I just turned 30, and wow, a lot has happened. I’ve been working for a decade, traveled and worked in different countries, switched careers, and tried my hand at all sorts of things. They say life begins at 30, and I’m really looking forward to it. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything that’s happened so far.
To mark my 30th birthday, here are 30 things I’ve learned along the way.
What’s in This Post
30 Lessons for 30 Years: Reflections on Personal Growth, Relationships, and Success
Personal Growth & Self-Care
1. Be comfortable with being by yourself.
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of being comfortable with myself, especially since I’m my own constant companion. I tried meditation once, and it was rough—I realized I had a lot of unresolved issues and intrusive thoughts to work through. It’s not that I didn’t like myself, but I wasn’t comfortable being alone. I used to go out even when I didn’t want to, just to avoid being alone. But after everything that’s happened, I’ve found peace in being by myself, and I’m happy to have chosen me.
2. Don’t settle—show up for yourself and choose yourself.
There were times when I felt like just going along with things, even when they frustrated me. But as I’ve grown and matured, I’ve realized that I deserve better than what I was willing to accept. Now, I won’t tolerate anything less than what I know I deserve.
3. Peace of mind is worth more than a piece of your mind.
In my 20s, I was pretty aggressive—I thought speaking my mind was the only way to get what I wanted. While it worked sometimes, it also led to situations I could’ve avoided if I had chosen peace instead. Now that I’m approaching 30, I’ve learned that evaluating the risks before speaking up is often the wiser choice.
4. Listen more, talk less.
Working in the service industry for so long taught me the value of listening. I truly believe that listening is one of the greatest forms of respect you can offer someone. As I enter my 30s, I want to focus even more on listening and less on taking over conversations.
5. You are meant to be where you are—stop worrying, start living.
Ever been stuck in a long line, getting more and more annoyed as time drags on? I’ve been there, and I’ve realized it’s just exhausting. It drains your energy, and the line doesn’t move any faster. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be patient, to stop rushing, and just let things unfold as they will, as long as you’re doing your best.
6. Constantly evolve and reinvent yourself.
One of my biggest fears is becoming irrelevant and unable to adapt. So, I’ve made it a point to keep evolving, to keep reinventing myself, and to never stop growing into the best version of who I can be.
Learning and evolving doesn’t always mean going back to school. It can be as simple as choosing not to get upset when the waitstaff brings you the wrong order, discovering a new interest, or reading a book and applying what you’ve learned. Personal growth comes in many forms, and it’s about embracing those small moments that push you to become better.
7. Know when to pivot and make peace with sunk costs.
Not everything works out, and that’s okay. Sometimes, you’ve got to pivot, even when you’ve invested a lot into something. It’s easy to let emotions cloud your judgment, but I’ve learned that logic should guide decisions. If something isn’t working out, it’s better to let it go than to hold on and let it harm you further.
8. There is always an opportunity cost; there are always two options.
Every decision comes with an opportunity cost. I’ve learned that even when it doesn’t feel like it, there are always options, and often, one is better than the other once you take the time to look and evaluate appropriately. By pushing myself to look beyond my comfort zone, I’ve found that new opportunities and choices often present themselves when I’m open to seeing them.
9. Patience is a talent.
Patience is something I’ve come to value immensely. It’s more than just a virtue; it’s a talent that can save you from unnecessary stress and lead to better outcomes. I’ve learned to be patient—not just with others and circumstances, but also with myself.
10. Don’t forget the child in you—have fun and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Life can get serious, but it’s important to remember the joy in simple things. Don’t forget to let the child in you have fun—whether it’s enjoying a scoop of ice cream or just being silly. Life’s too short not to enjoy it.
Relationships & Social Interactions
11. Family can be annoying, but they are still family.
My family and I have had our fair share of arguments and misunderstandings. Recently, we had a disagreement that made me consider how easy it is to label them as dysfunctional. However, they’ve always been there for me through thick and thin—whether during my internship in Dubai, tough times at work, or when I decided to move to Canada. It’s important to remember the support they’ve given and strive to be more loving, patient, and caring towards them.
12. You cannot control your environment; be ready for whatever comes.
There was a period in my life when it felt like everything was going wrong at once, and I couldn’t control any of it. This led me to explore stoicism, which taught me that while you can’t control your environment, you can control your reaction and prepare yourself. Embracing this mindset has helped me handle life’s frustrations better.
13. Having a great partner means a lot.
I truly appreciate Nick. He sees me, supports me, and loves me in ways I never thought possible. Even when he’s uncomfortable, he’s willing to take a chance and work things out together. Being with someone who wants you to reach your full potential is amazing, and it’s a partnership that requires effort and mutual respect.
14. It’s okay to cut people off if it keeps your peace.
In today’s busy world, peace is a treasure. I’ve learned that protecting my peace sometimes means cutting people off. It’s not about making a big deal or ending friendships dramatically; it’s about preserving what’s important to me. Whether temporary or permanent, cutting off negativity is something I no longer apologize for.
