Six Things You Won't Regret Doing in Your 30s Featured
- Written By Rachel Grayson
1. Stop Telling Yourself What You "Should" Do
One of the best parts of being an adult is having full autonomy over your life. While there are certainly things it's in your best interest to do--like regular doctor's appointments, financial planning, disaster insurance--it's important to remind yourself that you're doing them because you want to. Because you value responsibility. Because you've worked hard for what you have and it's a privilege to care for it. There will always be tasks you don't love, but they come with the territory of adulthood and approaching them as a get-to-do in stead of a should is critical for your mindset. When it comes to other people telling you what you should do--like how you should be married, should lose fifteen pounds, should learn to cook like your mom--that's where it's perfectly acceptable to draw a hard, permanent boundary. Your life's terms are defined by your wants and needs, so it's well within your rights to dismiss what allegedly well-meaning outsiders have to say about the direction you're taking. If anyone pulls the should card with you, the only thing you should do is walk away.
2. Put Yourself First
In between jobs, family, passion projects, relationships, and chores, it can seem nearly impossible to make time for yourself. But you know what? You won't be good at any of those things if you aren't keeping yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. By taking care of yourself, you'll eliminate regrets--no lamenting over vacation time wasted somewhere you didn't want to go, no pining for a break you didn't take, no dreading going to work because of your backlog of assignments. Build self-care time into your routine daily, even if it means flexing your schedule 20 or 30 minutes in your favor. Advocate for your health by making (and keeping) medical appointments, avoiding stressful family get togethers, saying no to friends when you're stretched too thin, and by asking for help when you're feeling overwhelmed.
3. Take Risks
When was the last time you did something unpredictable? It doesn't matter how critical it was--anything from cutting off all of your hair to leaving a safe job for something uncertain. If you can't remember, odds are you've stopped taking any kinds of risks in your life. I'm not talking about eating a tuna sandwich out of a vending machine kind of risks, I mean things that are reasonably safe and won't end in disaster. Things like asking your crush out, or exploring different parts of your city, or branching out and making new friends. It's important to remind yourself that while you know what you like and what path you're on, the unknown still beckons--and sometimes, you should answer it. Be safe, but live a little and embrace mistakes with the same vigor you cultivate success. How else will you keep growing and learning?
4. Be Prepared for An Emergency
How can we call ourselves "adults" if we don't have the basic necessities for an unexpected emergency? Two weeks ago, I cut my finger while cooking and realized I didn't have a single Band-Aide in my house. I had to wrap my bleeding finger in a paper towel with a hair tie around it. Not safe, and definitely not mature. Buy a first aide kit. Keep a bag of emergency supplies, like medication, a change of clothes, a small amount of cash, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, and three days worth of food and water. Make sure you have safety basics in your home, such as a fire extinguisher, emergency candles, extra pet food, and water. You never know when an unfortunate disaster might strike and it's always better to be prepared than desperate.
5. Focus on the Positive
Remember the days where drama was a chaotic sort of fun? And then it slowly felt like a chore to keep up with who-said-what and who-was-backstabbing-who? That's because it's a waste of time. Instead of spending your energy on fights, gossip, mean-girl behavior, and people committed to negativity, just walk away. If someone isn't supportive of you, wish them well on their journey and say good-bye. This includes family members, which can be complicated--just remember, you don't owe anyone your happiness, well-being, or sanity. You don't have to engage in pettiness, cruelty, or social grooming in order to fit in. Surround yourself with friends who have the same goals, the same priorities, and above all, the same commitment to kindness.
6. Celebrate Yourself
This ties in to self-care, but is slightly different. As an adult, no one is clamoring to throw us birthday parties, to give us holiday gifts, or put our drawings on the fridge. So it's time to do those things for yourself. Even if it's just something as casual as bragging on Facebook about how you finished your taxes early, take the time to throw a little confetti on your own head. Share your wins, ask for celebration, and, in turn, encourage others to enjoy their own milestones. Life's more fun that way.