10 Cheat codes to leverage this 2025
Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons. Some we learn through painful experiences, others through unexpected victories, and many through plain old trial and error. As someone who's spent 6 years trying to show up as an adult, I've collected 10 cheat codes that have made navigating life easier:
Every dream has a cost of entry.
Sometimes it’s monetary. Most of the time it’s not.
Want to be a content creator? The cost is embarrassment - posting those first awkward videos, dealing with judgment from friends and family, and pushing through the cringe of hearing your own voice.
Want to pursue higher education? The cost could be your social life - missing out on gatherings, choosing study sessions over parties, and sometimes feeling like you're watching life happen through the library window.
Want a fit body? The cost is self-discipline and discomfort - early morning workouts when your bed feels extra cozy, choosing grilled chicken over pizza, and pushing through that last rep when your muscles are screaming to stop.
Want to switch careers? The cost might be starting from scratch - taking entry-level positions despite years of experience elsewhere, learning new skills while juggling your current job, and dealing with the uncertainty of whether you made the right choice.
Understanding these costs isn't meant to discourage you. It's about being realistic so you can prepare yourself for what's actually required. Because when you know the price upfront, you can make an informed decision about whether you're ready to pay it. And if you are? That commitment alone puts you ahead of all the people who are just dreaming without understanding what it takes. Every successful person you admire has paid their entry fee in some form. They just don't always show you the receipt.Financial literacy
Unfortunately, we live in a world where systems exist that put millions of people at a disadvantage when it comes to finances. But if you encounter any chance to learn more about financial literacy, please take it. And take it seriously. The earlier you can get your finances in order, the better. Start with the basics like budgeting and saving, then gradually work your way up to investing and wealth building.
You don't need to become a finance expert overnight, but you do need to understand enough to make informed decisions about your money. Start by tracking your expenses, being mindful of debt, and learning about different ways your money can work for you. Remember: money should be your tool, not your master. There are so many more concepts that can help you, but the next point is by far my favorite (and the most impactful imo).Increasing income > decreasing expenses
My first ever salary (back in 2020) was Php 14,000. Thankfully at the time, I was still living at home, I wasn’t a breadwinner, and I didn’t have dependents/kids. Ever since I started working, I told myself that I never want my parents to have to pay for anything I needed/wanted. So this small salary was what taught me how to track my expenses, open bank accounts, save, and live below my means. But let’s be real, sobrang liit ng 14k. By God’s grace, I had opportunities to get promoted/receive multiple raises. Each time I got a raise, handling money became easier. I wasn’t anxious about not having enough at the end of the month. And I wasn’t worried about sudden car expenses or medical bills.
That’s because as my income grew, so did my capacity to save, build an emergency fund, and invest in things that would help me work better (tech, productivity, health). The main point? “Decrease expenses” is great starter financial advice. To decrease one’s expenses is to say “I’m paying for my necessities first instead of spending on vices, unused subscriptions, and stuff I can’t afford yet.”
But the thing is, you can’t decrease your expenses forever. Not when you suddenly have a family to feed. Not when someone gets sick. Not when inflation exists. That's why increasing your income through upskilling and seeking better opportunities is actually the smarter long-term strategy for building wealth. You can only save so much, but your earning potential? That's unlimited.Get therapy
I'm 26 as of writing this. I've been going to therapy for almost 2 years now and I can confidently say that everything I've learned in those 2 years were more important than my 5 years of college. (Don't get me wrong, education is still important!) But there were so many aspects of my life that I couldn't understand and overcome until I went to therapy.
The beauty of therapy isn't just in healing wounds - it's in understanding patterns, building better relationships with yourself and others, and gaining tools to navigate life's challenges. The good thing is, you can also go to therapy even if you're not struggling. It’s like maintenance for your mental health. While I can’t say therapy is cheap, there are a lot of organizations in the Philippines that offer free mental health services. So feel free to check them out!Leave your hometown
I’ll forever be grateful that my parents encouraged me to pursue all sorts of opportunities and didn’t “keep me on a leash” for too long. Leaving the place you grew up in or the place you’re most comfortable in is the first step to realizing how much more of the world actually exists. How many other types of people are out there. And how many amazing perspectives, lessons, and stories you can gain from them.
Every time I left home, I didn’t just learn how big the world is…I ended up realizing that my dreams could be big too. So whenever you get a chance, leave home. Maybe just for a day. Then a weekend. Then a week. Then a month. Then one day, when you’ve prepared enough, you could move out too. Trust me, there’s so much more to experience outside of what you’ve known all your life.Actively listen
Your ability to recall things people say and bring them up during conversations at the right time is an amazing communication and networking skill. It's not just about remembering birthdays or favorite colors (though that helps) - it's about truly hearing what others share.
When someone mentions their goals, their struggles, or even small wins, making mental notes shows you care. Later, when you ask about that project they mentioned last month or remember they were dealing with a tough situation, you're not just making conversation. You’re actually cultivating a genuine connection. And this skill can open more doors and create stronger relationships than you think.Don’t burn bridges at work
This doesn't mean you have to stay in touch with every single person you’ve ever worked with or pretend to be best friends with difficult colleagues. It simply means leaving situations with grace, regardless of how you feel in the moment. Give proper notice when leaving. Document your processes. Train your replacement if possible.
Why? Because the world within industries and your communities can be small. That manager you clashed with might be interviewing you for your dream job five years from now. That colleague you helped might become your future business partner. Professional paths have a funny way of crossing again. And I’m glad I learned this in my 20s.Always keep a paper trail
Make sure promises, raises, and important conversations at work are documented, at least through email or official communication channels. In an ideal world, everyone would remember and honor their word. But in reality, people forget, circumstances change, and sometimes things get complicated. Having documentation isn't about distrust – it's about clarity and protection.
When that promised raise doesn't show up in your paycheck, project requirements suddenly change, or job descriptions don’t get followed, having written evidence can save you from countless headaches.Track your contributions, achievements, and feedback
Think of this as building your professional highlight reel. Start a "wins folder" (digital or physical) where you document everything that showcases your value and growth. Screenshot those "great job!" emails from clients. Save those performance reviews where your boss praised your initiative. Keep track of the projects you've led, the problems you've solved, and the metrics you've improved. Also keep track of the skills you've developed along the way.
Create a simple spreadsheet or use apps like Notion to organize everything and update it monthly while things are fresh in your mind. Trust me, you'll thank yourself when it's time to ask for a raise or seek new opportunities.Know your other unfair advantages and use them
We often think of unfair advantages as things like wealth or connections, but they can be so much more:
having mental fortitude
growing up bilingual or multilingual
being exposed to different cultures early in life
living close to your workplace
working from home
being single with no dependents
having a family business
There could be a lot of unfair advantages that you have but just aren’t fully aware of. Once you’ve identified them, leverage them ethically. Don't downplay your unique strengths out of guilt or modesty. Instead, use them to create opportunities for yourself and others. Remember, what you do with these advantages is what matters most.
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At the end of the day, these are just pieces of the much bigger puzzle called life. The key is to keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep being gentle with yourself as you figure things out. There’s so much more to learn and uncover out in the real world. But I hope at least one of these cheat codes helps you unlock new levels and achievements!
Also, I’d love to know, what’s a cheat code that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
