Are you turning 30 and drawing the line on things you hoped you would do and things you actually did? I’d love to know where you’re at. I’m also willing to bet the two lists don’t have too much in common. Why?
- We all get caught in our daily routine, go with the flow, and end up postponing things we thought were important to us.
- People change, and so do their attachments. One day, you think someone will be with you for the rest of your life, and the next day, they are gone.
- As time goes by, our priorities change, and things that used to be important to us no longer matter.
Otherwise put, you are no longer the person you used to be ten years ago when you made that list of things you want to accomplish before turning 30. Therefore, if your current life looks very different from what you imagined, don’t let the differences overwhelm you.
There’s good and bad to every story.
If your career has not reached the stage you were hoping for, perhaps your personal life is much better than you anticipated. Perhaps both aspects leave room for improvement, but you had fun, created delightful memories, and met a few wonderful people.
Even if the universe seemed to work against you at times, there is no doubt you’ve learned a few lessons and become a better, stronger person along the way.
Looking back and regretting the things you did or did not do is useless. You cannot turn back time, and wasting even more on self-pitying won’t help. A much better approach is to prepare for a new start.
Make a new list of things you want to accomplish, and, this time, stick to it.
As you put together that list, do not waste your time on things other people would expect from you, on stereotypes referring to what you are supposed to have or do at a certain age. Instead, look into your heart.
Dive into your dreams, and focus on those experiences that would really mean something to you. Focus on those things you’ve always wanted to do but never did.
Things to Do After You Turn 30 – Anything You’ve Always Wanted and Never Did
There are quite some things that you can accomplish before turning 30. But why not start fresh and make this new phase of your life the best?
Below are some of the interesting things you should have addressed by now. If you have not done them already, it’s okay! Many of those activities should be interesting and worthwhile experiences even after you turn 30.
What’s wrong with:
- Learning a foreign language
- Facing your fears
- Learning to cook
- Making new friends as an adult
- Learning to love oneself
- Traveling solo
- Visiting developing countries
- Taking chances
- Not procrastinating
- Being spontaneous
- Getting to know yourself
I like this list so much that it is not so much the activities themselves because they all focus on self-development, not on the superficial value of today’s society. It doesn’t matter if you sleep in a tent or a five-star hotel if you travel in a limousine or go backpacking. What matters is the experience and what you get from it.
Similarly, your happiness should not depend on other people. It should come from within. If you have someone to share your happiness with, that’s great. If not, you should still be able to smile and have fun.
Therefore, if you’ve been postponing a trip because you can’t afford certain aspects of it, think again! There are surely expenses you can eliminate or reduce to obtain the money you need. If you like someone, talk to them! If you don’t do it, someone else might, and they may steal your chance of happiness.
I’m not going to tell you what to do because you know better than anyone where your heart is.
I think you should do it now while you still can. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? It is better to live today to the fullest. And if you can make tomorrow just as memorable, that’s great. If not, you’ll have something to hang on until things get better.
Live Now, Do Not Put Your Life on Hold to Plan for the Future
I hate to break this to you, but you’re no longer a child. You can be as childish as you wish, but your age won’t change. It is perfect that you worry about your job and wish to start or already have a family.
However, along the way, never stop worrying about yourself, seeking your own happiness, catering to your own needs, and wants.
At the end of the day, you are all you’ve got. If you sacrifice your health and your dreams to build a good life with other’s people’s standards, you might be disappointed. Your standards should be the only ones that matter.
And no, I’m not preaching egocentrism. I think you cannot make others happy if you are not happy. I think life is too short of sacrificing it, trying to accomplish unrealistic or unimportant goals.
When you look back, a couple of years from now, you should see accomplishments and happy memories, not sacrifices you made to pursue a certain goal.
I turned 30 four years ago. If my age taught me anything, it is that:
- The person I sleep with is more important than the bed I sleep in
- The people I eat with and the atmosphere at the table are more important than the food itself.
- Nothing and no one can bring back the time and the people we lose.
That is why, from now on, my goals are simple.
Simple Goals To Embrace After Turning 30
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night (I still have white nights from time to time, when working for piles up, and recovering from them is not easy after you’ve turned 30)
- Never again skip doctor’s visits (I used to until I developer cancer symptoms, and the thought of leaving my loved ones alone scared the hell out of me)
- Enjoy at least one vacation every year with my family (we skipped a few throughout the years to help pay for the apartment and the car)
- Give me a break from time to time (I need my coffee breaks like I need air).
- Spend as much time as possible with my family (By spending time with them, I mean actually being there and focusing on the things we do together)
- Stick to the work I love (I’ve had access to better jobs, both by title and paycheck, but nothing is more gratifying than getting paid to pursue your hobby)
- Not leave anything I can do today for later (I always leave some dishes in the sink ; I’m referring to the important stuff, like visiting a loved one, taking an exam, making love to your partner, or playing in the park with the kids).
What are your goals for your 30’s? How do you plan to accomplish them? Please share some of those things you’ve always dreamed of doing but never got to in a comment, and, why not, keep us posted on your progress!
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