10 Lessons I Learned in My 30s
March 12 was my 40th birthday and it’s true what they say: wisdom comes with age. I’ve learned countless lessons in my decades of experience on earth, but I’ve compiled my top 10 to move you forward now, no matter the stage of life you’re in.
1. The only and most important opinion is your own.
My favorite quote is: “Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business.” I had always told myself I didn’t care what people thought, but it wasn’t until I truly embraced this saying that I knew I was still letting other opinions influence my own. There will always be negative opinions and judgments to receive, but they don’t matter. Most of the time, they are just projections based on another person’s beliefs or life circumstances and have absolutely nothing to do with you. The most important thing is staying true to yourself and living your best life.
2. Take imperfection action.
You will never be completely ready to make a big leap in life, whether it’s a new career, move, or investment. If your intuition guides you to do something, all you can do is try. Learn to embrace failure along the way because as long as you are living, you will try and make mistakes. And, as long as you learn from them, mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth.
3. Mindset is key.
A positive mindset is not a byproduct of success. It is a constant practice that allows you to be appreciative of success. It is a choice you make that influences how you see and feel the world. Improving your mindset will help open doors for anything you want to achieve. Try enhancing your perspective with positive self-talk, practicing gratitude, and being proactive about your health.
4. Prioritize consistency.
Here’s another quote to live by: “You will never always be motivated. You have to learn to be disciplined.” If you wait for motivation to strike, you’re going to be stuck in beginner phases much longer than you need to. Prioritize consistency over bursts of energy. Create new, daily habits that bring you closer to your goals, and you’ll be surprised at how attainable they become.
5. It is never too late to try something new.
Do not let societal pressures or expectations stop you from being a lifelong learner. It’s pure luck to know what you want to do with your life when you’re younger and to have all the support to do it. If you stay curious about yourself, you’re bound to strike up new interests and goals. You are never too old or unworthy of pursuing your purpose or things that bring you joy.
6. Find your focus on overwhelming days.
Remember that even the worst days are temporary. As long as you are breathing, you have already survived the most challenging moments of your life. Call upon your internal compass to remember what’s important in that moment on the difficult days, and remember to care for yourself. Light movement or a nourishing meal without distractions can go a long way, which brings me to my next lesson…
7. Take care of your body and our planet.
Your body is the vessel that carries you through life, and it’s the most important relationship you’ll ever have. Learn to love it, as it is now, for all that it has done to keep you alive. Hydrate, move, fuel it with good nutrition, and bask in nature. The planet is the supplier of the resources you need to live a healthy life, so treat it well, too. Everyone has an individual responsibility to positively impact the earth and nurture it for future generations.
8. It’s okay to say no.
Actually, it’s more than okay, and it should be a necessary word in your vocabulary. Saying no gives you the power to take control and do the thing you want in life, not what you think you “should” do, and not what would make others happy. Remember this: “If it’s not a hell yes, it should be a no.”
9. Be curious, not judgemental.
Never assume you know someone else’s story. Every person is different, and assumptions result in false narratives and missed opportunities for growth and understanding. Talk less and actively listen more. Before coming to a conclusion, try asking a question.
10. Give as much as you can; take only what you need.
Generosity is scientifically linked with happiness. It costs nothing to give others a smile, compliment, appreciation, or care. Help people as much as possible, and pay it forward without seeking recognition. Remember to set boundaries when you need them and care for yourself in the process.
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