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Let's be honest, the big 3-0 snuck up on you, right? Or is it right around the corner? Have you already surpassed this milestone birthday? Take a deep breath...your 30s isn't the end. It's just the beginning!
Here are 30 things you should start doing in your 30s if you haven't started doing them yet. Because, if we are honest, we probably should have been doing these in our 20s too!
1. Be Happy
Sounds simple, but it isn't easy. Finding happiness in all that you do can be the lifeblood of a great career and extraordinary life. The remaining 29 items on this list will always come back to: be happy, do things that make you happy, and surround yourself with people who make you happy!
2. Take care of your mind.
Taking care of our minds is just as important as our physical health. If you feel down, not like your usual self, or just simply need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out. It might be difficult and daunting, but always remember you are loved and cared about. Asking for help is not a weakness. Asking for help shows unbelievable strength.
3. Exercise and Eat Better.
You aren't in your 20s anymore. Things like your metabolism will begin to slow down. Eat better, eat fresh, eat local and get up and get moving! I know it can be challenging, and it is another thing to add to your to-do list, but exercising is great for your mental and physical health. I hate to break the news, but you aren't getting any younger. Your body and mind will thank you. Oh and, it is okay to indulge every once in a while.
4. Find Your Why
Why are you doing what you do? Why do you spend time with the people you do? Why are you here? Understanding "your why" can help you figure out many other questions you may have as you continue to grow professionally and personally.
5. Be Present
Often times we turn off our ears and tend to get lost in only our problems. Be present in all you do, which means listening to those around you - at work, at home, everywhere! You will find that the more present you are for others, the more present they will be for you.
6. Be Kind
This is probably the easiest to-do on the list. Be kind to others, to yourself, to nature, to animals, to everything. Kindness can go a long way. We all struggle at times, and we all have baggage or backstories that others don't know about, so just be nice to each other.
7. Find Your Passion Outside of Work
Take a good look at what you enjoy doing, and do it! Find the one, or two, or three things you have pride in outside your regularly scheduled work hours.
8. Find Your Passion at Work
Yes, I know we just covered the outside of work. But, it is just as critical to be passionate at work too. Find the career, the work, the company that makes you jump out of bed in the morning excited to start your day! You may already be there.
9. Have Fun
Turning 30 isn't the end of your "fun" years. Sure, the fun may look a little different now (maybe), but it's important to enjoy life and find what is fun for you.
10. Meet New People
Making friends in your 30s isn't easy, but you should never stop! Always have your base - the people that get you no matter what, accept you for all your faults and you theirs. But, remember your base can change as you age, so be willing to put yourself out there and meet new people. Surround yourself with people that are different than you and see what your base of friends can accomplish. You never know where you may meet your next best friend!
11. Get Involved
Volunteer, join a group, join a board. Just do something that puts you out of your comfort zone and helps others!
12. Find Your Path
Are you on the path that was planned for you, or are you on the right path? Maybe the right path is what you planned, and that is great! But, if it's not, now is the time to really dig deep into where you want to go in your future...and head that way!
13. Be at Peace
Speaking of your path...did everything not go according to the plan you created in your mind? Did you think you would be in the perfect career or married with children by now, and you aren't? Did you think that you could master the art of being a working parent and at the same time be the perfect spouse or friend? It's okay not to be perfect! It's okay that life isn't going exactly the way you pictured. Find peace in the fact that life throws all of us curves, embrace those curves, keep moving forward, keep setting goals, and you will be much happier.
14. Smile
I am sure you have heard it a million times, but a smile from a stranger can make someone's day. Be mindful of what a smile on your face could do for someone else, and grin it up!
15. Find Your Spot
Where do you feel most you? Find a place, a spot where you can go and relax. Even if it is the solace of your backyard - find a place where you can be calm and be in the moment.
16. Read
I know Netflix has some great stuff to watch. But, every once in a while, put down the remote and read a book! Set a goal to read one book a month. Join a book club. Do something that stimulates your mind outside of the television. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction, short story or long, read a book!
17. Do a Crossword or Suduko or Play Trivia
Look, our brains are still in pretty darn good shape. So, let's keep them that way. Critical thinking is important in your professional and personal life, so challenge yourself by doing a puzzle or playing trivia whenever you can.
18. Discover a New Talent by Trying New Hobbies
Try something new. You never know what new talent you can find in yourself unless you branch out and open yourself up to hobbies you may not have considered in the past. You could be the next greatest guitar player, and no one would know. If your hobby is scrolling on social media, it doesn't count. Try new hobbies to find new talents!
19. Wash Your Face
Seriously, just do it...don't ask questions. Just wash your face - all of you, everyone, wash your face.
20. Put the Phone Down
I get it you are texting, Instagramming, Facebooking, Snapping, Tik Tocking, reading YP blogs, and so many other things on your phone. But, this goes back to being present. Try putting your phone down every once in a while and see what else you have time for when you do!
21. Be Authentic and Honest
Be honest with yourself and with others. Be the most you, you can be. Don’t let other’s opinions of who you are or who they think you should be define you. Being authentic and being honest with yourself and others about how you feel or an idea you may have is essential to being happy (see No. 1 on this list).
22. Be a Rockstar at Work
Always do your best and strive to do better, own your failures and learn from them, speak up, continue learning, perfect your process, be efficient, ask questions, and never be afraid of the word no. Work hard, and you will be a rockstar at work!
23. Travel
Experience new places, new cultures, new food! Explore this great big beautiful world!
24. Reexplore Your Area
In between your travels, reexplore the area that you live in! Check out places you have never been to before. Do the touristy things in your town. Never stop experiencing all that your city has to offer.
25. Have Me Time
Do things on your own. As much as it is important to go out and be involved, it is also essential to have time to yourself. Lives get busy, even if it is 10 minutes of alone time - give yourself, your mind, and your body a break.
26. Get a Toolbox and Learn How to Use the Tools In
If you don't know how to hold a hammer, I think it is about time. Do you know the difference between a Phillips screwdriver and a flathead? You should probably know that too. But, please be careful if you branch into power tools.
27. Vote
You have a voice. Let it be heard! Do your research and vote in not only the big national elections but state and local elections too.
28. Plan for Retirement and Save your Money
Yes, I said it, and I hope you are already doing it. Want more tips on why money management at this age is important? See the YP blog "Money Management Tips For Millenials" and start saving now!
29. Stand Out and Stand Up
As young professionals, we are the future of this community. Stand out and be uniquely you! Stand up for what you believe in, and be respectful when you disagree with others. Together, young professionals can continue to make this community and its businesses better.
30. Join YP!
Young Professionals of Dubuque has so many opportunities for you to get more involved in the community and help you grow professionally and personally. If you aren't a member yet, sign-up today! If you are a member, chat with the YP board about getting more involved.
