Once you cross the 30 border, you begin to realize what truly matters in life. For one, you realize that you are seriously an adult and secondly, that your time is so
Against popular opinion, 30 is the new cool! It’s a time when you realize that everyone is really just winging it and there’s no formula for success in this adult life. The horrible part of turning 30 only exists in our minds because you don’t just morph into a grandparent overnight. It’s time to stop treating your thirties like a death sentence and allow yourself to embrace the most exciting time to be alive.
It is true your body parts are starting to hurt for no reason and people are referring to you as “ma’am or sir” more often than usual. But instead of feeling awkward, handle this with a sense of pride and some humour, and just like every new phase in life, commensurate changes should be made to make life easier and enjoyable.
Here’s a guide on some of the most important changes you should make after you turn 30…
#1. Get to know yourself again
Stop wishing life had a rewind button. Don’t argue with yourself about the what-ifs, ands, or buts. Forgive yourself for every mistake you might have made in the past and end toxic relationships. This is a time to rediscover yourself and your values, to fall in love with you, and become friends with your body. In general, just like they say, this is the time to “know your worth then add tax.”
#2. Reevaluate your career path
Are you truly happy with what you do and where you are? In your twenties you might have taken up a job just because of high unemployment rate, but now is the time to leverage on your existing skill set, seek professional counsel, and get a mentor in your proposed field. In addition, you can also test run (volunteer maybe) this field of interest, research on it and you just might discover a new career path that you are passionate about and can thrive in.
#3. Work out and feed healthier
Know what your body needs and this includes a good night rest. No more club hopping and partying all night when you have to work the next day. One rude awakening about turning 30 is that it becomes clear that you can’t get wasted and bounce back as fast as before. You might not be pretty stoked about working out and dieting but you have to grab life by the thread mill if healthy living makes sense to you. Listen to your mind and do what you need to do to take care of you.
#4. Dress the part
Be honest: How many times have you looked in the mirror and realized that your dress sense is no longer age appropriate? After turning 30, everyone places you on an invisible pedestal and there’s no better time to completely have a wardrobe overhaul. It’s time to spend some of your hard-earned money on quality items and timeless pieces that will make you look just as good as you feel. People will take you more seriously when you’re looking sharp — and just maybe, your potential significant other thinks you are a teenager and is scared of shooting his/her shot. So dress how you want to be addressed.
#5. Think investments
After turning 30, you start to take the reins of your finances. We are aware that planning for the future can be a headache; so you’ll want to ensure you have enough money for major life events such as getting married, children’s bills, owning a house or moving to a bigger space and eventually your retirement.
Finding a balance between meeting long term and short term goals with discipline and being able to delay gratification can be tough, but having investment plans that help you reach your current and future life goals can be helpful. Research properly before investing. As a beginner, you might want to consider starting with low-risk investment options like the money market. Get professional help when starting out. You’ll be glad you did.
Hervey Allen once said “the only time you really live fully is from 30 to 60. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits.”
Featured image: KarenBritChick | Instagram
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