Life Talk: Advice To Hear Before 30

 

17 Pieces Of Life Advice You'll Want To Know Before You Turn 30

1. Find a way to stay active

From lifting weights to yoga to martial arts there are plenty of ways to challenge yourself physically and work up a sweat. No one's saying count your carbs and post #transformationtuesday pictures on Instagram, but any engaging physical activity will release those endorphins that'll make ya feel good.

2. Your friends are contagious 

"Birds of a feather flock together" is a phrase that's really applicable here. It's only natural that you will adapt the behaviors and habits of the people you're around the most. So be selective.

3. You don't need to explain yourself to everyone.

Don't get into the habit of over-explaining yourself. That really applies to most situations, but especially with social invites you don't feel like attending. It'll get draining for you (especially when you don't have a "valid" reason) and it's extremely unnecessary. Believe it or not, but your acquaintances care waaay less than you think. Think about one of the times you hit up one of your friends and they told you, "Oh I'm sorry I actually can't make it." Was it the end of the world? NOPE.

4. Act like you've been there before

Don't let imposter syndrome get the best of you. Wherever you are, specifically career-wise...act like you belong. Because you do. And honestly everyone is probably just as confused as you are.

5. Say less and listen more

There's a certain selfishness that comes with youth. You're experiencing so many new things — you think you know it all and you're most likely outspoken on anything you're passionate about. And that's beautiful! But soon you'll realize how many things you learn when you stop talking and actually listen. It's easy to see when someone is "listening," but their intention is really just to respond and get their own thoughts out there.

6. It's OK to say you're sorry, but if you don't correct yourself you're full of it.

An apology without correction is manipulation. Using sorry as a band-aid for something that requires deeper healing is awful and can cause infection. Literally and figuratively.

7. If you have any shortcomings in your work ethic, work on them now...or never.

Work on all the bad habits you have right now! They're not going to magically improve just because you're getting older. You kind of have to take initiative and slowly but surely make sure you're on top of your habit of procrastinating, tardiness, etc. Your midlife self will thank you for it.

8. Treat the janitor the same way you treat the CEO.

This is a pretty simple concept. Just treat everyone you meet with respect no matter their perceived "status." We're all out here trying to make ends meet.

9. Get over your fear of rejection.

The great Ms. Frizzle said, "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy." So do exactly that. Slide into those DM's!

10. You attract what you are.

Your thoughts become things. If you live in fear it only makes sense that you'll attract what you fear. If you're constantly striving to do better you'll get better things or you'll attract friends with the same mindset of self-improvement.

11. See a financial advisor and save your money.

You might not be running an empire so seeing a financial advisor might not be at the top of your list of priorities. But if you're getting paid, do it! They'll seriously help you better prioritize your money and find ways that you can invest your money so that your money can make money for YOU! And yes, I just like saying money.

12. Plan your meals out for the week and cook for yourself.

This is a money saver. Eating out all the time adds up, but it's also really fun and therapeutic when you get into the swing of things in the kitchen. So cook it up!

13. Create some space from any friends you can't sit idly with.

If you have a friend that you only turn up with it's probably a good idea not to hang out with that friend ALL THE TIME. It's nice to have a drinking buddy for a wild weekend at the bar or club, but if you can't turn down with them what is the friendship really based on?

14. Learn your rights and know the law.

Shit is crazy out here. Head to a library, go online, and learn your rights. Nothing more really needs to be said.

15. Try not to post about your goals on social media. Write 'em down!

When you write something down it's no longer in your head. It almost becomes real. Now posting about it and receiving supportive comments on social media is nice at first, but ultimately gives you a false sense of accomplishment and you might end up not carrying out that goal as a result.

16. Don't just call your parents. Call your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

If you've ever played The Sims, then you know that when you make a new friend you have to schedule activities with them in order for the relationship to grow. And when you don't the friendship withers away. It works the same way for family! You can only reminisce about the things you used to do when you were younger for so long. Ain't nothin' worse than an awkward silence with an aunt or uncle that used to change your diapers!!!

17. Finally, do your best to achieve balance.
Too much of anything can be bad for you, you know? So do your best to achieve balance in all aspects of your life. You don't want to overdo something, but it's also important not to under-do it either.