Hitting the ripe old age of 30 is never easy, it’s a big deal for many people, and one you should not arrive unprepared for. One morning you wake up and suddenly everyone expects you to “settle down,” secure what they like to call a real job, and magically find the person you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with while others say that your thirties are like your twenties, but with money, a thought that honestly still makes me shudder.
Having recently turned 30 myself and feeling ridiculously awkward about it, mostly because I still feel like a confused child roaming around in an adult body, I decided to put something together. It’s a simple reflection, a list of the things I truly believe every woman should experience or embrace before stepping into her thirties.
Financial independence is a big part of your life, and the earlier you manage it, the better. Financial independence starts with learning how to save, invest, and budget in other to set yourself up for a financially secured future. Imagine having your finances figured out; moving into your thirties with that knowledge is a game-changer. Financial freedom means having choices, of which your 30s will thank you for the groundwork you lay now.
Pro Tip: You can start with a simple budgeting app to build an emergency fund of at least three months’ expenses. Also, it’s necessary to set up a meeting with reliable stockbrokers in order to make wise investments for long-term financial stability. (Yes! It is that serious.)
Source: Pexels
As someone who has experienced living in multiple countries, I can honestly say it makes life a whole lot more colourful and interesting. Nothing ever beats navigating a new city on your own to boost confidence and self-discovery. When you travel solo, you will learn independence. Plus, it’s an incredible way to meet new people and make lifelong memories.
Aside from this, it forces you to rely on yourself in the best way. You don’t have to travel across the continent. Simply go over to the next city and choose some easy-to-navigate spots to take that time off.
Growing up as a girl child, it was often very difficult for me to say no, maybe it was because of the ideology in my head. People-pleasing is one habit that should die in your 20’s, it shouldn’t be carried over to your 30. You must know and recognize that your time and energy are valuable. Damon Zahariades, in “The Art Of Saying No,” reminds us that saying no isn’t rejection; it’s self-respect. It involves prioritizing your needs and boundaries without feeling guilty. Bear in mind that setting boundaries isn’t selfish but necessary. Learning to say “no” without guilt will protect your mental health and help you prioritize what truly matters. Whether it’s a social event, work obligation, or relationship, if it doesn’t serve you, it’s okay to decline.
Friendships and relationships shape our lives. They affect how we see ourselves and how we see the world. Before 30, it’s important to let go of connections that drain you and invest in the ones that energizes you.
Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever. If a friendship, relationship, or even family is draining your energy, creating stress, or making you doubt yourself, it’s time to walk away. Remember, letting go isn’t easy, but prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is always worth it.
Learning something new can give you an edge professionally and open unexpected doors. Whether it’s public speaking, coding, or negotiation skills, you never know where opportunities will lie waiting for you. Bonus points if it is something you enjoy doing, it won’t even feel like hard work. You can take online courses, attend workshops, or find a mentor to help you grow professionally.
Life does not revolve only around work and bills. Not everything has to be about productivity. Having a personal passion, like painting, hiking, or writing, will bring you joy outside of work and obligations.
The wonderful thing about hobbies is that there are no expectations. You get to keep trying until you find one that suits you just fine. Additionally, hobbies help reduce stress, improve mental health, and add more fun to your life. The world is your playground, so go crazy with it.
Source: Pexels
Healing is a lifelong journey, but self-pity can only go so far. Learning to let go of past mistakes and forgive yourself is a powerful step toward self-growth. Plus, having that understanding of forgiveness towards yourself is an esteem boost that will come in handy.
Letting go doesn’t mean you’re pretending it didn’t happen; it means you’re choosing not to let your past hold power over the woman you’re becoming at 30. We’ve all made choices we’re not proud of, but those experiences shape your strength, your empathy, and your fire. You don’t have to carry the shame forever. Give yourself grace. The same way you’d hype up your closest friend, be that gentle and loving with yourself too. That’s where true healing begins.
Before you cross 30, a woman should know your health status and all it entails. Prioritizing health in your 30s involves adopting healthy habits to prevent future health issues and maintain well-being. There should not be room for delayed health problems because underlying issues only get worse with time.
Whether it’s therapy, exercising, journaling, skincare (wear your sunscreen!), or healthy eating. Taking care of yourself now will make your future self stronger and more resilient. Most importantly, set routine appointments with your doctor, stick to them, and sleep more.
Source: Pexels
Honestly, you have one lifetime to experience your twenties, so make the most of it while preparing for your game changing 30s. Do those things you’ve always wanted to do: face that fear, go to that concert, eat at that restaurant alone, and watch the sunrise. Stand at the edge of a new experience, like whitewater rafting, and feel truly alive as you push your boundaries.
No one said you can not do all these things at 30 as a woman, but if you make a habit of stepping out of your comfort zone now, imagine how unstoppable you will be by then. You don’t want to look back and realize you’ve stayed in the same place out of fear. Even if it doesn’t work out perfectly, you’ll never regret going for it. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Source: Pexels
There will always be societal expectations, but you have only one life, and no one should define it. Society will tell you what success “should” look like, but your life is yours alone to design. So, invest in your network. Get clear on what truly fulfills you and go after it unapologetically.
Turning 30 is the perfect time to create a home that truly reflects your independence and personal growth. This starts by getting a living space. it could be rented, bought or a buy and build home. This living space that is now your home should be more than just a place to sleep, it should be a sanctuary where you can experience life, feel alive, and recharge after the rapid pace of everyday life.
To create this home, start by choosing decor and furniture that speak to your unique style, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. This is your chance to practice self love by surrounding yourself with things that make you happy and grateful for how far you’ve come. Whether you’re living solo or sharing your space, make it a point to design a home that feels like your own. As you approach turning 30, having a space that mirrors your journey and independence will remind you daily of the life you’re building and the woman you’re becoming.
Giving back to the community is not a religious obligation. In the rush of everyday life, it’s actually very easy to forget the positive impact you can have on the world around you. Before turning 30, make it a priority to give back to your community. You can do this by volunteering or supporting a cause you care about.
Stop worrying about your age or how much time you have, even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. Whether you’re donating your time, skills, or resources, you’ll find that giving back connects you to others and helps you feel more grounded, even as life moves at a rapid pace. Find a cause that resonates with you and get involved. You’ll create lasting memories, make a difference in the world, and enter your 30s with a deeper sense of fulfilment and achieved purpose.
With so much energy spent chasing goals, it’s easy to overlook your own progress. But before you turn 30, make it a habit to celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small they are. Whether you’ve finished a half marathon, learned a new language, or simply checked something off your bucket list, take a moment to acknowledge your hard work.
One of the things I love doing is to write down my wins, plan a birthday bash, or treat myself to a fun road trip with friends. These celebrations will boost your self esteem and confidence, reminding you of how much you’ve accomplished. Don’t forget to start saving for your future, but also enjoy the present, plan a special night in or out, and let yourself feel proud. Life is about progress, not perfection, so celebrate every step on your journey to 30.
As a woman, turning 30 doesn’t mean your life is over or that you are a failure. These are just outdated expectations that should not bother you. It isn’t about figuring it all out; it’s about feeling empowered in who you are and where you’re headed. Additionally, there will be life lessons when you cross 30.
Each new year is a blessing and one you should enjoy. Aging is an amazing process. Start checking off this list today, and embrace your journey with confidence.