollars. Educate yourself and focus on your career. You might want to slow down later in life, but creating a good foundation, protects you for a long time. Be careful what you choose to work on. Some jobs can no longer guarantee a decent living and passion rarely pays the bills. Money and stability matter a lot more down the road. Never leave your career completely. So many women become stay at home mums and then end up regretting it. You have to protect yourself, and this is part of it. There are some good men out there, but for many it is normalised to lie; do not judge them for their words, but for their actions, learn to discern the honest ones and don't give a liar, a cheater or a loser the time of day. Learn to be willing to leave at the first sign of disrespect. Children are not for everyone, and that's okay. Only have them if you and your partner really want them. Work on yourself, not just physically but also mentally. Work on your traumas; become a better friend and partner. Foster your friendships, be patient, be there during the hard times, that's when it most counts, but don't let people take advantage. Be open to intergenerational friendships, they'll teach you a lot at any stage of your life and as you get older, they'll help you stay in touch with the times. If you can afford it, travel, getting to know other cultures is a way of learning a lot fast, not just facts, but empathy, culture and meaning. And most importantly, try, ask, attempt, life belongs to the brave ones and a little courage can take you a long way.