Think back to when you turned 20. Maybe you had dreams of having amazing adventures, collecting breathtaking moments, and meeting the most interesting people. You might have been in working hard in school all day so you can party hard all night. You might have been ready to take on the entire world.
If this didn’t turn out the way that you planned, that’s okay! Celebrate your 20’s and reflect on all that you have accomplished so far. Here is a list of 30 things to achieve before you hit the big 3-0.
1. Stop worrying about your age
No matter what you do, growing old is a fact. Life is so much more than your age and there is no point in worrying about something that you can’t control. It’s never too late to start something new or fulfill a lifelong goal or dream.
2. Take care of your mental health
It’s hard to live your best life when you are anxious, depressed or stressed. Mental health is important because it impacts your thoughts, emotions, behavior and relationships. Take a mental health assessment, connect with friends and family, or talk to a professional.
3. Forgive yourself
What better way to enter into a new chapter in your life than to let go of all of your emotional baggage. The only person that is hurt by holding onto the past is you. Forgive your younger self and let go all of your negative feelings.
4. Pay off your credit card
Prioritize paying off your Credit Card debt so that you can have a clean credit history. Debt can be financially devastating for your future. Pay down your higher interest rates first and set up a payment plan. Trust me, it’s the best feeling in the world.
5. Learn how to cook
Take out Chinese and Pizza delivery will always be there for you but there’s so much that cooking can offer. You’ll impress your friends and family, eat healthier and know exactly what’s going in your food.
6. Pay it forward
Your words or actions can help start a chain of positive events. Be kind to that stranger in line, pay for someone’s coffee or help that old lady. Positivity can make someone’s day or life.
7. Conquer your fears
Fear can hold you back from doing so many things in life. Once you are aware of what you are capable of, anything is possible.
8. Take a risk
Try something new, listen to your gut and don’t look back. You don’t want to look back at your life and regret not starting that business, asking that man/woman out, or moving to a completely new city.
9. Fail at something
Nobody is perfect and you will always make mistakes. Don’t ever give up. Keep getting back up and move forward. Failure is another opportunity learn and grow so that you can be the best version of yourself.
10. Step outside your comfort zone
How can you evolve if you only stick to habit and what you know? Embrace the challenge, be uncomfortable and reach new heights. You might just rise to the occasion.
11. Save your money
Now is the time to start planning for your big expenses in your future – a wedding, home, car, kids to list a few – that needs disciplined saving. The best way to prepare for these expenses is to create a monthly budget plan where your money goes. Create a savings goal as if it were a fixed cost so that you have to put money into your savings as if it were a bill.
12. Travel
Traveling allows you to meet people from different cultures, with unique traditions and lifestyles. You will experience new things that can redefine your way of life. Being somewhere that you have never been gives you the perspective to understand lifestyle differences but also on the things that unite us all as humans.
13. Take your health seriously
Start prioritizing your health now so that you can invest in your future health. Late night burritos and your 7th round of shots will start taking a toll on your body. Get enough rest, drink water, eat clean and hit the gym. Give your body the TLC it needs.
14. Learn to live in the moment
Each moment is a gift. There is no guarantee how many more moments you will have. Life is short, so enjoy it while you can.
15. Fall in and out of love
Share your happiness and pain with someone that you completely love. But also, be prepared for heartbreak and learn to let go.
16. Find your passion
Finding whatever makes you passionate for living will transform you. Doing what you love will lead you to a happier and fulfilling life.
17. Learn discipline
This will be hard but you will have the power to follow through with your commitments and promises by becoming more disciplined. Take control over your thoughts and actions and do whatever it takes to reach your goals.
18. Meditate daily
Take a moment to breathe, become aware of your thoughts and only focus on what resonates with you.
19. Stop living through social media
Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t live your life based on social media standards. Live for yourself and not for the likes.
20. Begin journaling
Write down your thoughts and feelings. This is an open letter to get to know yourself better as a person.
21. Let the people you love know how much you love them
Life is very short. Make sure you let the people you love know before you lose that chance.
22. Start your dream business or Job
Apply for your dream job. Follow your passions and start that business you’ve always wanted.
23. Volunteer for a good cause
Give back to your community. Share your time, talent and treasure to a cause that you’re passionate about and be the change you wish to see in the world.
24. Be kind
Everyone is fighting a battle that you can’t see. They might not be on the same path as you but being kind goes a long way to help them on their journey.
25. Use affirmations
You are your own best fan or best critic. Your words will ultimately change your thoughts and actions.
26. Learn to communicate
Good communication skills can help develop your relationships by helping you to understand and to be understood.
27. Go back to school
It’s never too late to go back to school. Earn your Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D., or Certificate and shape your intellect.
28. Acquire your taste in alcohol
Gone are your beer bong, AMF and Liquid Cocaine college binges. It’s time to start adulting and develop a more sophisticated taste in alcohol. Savor the flavors of Whiskey, Wine, Champagne and other great drinks.
29. Inspire people
You don’t need to inspire the entire world but you can inspire the people around you. Your words and actions can make someone’s day or life.
30. Live your life
Stop listening to other people tell you how to live (I know, I just gave you a list of 30 things to do before you turn 30). You are the only one living your life. Do what makes you happy and trust yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to read this list. I hope this inspires you to live your best life and to make your own list of things to do before you turn 30!
