I did this. And I regret it.
23-26, broke as shit. Single. Shredded with 8% body fat year round. Had like 2 friends who I basically only saw at the gym. Living in a dumpster box studio apartment that cost $800/mo in Chicago. Barely dated, and whenever I’d start to build a relationship I’d break it off and say, “I have to grind.” Literally.
Worked full-time, up at 6am to commute an hour to work. Home at 7pm. Gym until 9pm. Worked on my writing (my dream) until midnight. Repeat 5 days per week. Worked every weekend for 5-8 hours Sat & Sun.
Never celebrated a holiday. I went to 1 Halloween party one year, and a music festival one summer for a day, and that was pretty much it.
I met my now-wife when I was 26.
And it’s shocking, almost sad, how much more effective I am with her compared to when I was single.
I became way more disciplined, yet somehow more balanced. More well-rounded.
I became more mature, more thoughtful, which allowed me to connect with way higher quality people, meet smarter mentors, and become more successful a lot faster.
I became more cultured. More knowledgeable about the world. I traveled. I tried new foods. I prioritized new experiences.
I became rich in so many more ways than just money (but also including money) by being with her.
And the same is true for every mega successful person I know. They all love their partners because their partners make them better, more capable leaders.
I don’t have many regrets in life. But looking back, I do wish I had allowed myself to enjoy my 20s a bit more. I don’t think 20% more “fun” would have changed my trajectory all that much.
But I’ll never be that age again, and one day you won’t either.
So yes, set big goals and work like an abandoned dog to achieve them.
AND… soak up being a young adult.
You’ll blink, and it’ll be over.