30 Thoughts for Turning 30
Reflections on three decades.
Below are some essential reminders for myself as I turned 30 last month. Hope they feel relevant to you. In no particular order:
1. Try having fewer things.
2. As much as you can, focus on a smaller squad. iMessage maxes out at 9 pins — I think that's solid.
3. Drink more water.
4. Protect your focus and organization — all things, even good things, are trying to take it away.
5. Exercise in ways that you enjoy, but also want to get better at.
6. The better you poop, the better your life.
7. We live more or less in a culture where success is the product of others' failures or missteps. Success is the less likely outcome, so we should study that more than failure.
8. Share who you are, especially if it's messy. With most of us being chronically online these days, we're all kind of converging into the same person. But we probably have so many different and weird thoughts, processes, and rituals that make us unique.
9. It's time to prioritize your home as a vessel for both productivity and restoration. Choose your decor carefully.
10. Understand that there's only so much you can attach yourself to. Try seeing the bigger picture at work, with family, and with yourself. Remember to take a breath and pick your battles carefully.
11. Teeth, eyes, and skin.
12. Prioritize speaking less generally — speak carefully and with intention.
13. Buying something new should be a last resort (can you borrow it, build it, use a substitute, or buy it used?).
14. Being empathetic is the most important professional quality.
15. Existential angst is part of life. It's particularly noticeable around major life events or just after big career milestones. It seems to affect smart, ambitious people especially. I think one reason some people work so hard is so they don't have to spend too much time thinking about this. Nothing is wrong with you for feeling this way; you're not alone.
16. Trees are insane. Get into a forest regularly. Touch grass, as the kids like to say.
17. Walk or bike as much as you can — it's crazy how much these things change your mind.
18. Your problems are probably not unique. There's always a path that opens up, so worry less.
19. You can always make more money, but you can't get rid of lower back pain — exercise and stretch.
20. You will get burned at least once, most likely through no fault of your own — feel it first.
21. Be mindful of your insecurities. You'll probably have them forever, but don't let them dictate your choices or outlook.
22. You're entering the phase of life where sudden health stuff is no longer theoretical — start with a yearly physical and blood work.
23. Good books are hard to find, and most books are shit — don't trust "voracious readers." The term makes no sense to me.
24. Making decisions after 9pm is risky — always try to sleep on things.
25. Please interrogate why you're taking a trip to another country.
26. You'd be surprised at how fickle you are — don't boast, demand, or deem yourself anything.
27. Your truest mentors are the ones a half-step ahead of you on a similar journey. Embrace these people 100x more than the industry vets most people seek out.
28. Why is everyone so goddamn loud? Please speak in quieter tones.
29. If it's religion, meditation, or yoga — embrace some sort of spirituality.
30. If you ain't joking or laughing about it, find a way to.