Lessons Learned Before Turning 30

Have you ever felt lost, like you don’t know what to do next?

As I get closer to turning 26, I think a lot about the choices we make.

Life is full of opportunities, but sometimes we get stuck and don’t know what to do next.

I want to help you understand how to take charge of your future.

Time Goes Fast

First, let’s talk about time.

Time goes really, really fast...

It feels like just yesterday we were in school, playing games, and having fun with friends. (enjoyed that moment).

Now, we are a bit older, and we have more responsibilities. Sometimes, we think we have all the time in the world to achieve our dreams.

Many young people often say things like, “I’ll start working out when I have more time,” or “I’ll buy a house when I have enough money.”

So sad, to say that, but... mostly we spend our young ages going to parties and playing video games, until the point we don't know what to do with our lives.

Like, get a job.

A normal job.

YES, a 9-5 job.

Horrible.

But, not 100%.

They think they can wait for the perfect moment.

But here’s the truth: there will never be a perfect time. Life is always changing, and waiting can lead to missed opportunities.

The Problem with Waiting

When we wait for the perfect time, we can start to feel unhappy.

If we keep saying, “I’ll do it later,” we might end up in our 40s, 50s, or even older, wishing we had started earlier.

Imagine being 40 years old and realizing that you have not followed your dreams.

That can be really sad...

You might find yourself worrying about things like paying bills, taking care of a family, or just trying to make ends meet.

The longer you wait, the harder it can be to get started. You might feel overwhelmed or scared. It can be tough to know where to begin. When you see your friends achieving their goals, it can make you feel even worse.

You might think, “Why can’t I just start? Why am I stuck?”

You are not alone if you feel this way. Many people have fears, like being afraid to try new things or feeling pressure to keep up with others. But waiting will not help you.

You need to take action.

Don't be lazy, please.

A Simple Solution

The good news is that you can take charge of your future right now. Here are some simple steps you can follow to start making changes in your life today.

1. Stop Waiting

The first step is to stop waiting for the "perfect time." There will never be a perfect time to start.

Think about what you want to achieve.

Write down your goals.

They can be big or small.

Here are some examples of goals you might have:

• I’m skinny → Go to the gym

• I want to be rich → Learn a high-income skill

• I want to be healthier → Eat better and stay active

• I want to be more confident → Face my fears

Once you write down your goals, think about how you can break them into smaller steps.

2. Make Money

Look for ways to earn money, even if it’s just a small amount. Earning money helps you build savings for your goals.

You can do small jobs for neighbors, help family members with chores, or even sell things you don’t need anymore.

Here are some fun ideas:

• Dog Walking: If you love animals, offer to walk dogs for your neighbors.

• Yard Work: Ask your neighbors if they need help with raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow. Many people are happy to pay for help.

• Crafts or Baked Goods: If you like making things, you can sell crafts or baked goods. Set up a small booth at a local fair or market.

Every little bit of money you make can help you reach your goals.

Make sure to keep track of how much you earn and save it.

3. Learn New Things

Learning new things is super important.

It can help you grow and find new interests. When you learn new skills, you can open up many opportunities.

Here are some ways to learn:

• Online Classes: There are many websites that offer free classes on different subjects.

• Watch Videos: YouTube has many educational channels. You can find videos on almost any topic. Just search for what you want to learn about.

• Read Books: Books are a great way to learn. Go to your local library and find books that interest you.

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you see someone who knows a lot about a topic you’re interested in, ask them to share their knowledge.

• Join Clubs or Groups: Look for clubs or groups in your school or community where you can meet people who share your interests.

4. Build a Strong Foundation

Try to save some money so you can reach your dreams. Having money saved up will give you the freedom to explore your passions without worrying about costs.

You can start by making a simple budget.

A budget helps you see where your money goes and what you can save.

Here’s how to make a simple budget:

• Track Your Income: Write down how much money you make from your jobs or allowances.

• List Your Expenses: Write down what you spend money on, like snacks, games, or activities.

• Set Savings Goals: Decide how much money you want to save each month. Make it a goal to put that money aside first before spending on anything else.

• Use a Piggy Bank: If you’re saving for something special, use a jar or piggy bank to keep your money safe. Watching it grow can motivate you to save more.

5. Take Action

Every little step you take today helps your future. It’s important to take action! Set clear goals and break them down into small tasks.

Here’s how you can do this:

• Make Goals: Write down what you want to achieve. Make it simple and specific, like “Save $10 this week” or “Learn to bake cookies.”

• Create a Schedule: Pick specific times during the week to work on your goals. For example, you could say, “I will save $1 every Saturday” or “I will spend 30 minutes learning a new skill every Sunday.”

• Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or family member. They can help you stay on track. You can check in with each other and celebrate when you reach your goals!

• Celebrate Your Wins: When you reach a goal, big or small, take a moment to celebrate! Treat yourself to something special or share your success with others. Celebrating helps you stay motivated.

Embrace the Journey

Each choice you make today can help you in the future. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes help us learn and grow.

If you face challenges or feel discouraged, don’t give up.

You can always find a way to overcome obstacles. Ask for help when you need it, and remember that everyone has their own journey.

Remember: You are the champion of your journey!

You have the power to make your dreams come true.

If you want to learn more or need help with anything, just ask.

Thank you for reading, and I hope these ideas help you.

Best wishes,