Back when I was a teenager, 30 seemed old. Like really old. It’s the age you are when you’re an adult, right? I know I can’t be the only one whose teenage expectations of turning 30 were completely different from reality. 30 means having your shizz together. Owning your own home. Having plenty of exotic and amazing holidays. Oh, and being married to a Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike (circa Romeo and Juliet and Titanic-era) with a baby or two. Right? Right?! The reality for me couldn’t have been further from the truth. And in all honesty, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Turning 30 was a big milestone for me. So here are the 13 things I’ve learnt about myself in my 30’s.
What’s meant for won’t pass you by
I know this might sound like a cliche, but it’s true. There’s no point sweating the stuff you can’t change. Just continue to work hard, be positive and know that what’s meant for you. Won’t pass you by.
When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
This is a tough one to learn, but when someone shows you who they, believe them the first time. I put up with behaviour from friends and boyfriends that I just wouldn’t tolerate now, thinking I could change someone or that their behaviour was my fault.
I’m exactly where I’m meant to be
I spent a lot of my twenties worrying. Worrying about my work life. My social life. My personal life. Wondering if I was doing the right thing. If I was in the right job. If I should be in a relationship. And turning 30 has taught me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Surround yourself with people that believe in you
The haters are always going to hate. But let them. And surround yourself with positive people, who will support and celebrate your successes!
It really is none of your business what other people think of you
No-one likes to know that people don’t like them. Or that people have been bitching about them behind their back. But honestly, it really is none of our business what other people think of us. Just hold your head up high and keep going.
Money doesn’t buy you happiness
But it does buy shoes and handbags and that’s kinda the same thing, right? I mean just look at my wardrobe…
Just remember that not everyone will like you, but not everyone matters
Out of all the things I’ve learnt in my 30’s, this was a tough one. But I spent a lot of time and energy in my twenties focusing on those who didn’t like me. And trying to make them like me. But you know what? Some people will like you, some won’t. And that’s OK.
Don’t compare your chapter 7 to someone else’s chapter 17
Comparison really is the thief of joy. And one of the biggest things I’ve learnt so far is that everything happens exactly when it’s meant to. Everyone’s journey is different, so don’t compare your chapter 7 to someone else’s chapter 17.
The only person you’re in competition with is yourself
And I know it’s cheesy, but just focus on you and continue to work hard on being the best version you can be of yourself.
Success doesn’t just come from hard work
Hard work plays a big part in success, but so does commitment. It takes a lot of hard work and a big commitment to be successful. But it’s worth it when the hard work and commitment pays off.
You really do create your own luck
So work hard, believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive and supportive people and have the right attitude to achieve what you want to achieve.
It’s OK to be OK.
Perfection doesn’t exist. Despite what Instagram might lead us to believe, perfection doesn’t exist. So stop chasing it and start embracing how OK life really is at times.
It’s not a sign of weakness if you ask for help
Some of the smartest and strongest people I know, embrace their weaknesses and ask for help in the areas they’re not confident with. Focus on what you’re good at, and ask for help for those things you’re not as confident with.
So those are the 13 things I’ve learnt about myself in my 30’s. What have you learnt about yourself in your 30’s?