‘Things you judge yourself for can set you apart’: Ankur Warikoo, 45, shares 5 life lessons he wished he knew in his 20s.

Navigating your early and late 20s can be challenging. One moment, you’re excited about new opportunities, and the next, you’re second-guessing your choices, constantly figuring things out. Careers don’t always take off the way you imagined, friendships change, and there’s this quiet pressure to have it all sorted. But it is hardly ever that easy. No, we are not making the claims, but entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo also echoes a similar sentiment. According to him, your 20s are for exploration and discovery, so there’s no reason for you to feel left behind.

Ankur Warikoo recently shared a post on Instagram, listing 5 important life lessons that he swears by in his mid-40s but was embarrassed to admit when he was 20 years old. According to the entrepreneur, ‘Your 20s are spent trying to look like you belong. Your 40s are spent realizing that was the whole problem.’

Not having all answers

Ankur Warikoo admitted that in his 20s, he believed intelligent people always had clarity and knew exactly what to do. However, with time, his perspective shifted. He now believes that true wisdom lies in acknowledging uncertainty and having the confidence to say, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out.’

An empty calendar

Earlier, Ankur Warikoo associated a packed schedule with importance and success. Today, he values the opposite. He emphasised that protecting one’s time and allowing space to think is crucial, as that is often where the most meaningful and impactful work takes shape.

Asking for help

At one point, asking for help felt like inadequacy to Ankur Warikoo. He believed he needed to be the smartest person in the room to earn opportunities. Now, he sees it differently. Warikoo now understands that reaching out is not a sign of weakness but the fastest way to learn, grow, and push beyond limitations.

Not having a ‘prestigious’ first job

Like many young professionals, Ankur Warikoo once felt the pressure of landing a job with a reputed company. While others chased big brands and prominent labels, he took what opportunities came his way. Looking back, Warikoo realised that it is not the company’s name but an individual’s work ethic and willingness to learn that truly shape their character.

Prioritising rest over hustle

In his early years, Ankur Warikoo viewed taking rest as a lack of ambition. Today, he strongly disagrees with the notion that resting equals being lazy and busy equals being hardworking. Warikoo pointed out that rest and self-care do not cancel ambition but are crucial elements to grow in the long run.

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A post shared by Ankur Warikoo (@ankurwarikoo)

Ankur Warikoo’s post has resonated widely online, with many users relating to the idea that growth often comes from unlearning what once felt essential in youth.