Thirty & Thriving: Ditching the Rulebook and Owning Your Age
This year, I’m turning 30! It's almost hard to believe, like what have I been doing all these years? I used to think that age 30 is the middle-aged era of a person. Now, I’m not so sure.
Turning 30 is really interesting to me. On one hand, you still feel young enough to make plenty of mistakes. On another, it feels like an existential wake-up call to kick things a notch and take things more seriously.
But besides all the pressure of adulthood. There are many ways to thrive in our society riddled with certain expectations of what a person should or shouldn’t be at a certain age.Here are a few strategies I'm embracing, which I'm hoping will resonate with most people:
1. Redefine "Success" on Your Own Terms
This is paramount. Who decided what success looks like anyway? Was it your well-meaning aunt? That perfectly manicured influencer? The truth is, success is deeply personal. For some, it's financial independence. For others, it's creative fulfillment, strong relationships, contributing to their community, or simply finding joy in their everyday lives.Take a moment to truly reflect: What does success mean to you? Write it down. When you have your own definition, the external noise starts to fade. My current definition involves meaningful work, genuine connection, and enough freedom to pursue my passions. Your mileage may vary, and that's perfectly okay.
2. Embrace Your Unique Timeline (Because Everyone Has One)
We live in a world obsessed with timelines. But life isn't a race with a fixed finish line. Some people find their calling at 40, fall in love at 50, or buy their first home at 60. And guess what? Their lives are just as valid, rich, and meaningful.Stop comparing your first chapter to someone else's tenth. Your journey is yours alone, with its own detours, scenic routes, and unexpected U-turns. Celebrate where you are right now, and trust that you're exactly where you need to be.
3. Cultivate Your Inner Circle (and Tune Out the Rest)
This is where true support lies. Surround yourself with people who cheer on you, who understand your struggles, and who don't judge your choices based on outdated societal norms. These are the friends who will celebrate your small victories and offer a shoulder when things get tough.And conversely, learn to politely disengage from those who constantly project their expectations onto you. You don't owe anyone an explanation for your life choices.
4. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection
Turning 30 isn't about suddenly becoming perfect. It's about continuing to evolve, learn, and grow. Maybe you want to pick up a new skill, travel more, volunteer, or simply become a kinder, more patient person. These personal growth goals are far more fulfilling than chasing arbitrary markers of "success."Embrace the journey of continuous improvement. Recognize that every experience, even the challenging ones, offers an opportunity for growth.
5. Practice Radical Self-Compassion
We are often our own harshest critics. As you approach 30, it's easy to beat yourself up about what you haven't achieved. Instead, practice treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a dear friend.Acknowledge your efforts, celebrate your resilience, and forgive yourself for your perceived shortcomings. Remember that you are doing your best, navigating a complex world, and that's more than enough.
So, as the calendar inches closer to that seemingly magical number, I'm choosing to see 30 not as an endpoint, but as a vibrant new beginning. A chance to shed outdated expectations, embrace my authentic self, and truly thrive on my own terms.
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