Go Outside: ...And 19 Other Keys to Thriving in Your 20s

by Jared C. Wilson, Becky Wilson

We all wish we could go back.  In Go Outside , Jared and Becky Wilson imagine the advice they’d give if they could travel back in time. Like Solomon in Ecclesiastes, as we get older, we lament and regret the desires and behaviors of our youth. But what if you could avoid some of the pitfalls and pain so many people experience? After 25 years of marriage and even more years following Jesus, Jared and Becky provide vital words of wisdom and encouragement to make the season of your youth a time of joy and fruitful investment in the future. You can build your legacy now based on this important biblical counsel. Filled with warmth and personal stories, the Wilsons explore topics such This book includes twenty short chapters that will set—or keep—your story on the right track. Read it with friends and share it with the ones you love.

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Jared C. Wilson is the Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Managing Editor of For The Church (ftc.co), and Director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including "Gospel Wakefulness," "The Prodigal Church," and, most recently, "The Imperfect Disciple." Wilson blogs regularly at gospeldrivenchurch.com, hosted by The Gospel Coalition and is a frequent speaker at conferences and churches around the world.

Reviews

[Ronni Kurtz]

This book is a wonderful exercise in showing that gospel-centrality and practical advice are not at odds with one another. Jared and Becky Wilson have brought together biblical wisdom, theological reflection, and practical experience to deliver the reader wise and sound council on variegated topics—ranging from friendships, money, marriage, the local church, and more. This book reminds readers that who God is and what He is doing in the world impacts every facet of our life, and the Wilsons are the right couple to draw our attention to this cosmic reality.

^^ My endorsement for this great and accessible book.

[Courtney Z]

What a great, brief book of wisdom for young people. (And honestly, for me too!) This would make a great high school graduation gift, and the chapters are so short it shouldn’t be daunting to even the most wary-of-reading late teens and twenty somethings. I see a lot of potential for using this in a discipleship setting, as the chapters touch on really pertinent topics that a mentor could use to launch into deeper discussion, question asking, and accountability opportunities with a mentee in this life stage. Also, Jared Wilson(and in this case his wife, Becky) are just so doggone readable! It’s like we’re sitting and having a conversation together over a great cup of coffee(which there is an abundance of in KC). ☕️💙 Highly recommend, and am super excited to discuss with my college aged friend!

[sarah smith]

once i opened this book not-during-the-school-year, i burned through it in a day. digestible and solid wisdom. i now have a go-to grad party gift that is more thoughtful than cash😁

[Noah Senthil]

(Rating: 3.5)

I started this a long time ago and finished the second half this morning. I love the idea. Christians in their 20’s (like me) are longing for practical advice. We need spiritual mothers and fathers.

Enter: Jared and Becky Wilson.

In sum, it’s gospel-centered practical wisdom for human flourishing: Go outside. Steward finances. Choose your friends wisely. Don’t try to be the expert in the room. That sort of thing. The advice is all quite good.

The main issue is that, as someone in the target audience, it felt like it was written more for high schoolers (like freshman or sophomores) than adults. I think that has less to do with the subject matter (I actually do need to be told to go outside and pay attention to my finances), and it has more to do with the writing style and lack of depth.

Overall, it’s good, but I’d be more likely to recommend it to high schoolers than my peers.

[Peter Swift]

This is a great, practical, and blessedly short book, perfect for those on the cusp of adulthood. There’s a lot of the more obvious and expected advice (though still true, relevant, and necessary!), but also a few unexpected chapters that may challenge the assumptions of 20-somethings in a good way.

Very worthwhile read, and a great book to get into the hands of graduates - both high school or college.

[Imani]

I give this low rating as a warning to anyone in your late twenties (I'm 29 for 2 more months). The short quick chapters go for breadth not depth and I wish I had read this closer to when I graduated from college and had the wind knocked out of me by life but as an older young adult and more mature Christian I was left looking for meat to only find seedlings. Good stuff just not for my demographic.

[Hayden Harp]

Go Outside had a lot of important truths and reminders for believers in their 20’s- oh hey that’s me! While it would have been nice to have the chapters expanded on a bit, it was also helpful that they were short enough for a quick, but rich, read.