15. Do not overshare and seek validation from others. Value your privacy.
I’ve found that not everyone celebrates your success. Privacy is valuable, and oversharing can sometimes lead to criticism rather than support. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and it’s taught me that seeking validation from others is not worth it. Your own sense of self-worth should come from within.
16. You’ll see people’s true colors under pressure.
A friend once told me that you really see people’s true colors when they’re under pressure. I learned this the hard way when a co-worker who seemed friendly turned out to be quite the opposite during difficult times. This lesson has been insightful and a reminder that people’s reactions often reveal their true selves.
17. You are not your education, job, or status; you are how you act.
Education, job titles, and status can change, but your character and actions define who you are. It’s important not to let these external labels shape your self-worth. How you behave, your habits, and your reactions are what truly define you.
18. Don’t be afraid to make enemies—it’s natural when making a change.
I used to avoid making enemies, trying to please everyone, but I realized that advocating for what I believe in sometimes means stepping on toes. It’s natural to face opposition when you’re making changes or standing up for your principles. History shows that change often comes with resistance.
19. Life is not a competition—you are not running late.
I’ve seen people constantly rush to keep up with new opportunities and trends. This became clear during my PR application process when some friends were in a hurry while others took their time. In the end, those who were patient and prepared were successful. It’s exhausting to be always anxious—there’s no need to rush.
20. No one wants a toxic person—both positive and negative toxicity.
No one wants to be around someone who is toxic, whether they’re overly positive to the point of insincerity or constantly negative. It’s important to respect people’s time and energy by contributing meaningfully to conversations and being honest. Balancing positivity with honesty and avoiding negativity is key to maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being.
Productivity & Success
21. Don’t cheap out on experiences, food, and education.
Quality experiences, good food, and continuous learning are worth every penny. Experiences create lasting memories, food fosters connections, and education keeps you growing and relevant.
22. If you want change, do something different.
Change doesn’t happen by repeating the same actions. Step out of your comfort zone and try new approaches. This is something I learned from books like Atomic Habits—you can’t expect change if you keep doing the same things.
23. Pray. It’s free, and it works!
Prayer is a powerful tool that costs nothing but can make a world of difference. I’ve manifested many things in my life, from my job to moving to Canada, and everything in between, both the good and the challenging. Prayer helps you center yourself, find peace, and seek guidance. Give it a try!
24. Keep yourself busy with things you enjoy.
Why fill your time with worries or things that upset you? Keep yourself busy with activities that bring you joy. Too often, we get caught up in life and let go of what makes us happy. Make time for what you love—it makes a world of difference.
25. The faster you fail, the faster you succeed.
In a business pitch competition, our mentor stressed this repeatedly, and it’s echoed in countless business books and podcasts. Society often frowns on failure, but it’s the only way to learn what doesn’t work. The more you fail, the closer you get to finding great solutions. Remember, the only true failure is when you stop trying.
26. Always be prepared for a rainy day—emergency funds, health, and good company matter.
Life is unpredictable. Having a safety net, staying healthy, and surrounding yourself with good people are essential to weathering life’s storms. Financial advisors recommend having 3-6 months’ worth of expenses saved as an emergency fund. Maintaining your health is equally crucial, and good company can get you through anything. These preparations offer peace of mind, freedom from constant worry, and the ability to enjoy life more fully.
27. Always carry a pen and paper—you never know when inspiration will strike.
How many times has inspiration struck, only for you to miss it because you didn’t write it down? I’ve experienced this many times, and it’s always frustrating. Now, I always carry a pen and paper so I’m ready when inspiration comes.
28. Walking helps—both your health and creativity.
A simple walk can clear your mind, boost creativity, and improve your overall well-being. Walking with someone can also spark wonderful ideas! Nick and I have had some of our best conversations and ideas during our walks—discussions that likely wouldn’t have happened if we’d just stayed home.
29. Being cultured is invaluable; ignorance is costly.
In this day and age, the greatest disservice we can do to society is to remain uncultured and ignorant. With all the resources available at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to learn and be cultured without spending a fortune on travel. All you need is an open mind. In a world that values awareness, being cultured is not just beneficial, it’s essential.
30. Real luxury is peace of mind, financial security, and having options.
True luxury isn’t about material things; it’s about living without constant worry, having financial stability, and the freedom to choose your path. These are the luxuries worth pursuing.
Here’s to the Next Chapter—Share Your Lessons!
As I step into my 30s, I carry these lessons with me, knowing there’s still so much more to learn and experience. Here’s to a decade of growth, new challenges, and embracing the unexpected.
What lessons have shaped your journey? Share your thoughts and connect with me — let’s inspire each other as we navigate this new chapter together!
