Top 30 Things To Do Before You Turn 30
Yes we all want to settle down someday with someone great, create beautiful little families and become permanent fixtures in our neighbourhoods of choice. But for most of us that day is not today. To fill your time between now and thirtydom, you should be attempting to be more responsible all at one time, to fix all your undeniably bad and self-destructive habits, to make goals and surpass them and finally, to make memories that you will never forget and never regret.
Here are top 30 things to do before you turn 30….
1. Step out of your comfort zone
Many of us think of the “comfort zone” as a relic of ’80s motivational psychology and a tag line on cheesy corporate “reach for success” posters. But in fact, the comfort zone is a useful psychological concept that can help you embrace risk and make changes in your life that can lead to real personal growth.
2. Work towards achieving your goals
Every day that goes by you either move closer towards achieving a goal or you move further away from that goal. If you take specific steps you can be assured that you are moving towards our goal. If you do nothing you are moving away from the goal.
3. Come to face with mother nature
It’s dangerous, risky, and sometimes deadly but if you want to look Mother Nature straight in the eye, then storm chasing has got to be on the list.
4. Take a risk: Go bungee jumping or skydiving or even swim with sharks
Yeah, all you non-adrenaline junkies and typical stay-at-homers this one is for you. Get outside, put yourself in the hands of trained professionals and experience that exhilarating feeling of being this close to staring death in the face. It’s a great experience and you’ll probably want to do it again and again.
5. Volunteer for a good cause
You donate to charity, you volunteer at local events, give blood, but you’ve always wanted to volunteer for a cause that it close to your heart. It can take time to raise money for a walk, or to ask friends or neighbors to help out with your cause, but don’t let that hold you back.
6. Forgive someone
Forgiving someone will release the negative feelings you have been holding onto. You set yourself free too from all of that agony. As long as you don’t forgive someone you are linked to that person. Your thoughts will return to the person who wronged you and what s/he did over and over again.
7. Stop holding grudges
Hating someone takes a lot of energy. Past grievances are overrated. You don’t need negativity in your life and you definitely don’t need it over something that happened years ago.
8. Start a collection
Start collecting something different something and something that is totally you. Be passionate about your collection but avoid becoming a hoarder. A great collectable could be mugs. They take up a lot of space, but they are useful and bring back memories from places you’ve visited and everything you did while you were there.
9. Take a cross-country road-trip
When living in South Africa you get to experience a lot of what we are about, I mean we have coastal areas, the best weather in the world what more do we need? But regardless of having everything it’s great to venture out into Africa and start learning about your continent. Travel across boarders, even if it’s just Botswana or Mozambique. You’ll get to experience many different nuances of the countries and you can support local businesses.
10. Pay off your credit card debt
No one wants this to begin with, but you have a chance to start off your thirties with a clean financial slate if you play your cards right (or in this case, not at all).
11. Attend a multi-day/weekend music festival
Spending days away from responsibility, relaxing and listening to good music? Why wouldn’t you? OppiKoppi being a South African favourite, why not pack your bags, experiencing camping, good food and good music for a couple of odd days.
12. Read a classic book
There are thousands and thousands of benefits of reading and lessons you could learn from the right type of book. Set yourself a goal of reading at least 2 books in a month. Ambitious? Yes. Doable? Absolutely.
13. Overcome a fear
Sometimes your fears hold you back from experiencing the greatest pleasures in life, but you shouldn’t let your fears hold you back from experiencing that great 5 minute adrenaline rush. Take steps to overcome your fear of public speaking or heights. Once you know what you are capable of, anything is possible.
14. Learn a new language
Going somewhere you can’t easily communicate with other people is terrifying. But not only would it enlighten you and make you savvy to another culture, it would also force you to really learn the language. You move from speaking broken English with all the locals to knowing how to greet and ask for a cup of coffee at the favourite coffee shop in town.
15. Join a club
We’re not talking about a list of clubs you joined in high school and varsity/college. We’re talking about clubs that you are really interested in and passionate about. For example, try and join a running club or a book club or even a sports club, tennis etc.
16. Do random acts of kindness
…and pay for it in cash. Whether it’s a new computer, a Chanel handbag or a weekend away at an upscale resort and spa with a partner, you totally deserve it for working hard.
17. Take a tour in your country
There are so many things to see across the country like national monuments, beaches, wineries, parks, mountain tops, and even theme parks. You don’t have to see all of the places in one trip but you hope at some point you will get the chance to see every state.
18. Take part in a marathon
…or even a triathlon or a 10km. Pushing yourself physically is not only good for your body but good for your mind. And plus, you’ll feel really awesome with your medal at the finish line.
19. Forgive yourself for mistakes
Realising you made a huge mistake by passing over an amazing job offer might seem like the end of the world, but it’s not. Forgive yourself and move on. This goes along with letting go of grudges–don’t let them set you back.
20. Learn how to cook
I’m not saying you should aspire to be Gordon Ramsay; just learn how to make a few fancy dishes for one of those special occasions. They might come in handy sooner than you think.
21. Take a Big Road Trip
After 30 you have so many things planned like starting a family, going back to school, or starting a new career, so before you make big life changes traveling by yourself to see places you’ve never been to before will be an experience that will benefit yourself and others.
22. Fall in love
Some of us set an age for ourselves for things we would like to do and accomplish, but even if you reach that age and you haven’t found love yet, doesn’t mean you won’t find love at 40, 50, 60, or older. For those who haven’t fallen in love, let yourself fall and don’t hold back.
23. Attempt to break a world record
Make sure it makes it into the Guinness Book of World Records, of course. There are records for everything, so round up your friends and give it your best shot.
24. Attend a World Cup that isn’t in your country
For a long time time now, you’ve been meaning to travel to a certain destination. Whether it’s Winter or Summer, you’ll never regret being in the presence of the world’s elite athletes and having the opportunity to watch history in the making.
25. Pick a cause and be passionate about it
Whether its cancer research or clean water, donate and make efforts to help others and advance your cause. There are so many organisations that don’t have what they need to be able to open their doors on a daily basis, find one where you could be of good use.
26. Live healthier
In your twenties you have more of a care free attitude about your health so you drink, smoke, eat junk food and don’t really pay attention to eating fruits, vegetables, and drinking more water and less beer. But as you get older you realize that perhaps one of the most important things you should do before you turn 30 is live a healthier, more fit life.
27. Watch a classic movie
Classic movies are right along the lines of classic novels, people love to joke, quote, and talk about big scenes and one liners from movies like “Casablanca”, “Gone with the Wind”, “Bonnie and Clyde”, and many more
28. Take a how to class
Whether it’s for a hobby, to learn a new life skill, to advance in your job, or just because, there are many how to classes you can learn from and be inspired by for that jump start you need before you turn 30.
29. Buy your first home
Owning your own home means that you can paint the walls, remodel the bathroom, add on a deck for the perfect barbeque, and have enough space to plan a dinner party. After owning your own home you will feel like everything else like planning a family, gathering for holidays, and making traditions will fall into place.
30. And finally, make a list of 40 Things to do Before You Turn 40.
Only because it’s fun of course.
