At 25, what should my priorities be?

At 25, it feels like standing on the threshold between youth and adulthood—having bid farewell to the innocence of campus life, yet not yet fully immersed in the complexities of middle age. Chinese Taoism emphasizes “following the Tao,” believing each stage has its own “natural rhythm.” At this age, there’s no need to rush after society’s definition of “success.” Instead, draw wisdom from Taoist thought to clarify these four priorities.

1. Nurture “Qi”: Treat your body and mind as life’s “foundational vessel”

Daoism regards “qi” as the source of life. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine states, “When qi flows smoothly, the body thrives.” At 25, bodily functions peak, yet habits like staying up late, prolonged sitting, and irregular eating—which deplete qi—quietly sow seeds of future trouble. The priority now is establishing “rhythmic living”: rise at dawn (5-7 a.m.) to regulate the liver, engage in moderate exercise at dusk (5-7 p.m.) to nourish the kidneys, and quiet the mind at nightfall (9-11 p.m.) to prepare for sleep—aligning with the body’s circadian rhythm.

Mentally, “nurturing energy” is equally vital. Peer pressure often fuels anxiety at this age. Taoist wisdom of “reducing personal desires” doesn’t mean passivity—it’s about practicing ‘subtraction’: lessening excessive focus on others’ lives, discarding unrealistic fantasies, and pruning distracting thoughts like trimming branches. Only then can inner “vital energy” coalesce.

2. Seek the “Way”: Find Your Path by “Going with the Flow” in Your Career

Daoism teaches that “the Way follows nature.” At 25, career choices shouldn’t fixate on “high pay” or “hot trends,” but rather seek a path that “aligns with your true self.” Just as water flows downward and trees reach for sunlight, everyone possesses an innate “natural inclination”: Some excel at logical analysis; others thrive on creative expression. Forcing oneself against nature to chase “hot trends” is like rowing against the current—it only drains energy.

What matters most now is “deep cultivation and foundational building.” Taoist practice emphasizes “gradual progression.” At 25, there’s no need to rush for instant success. Instead, accumulate skills like polishing jade. Even if your current role seems ordinary, learning a little more each day and practicing one step further builds momentum for the future—just as the Daoist saying goes, “A nine-story tower rises from a pile of earth.”

3. Choose “Harmony”: Maintain “Yin-Yang Balance” in Social Interactions

Daoism pursues “unity between heaven and humanity,” and interpersonal relationships also require “harmony.” At 25, there’s no need to force yourself into meaningless social gatherings just to “fit in.” Instead, follow the principle of “birds of a feather flock together” and cultivate friendships with those who share your values. True friendship should be mutually uplifting, like the interdependence of yin and yang: offering comfort in hardship and encouragement in progress, rather than being a draining “friendship of wine and meat.”

Maintain harmony especially with family. While you gain independence at this age, your parents enter middle age. Taoism’s principle of “filial piety as the foundation” reminds us: a simple phone call, a visit home, or even cooking a meal or chatting with them fills the “gap of companionship.” Family bonds are life’s “roots”; only with strong roots can one journey far.

4. Understand Yourself: Reserve Time for “Inward Dialogue”

Daoism advocates that “those who know themselves are wise.” At 25, we’re most prone to drifting with the current, forgetting to ask ourselves what we truly desire. Set aside half an hour daily for “solitude”: meditate in stillness, emptying your mind like Daoist “sitting in forgetfulness”; or journal to sort through your thoughts. Only through this inner dialogue can you discern your true ‘desires’ and avoid “losing your way” in life’s journey ahead.

This “inner exploration” also involves embracing imperfection. Daoism teaches that “both yin and yang have their deficiencies”—no one achieves “perfection in all things.” At 25, don’t let a single job loss or heartbreak define you. Instead, embrace life’s ebbs and flows as naturally as the changing seasons. Learning to reconcile with your own “imperfections” cultivates a more composed mindset to weather future storms.

Priorities at 25 are never a checklist of “correct answers.” The core of Taoist thought is to learn at this age to “go with the flow”—nurture the “foundation” of your physical and mental well-being, find the ‘direction’ of your career, safeguard genuine “relationships,” and see clearly the “self” within. Master these four things, and you needn’t fret over time’s swift passage. For each solid step you take will pave the smooth path of your own life.