Hitting the big 3-0 is a monumental step for anyone. Are you equipped with the essential life lessons to make it in the next decade of your life?
Let that little factoid sink in for a moment…
The transition from your 20s to your 30s will not come in predictable increments. Instead, you’ll wake up one day, look in the mirror, and realize, “I’m in my 30s.”
It will feel as if time flew by in the blink of an eye, and you feel as if you’re on a different path. The lessons you learn won’t suddenly come rushing into your head like a tidal wave of wisdom. Instead, you’ll feel a few slight changes from how you perceived things when you were in your teens and 20s. [Read: 20 lifestyle changes to make in your 20s for a better life]
30 Life Truths You Need in Your 30’s
If you feel as if your 30’s are drawing near and you haven’t learned enough, here’s a refresher course. Below are 30 life truths everyone should know by the age of 30:
1. Your body won’t be as fit and strong as you once were
Your metabolism slows down as you age, so you can’t stay as fit as you used to be without a little elbow grease. [Read: 26 secrets to get motivated to workout & exercise your way to a better life]
2. Your 20s will catch up with you, so be prepared
All the cheap booze, cigarettes, bad sleeping habits, and even worse eating habits will catch up with you someday. Turn an unhealthy lifestyle around before it causes irreparable damage to your body.
3. It’s the perfect time to invest in classic pieces in your wardrobe
Your 20s are the time for fashion exploration or keeping up with the trends. In your 30’s, appropriate work clothes and a respectable wardrobe are more important.
4. It’s now comfort over fashion when it comes to clothes and shoes
The shoes that pinch your feet or that too-tight shirt can make way for more practical pieces. Sure, some of them may look dowdy, but they’re way more comfortable!
5. Kids can be your greatest joy and your greatest pain
No matter what your kids do, you will always find it in your heart to love and forgive them.
6. Everyone needs passion in their lives
Whether it’s geeking out over a video game or harboring an intense love for an author, your passion gives you that added zest for life.
7. Experiences will make you happier than possessions
The joy of getting new things fades over time. Experiences like an out-of-town trip or a long meaningful conversation, on the other hand, allow you to cherish those memories time and again.
8. Staying at a job you hate isn’t worth it
If you’re getting no fulfillment in your job, get out and open yourself up to new employment options. Wasting your time in a job you despise will only wreak havoc on your mind and body. [Read: 6 ways to quit glorifying busy and start living the life!]
9. Your plans won’t always make it to fruition
The plans you had when you were in your 20s will eventually change according to who you’re turning out to be. Let it happen.
10. Some good things happen by luck, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t improve your chances.
You’re lucky if you get your big break by chance. But remember, you also need to work on your craft in order to be celebrated in your field.
11. Learning never stops
Every single day can be a learning experience. You may think you’re learning something irrelevant today, but you never know when you might be able to use this information.
12. The journey matters as much, if not more than, the destination
Let’s use an analogy: When you were back in high school, were you more concerned about the lessons you learned and the friends you made or the piece of paper they gave you when it was over?
13. You’ll change and not everyone will like it
Our younger selves would have been devastated to know that someone doesn’t like us. As you move forward in life, you’ll realize that it’s not your job to please everyone. [Read: People pleaser: 21 signs you’re one & how to stop people pleasing]
14. Some things are worth waiting for, and it’s up to you to find out what those things are
It can be anything from the man or woman of your dreams to that job vacancy you’ve been waiting for. The thing is, only YOU can determine how much time you’re willing to wait for them.
15. The past should not dictate your future
You don’t wear your mistakes and your failures on your sleeves. Not everyone will know, and not everyone will care. Don’t let a dark past extend its stain into your future. [Read: Signs your past relationship is holding you back]
16. It’s okay to switch role models
You may have idolized Lady Gaga, Beyonce, or Barney Stinson in your 20s because they’re who you wanted to be. But when you’re in your 30’s you may be surprised that your role model can be your parent, a historical figure, or even a fictional character!
17. Your debts can haunt your future
Unpaid credit card debts, bank loans, and student loans will affect your credit score. This will greatly affect your credibility when you need to borrow money in the future.
18. Everyone needs simple pleasures
It’s important to have that easy-to-do pick-me-up habit to get you through a particularly stressful day. Whether it’s cuddling with your pet or having a slice of pie, these little pleasures can give you the added boost you need to keep on going. [Read: Really quick stress busters to recharge your mind]
19. You must learn to embrace change to move forward
Things will change around you, whether you notice it or not. Your key to embracing it is your ability to adapt and your willingness to trudge on. [Read: 48 real secrets to change your life & find the right path when you’re lost]
20. Kindness and compassion mean more than intelligence and riches
People will remember you more for your kindness than for your clever quips or for those times you picked up their tab at the bar.
21. You will lose friends along the way, and that’s okay!
New jobs, spouses, kids, and hobbies often cause friends to drift apart. You don’t have to move heaven and earth to remain as close as you once were. Instead, learn to let it go and form new friendships. [Read: Bad friendships: 45 signs you have bad friends & need to get new ones ASAP!]
22. You must love your parents while they are still here
They won’t be there to guide you forever. Reconnect with them, get to know them a little deeper, and most of all, learn from the wisdom they can still give.
23. A sincere apology can mend a huge rift
No matter how late your apology is, the impact can still be big enough to restore your relationship to how it once was. [Read: 28 heartfelt ways to say you’re sorry & apologize to someone you love]
24. Nothing feels lighter on the soul than forgiveness
You don’t necessarily have to forget; but once you’ve forgiven someone, you can slowly let go of the weight their wrongdoing has borne upon you.
25. Bad relationships are there to learn from
Don’t beat yourself up for being in a bad relationship. Learn from the experience and pinpoint the warning signs so they never happen again. [Read: Toxic friends: 22 types, 54 signs & ways to end friendships that hurt you]
26. You can’t always keep your promises, but work hard to keep them anyway
In order to avoid the awkward situation of breaking a promise, be careful whom you make promises to.
27. Love isn’t always enough
In your relationships, you may realize that no matter how much you love a person, there may be other bigger things that can prevent you from having a future together.
28. Intelligence is contagious. Surround yourself with those who are smarter than you
We learn more from the people surrounding us than we think. Mental stimulation in the form of intelligent conversations can be one of the most fulfilling life experiences. [Read: Dating someone smarter than you? 40 highs, lows & must-knows to keep up]
29. Kindness can be found in the most unlikely places
Boo Radley and the Good Samaritan are great examples of this. Don’t let someone’s culture or appearance make you think that they’re not capable of kindness.
30. 30 isn’t “old”
There’s that dread many 20-somethings feel when they’re nearing 30. It won’t come as a barrage of stray grey hairs and wrinkles. You can look and feel as fresh and as fit as you were in your 20’s but you’ll be armed with a lot more knowledge! Embrace your 30’s!
[Read: 48 real secrets to change your life & find the right path when you’re lost]
Life is all about learning in all its different forms. The things you knew in your teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s will change in time. And within these changes are the life truths you will learn at your own pace, in your own way. Embrace your 30s as it approaches, and don’t forget to take these life lessons with you!
