If you spend your 20’s learning as much as possible, you’ll be steeped in all sorts of wisdom by 30. Or at least you’re on the right track.
After a decade of drastic changes and trying new things, your 30th birthday can feel a bit magical, mystical, and like a life-changing moment. And in many ways, it is. By age 30, you’ve usually finished your education, got a job, and are transitioning to a new stage in your life.
Truly said, your life begins to change at 30, and so does your brain, literally. This change in maturity is not produced solely by sociological circumstances. It also coincides with the maturation of the brain and the end of its growth. Around the age of 25, the prefrontal cortex is fully developed and it is this part of the brain that helps to control impulses and organize plans and actions to achieve goals.
Of course, when the clock strikes midnight on your 30th birthday, that doesn’t mean you’re going to grow wiser instantly. Instead, you’ve probably spent the last five to ten years becoming an adult and learning some pretty solid life advice along the way. So here are some things you should know and do before you turn 30.
1. Embrace your uniqueness; this includes stretch marks and that birthmark on your face.
Your teens and 20s may have been full of insecurities, but your 30s are the perfect time to let loose and appreciate yourself. Learn, embrace and rock what makes you unique. If you have an awkward laugh, let it break. If you feel insecure about how you look, do what you can to feel confident without losing your essence. Your 30-year-old self will thank you.
2. Try to find a balance between life and work.
In your 30s, you must learn the art to manage your work-life and stay in touch with the people and things that matter most to you. So don’t forget to call your mom when you’re lost in climbing the corporate ladder.
3. Learn that not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay.
If you’re on a mission to please everyone, permit yourself to quit. Once you accept that you can’t hit a home run with everyone, you free yourself from other people’s expectations.
4. Learn to quit.
I bet you’ve never received this advice before. But it is important to know when it is time to quit. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 60s, remember that if you’re not happy with where you are right now, you’re not stuck. You are not trapped in relationships, jobs, or life situations. You have the ability to make changes (even if they are difficult and uncomfortable). It takes courage to get out of situations where you have to change.
5. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be ‘no.’
As uncomfortable as it may be, all women have to get used to asking for what they want, whether it’s a raise or a change in a relationship. So take a chance, go out there and take it, be prepared to face disappointment, and if it doesn’t work, work up the courage to make it happen in other ways.
6. Know your worth.
Always keep in mind what a healthy relationship looks like as you age. And don’t be afraid to leave behind something you don’t want. It sends the message that it is okay to be treated poorly. Instead, surround yourself with people who love you, support you, and know that you deserve to be happy.
7. A ‘No’ is a ‘no.’
This can be difficult, especially for young women. However, nothing is more powerful than the word “no.” My best advice for women under 30 is: “It’s a complete sentence. It’s about going at your own pace, breathing, saying ‘no’ without guilt, and practicing self-care, self-love, and self-esteem.
