8 Lessons I Learned By The Age of 30
Today is my 30th birthday!
They say your 30s are more fun than your 20s, so I'm hoping that holds true!
The last 10 years have been a journey filled with both successes and challenges, but they taught me valuable lessons about what truly matters to me—and what doesn’t. I found myself in a completely different place than I had originally planned by the age of 30—and I'm truly grateful for that.
There are lots of lessons out there for 20-year-olds, but I'll share 8 lessons that had a significant impact on me during my 20s. So here we go:
1. There Is Never A Right Time
We often believe that the more we prepare for something, the better the results will be. However, there comes a point when waiting too long can cause us to miss opportunities and fail to take action.
Instead of waiting for the right time:
Start working on that new idea you've been thinking about.
Say yes to that opportunity, even if it's not exactly what you hoped for.
Apply for that role, even if you're not 100% prepared.
Learn that new skill you've always had in mind.
I stopped waiting for the perfect moment a long time ago, and it changed my perspective on leveraging opportunities. You should too.
Think of approaching opportunities in your 20s the same way you'd approach Black Fridays—act now. Don’t wait for later.
2. Do Hardcore Things Early
Your 20s are your workshop years. All you need to do is experiment, learn, and repeat.
The harder the challenges, the greater the knowledge and skills you gain.
Work on that high-stakes project at your company.
Build that app idea you're passionate about, even if everyone says it's too hard.
Thinking about shifting careers towards Data Science, even though you've only studied pharmacy and have no prior work experience.
Joining an early-stage startup and working in a completely different setup.
The answer to all of these is simple: try.
Don't be quick to dismiss risky opportunities. Take time to think them through: What's the worst that could happen? Ask yourself the same question five times. You might discover that it isn't as bad as it first seemed—and that trying is worth it.
Do hardcore things in your 20s and your future self will thank you.
3. Give And Expect Nothing in Return
Give to those around you without expecting anything in return. Sharing what you learn doesn’t limit your growth—there isn't a finite number of spots for successful people.
Both of you can succeed. So, collaborate with your peers with humility.
4. Read Books
I cannot stress enough how valuable reading is!
Books give you valuable insights into people's journeys, lessons, and experiences. A bookshelf is an aggregation of lifelong journeys, all condensed into ~300-500 pages.
For the next 6 months, try this:
Read one book per month, 10-15 pages every night (~30 mins).
See how you feel afterwards.
5. Be In The Moment
The most valuable thing you can offer to people is your attention. We can’t control the past or the future; what we can control is being present in the moment.
Put your phone away when spending quality time with friends or family.
Don't scroll through social media during meetings, presentations, etc.
Don't multitask when you're having a conversation with someone.
Listen actively and engage with passion.
6. Your Health Is The Most Sacred Thing You Have
Any time, money, or energy you invest in your health is the best investment you can make for yourself. If you neglect your health, nothing else in life will matter.
Prioritize self-care: eat well, exercise, and find joy in the process.
Your health will support you through any challenge—whether personal or professional—so treat it well.
7. Keep Your Connections Strong
Your 20s will be divided into different phases: university, internships, volunteering, full-time work, and more. In each of these phases, you'll meet new people.
Take the time to build relationships with them. Your paths may cross again—and you never know what opportunities those connections could bring.
8. Everybody Has Their Own Journey
The only thing you need to focus on is your journey—what gives you energy and joy.
LinkedIn will show you who started a new job, who finished their PhD, who did what.
Facebook or Instagram will show you who is getting married, who is traveling where, who is having kids, etc.
TikTok? I have no idea what's going on there.
These are all life updates happening every day for the people around you. They shouldn't intimidate you or make you feel like you're lagging behind.
We all have our own journeys, and there are no best decisions—only the right decisions within the context of your own path.
The only person you should compare yourself to is the older version of you.
Conclusion
Your 20s are your workshop years. Take some risks, invest in yourself, and most importantly, have fun.
You don't always have to pick the "best investments" (since it's hard to tell). What matters is being intentional about how you invest your time and energy.
The person you want to become in your 30s starts with the choices you make in your 20s.
One last thing, step up and organize social events with your friends. They all want to hang out—they just suck at organising things.