[Renee M Young]

Admittedly there are things I wish I would have done different, especially in college. Now in my early 30s, I am attempting to reclaim some habits and establish new ones. “Go Outside & 19 Other Keys to Thriving in Your 20s” by Jared and Becky Wilson is a constructive read for all ages—most notably written for recent high school graduates and college students. Because I am in my 30s, this book hit a little different than it would have had I read this in the height of me thinking I was invincible. Reading it, I was able to lament when the past 10 years haven’t been used most fruitfully; however, I was really motivated to live more fully and effectively with the time I have left today.

“I think I squandered so much of those days focusing on things that don’t ultimately matter” (25).

For those who read this in their late teens and early 20s, I hope you heed the warnings and cling to the admonitions given so you avoid making the mistakes those the season ahead of you regret. And if you’re looking for a perfect graduation gift, this is it.

My favorite chapters: Use the energy you have while you have it; Chasing your dreams is overrated; Never try to be the expert in the room; It is more important to be kind and helpful than to win.

Each chapter is about 800-1000 words so it takes less time to read than your morning scroll on social media. The vibe is as if you are having coffee with a friend, mentor and soaking up every last word they say. There is also a gentle tone when it comes to things pertaining to Christian liberty—like how much time you spend reading your Bible; what health, fitness, and diet look like; and how hospitality plays out in your life. Jared and Becky write with compassion and a real urgency so you don’t walk through life aimlessly. Because of the short, stand-alone nature of each chapter, you are encouraged to just keep blazing through the book. And you will.

Each chapter is practical in nature, but ends with an invitation to Jesus or reminds the reader of Christ’s work on your behalf. That is what sets this little book apart from your everyday, run-of-the-mill self-help book on the shelves.

“Our ultimate validation every single day of our life—and on the last day of our life—must come not from what we have done but from what Jesus has done on our behalf!” (126).

[Brielle Armbruster]

I received this book as a grad present almost 4 years ago, I didn’t get around to reading it as I thought I had it all figured out. This book changed that. The things I learned from it allowed me to improve my mindset and set my thoughts on something else entirely. I feel lighter.

The chapters are easy to read and the messages in the book are easily digestible usually with books like this, I struggle to get into them because of how lengthy they are. This was a breath of fresh air. Short and sweet but took me a while to finish as I wanted to reread chapters to make sure I got everything out of them.

The personal experiences the authors pulled for the book and the notes for single Christians were lovely. I recommend anyone, not just 20 year olds to read this. Don’t think of it as just a ‘Christian’ book it’s a book that is open and gives solid advice on how to best live your life without guiding you in a direction that could leave many people bitter. 5 stars

[Ashley Marshall]

Have you ever known people that you just wanted to sit with forever and talk with them, soaking up their wisdom? That's what this book feels like. It's like you're in their living room, chatting about life and getting practical, spiritual advice and encouragement laced with SO much love and grace. I appreciate the Wilson's work in this book and look forward to sharing it!

[Samuel]

Candid, concise, and immensely practical. You can tell that this book comes from years of experience with many 20somethings and from their own experience at that age as well. The Wilsons helpfully tag team the chapters to cover a wide range of topics biblically and carefully. Definitely a good read for any high school or college grad.

[David Tarkington]

We purchased these as gifts for our high school graduates. Short book with potentially huge impact. Praying our grads will read it and take the insight to heart. Much to underline or highlight. Not really just for young adults but old guys like me who long for a Doc Brown DeLorean every so often.

[Noah]

10/10

This book has been really helpful for me. It's an easy-to-read compilation of twenty useful bits of wisdom that I'll likely reread many times. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just people in their 20s!

[Madison Stephens]

A very good book with a lot of great reminders and insights. However, I honestly think it would be better read in your teen years to help prepare you for your 20’s and adulthood overall. So if you know any teenagers, tell them to read this book! 😁

[Alex Rea]

Great resource for high school seniors and college students. Will be giving these away to our graduates.

[Will Standridge, II]

This is a perfect little book for the graduating senior in your life. It’s packed full of gospel-centered, practical truth.

[Mary Taylor]

Short and simple little book with lots of wisdom packed in it :)

[Rachel]

I bought this book for my daughter who recently graduated high school and pre-read it and promptly bought 2 more copies for my teenage sons. Lots of wise and practical advice!