5 Things I Learned After Turning 30 That I Should’ve Known In My 20s

JQMEDIA-I turned thirty in June 2022. It took some time to hit me that I am 30 years old now. But, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I realized I hadn’t learned much about life.

Everyone has different life experiences. For example, Mark Zuckerberg became a millionaire in his twenties. Most people are still unsure about career choices even after turning 30.

Of course, it is not good to compare yourself to others. But it is an eye-opener for you to realize what people, who are the same age as you, have achieved in their life.

Turning 30 was indeed an eye-opener for me. And it didn’t happen in an instant. Instead, it was a subconscious realization at first. Then, everything hit me all at once. And when I saw my friends doing this and that, it felt like I had much to do in my life.

Now that I’m thirty, I have become more serious about life. I have started analyzing all aspects of my life. Every day is about learning and growing.

Below are five things I learned after turning 30 that I should have known in my 20s. My life would have been much different had I known them ten years ago. Although I panicked a little when I realized these things, I am confident it’s not too late. I can still change my life and manifest it the way I want.

1. Have your say

I have always been an introverted, shy type of person. I was scared to speak up since my childhood. My friends and teachers considered me a “good guy.” I don’t even know what that means, honestly.

Others’ behavior towards me transformed my mindset too. My self-image changed, and I also saw myself as a shy, introverted kid who didn’t speak much.

This carried on till my 20s. Although I became a little more active and extroverted during college, it slowly faded once college was over and all my friends went their separate ways.

After turning 30, I realized that not saying what I wanted impacted my life. People treated me the way I didn’t want just because I wouldn’t speak up. They even tried to take advantage of me.

Now, I am more confident and not afraid to say what I want. If you have an opinion, speak up.

Don’t be scared to say what you want. Stand up for what you believe in.

2. Confrontation is necessary

Fear of confrontation is common today. I used to avoid conflict almost all the time. I would let go and be quiet because I wouldn’t want the other person to feel bad.

Throughout my life, I have always avoided drama. I hated it. But now, I realize that it wasn’t the drama I hated. Instead, it was the fear of conflict.

What other people think of you shouldn’t matter to you. You must always speak what you believe, even if it causes a conflict. When you don’t fear confrontation, you feel free. Most importantly, you gain respect.

A little conflict is also good for your relationships, be it with your partner, friends, colleagues, or family.

3. Take risks as early as possible

Whether it’s about getting a job, starting a business, or moving to a different town, you must follow your instincts. If it feels right to you, go for it. You will learn from it even if it turns out to be a wrong decision.

I used to overthink my career choices, finances, relationships, and life. Sadly, I always preferred my comfort zone because it was less risky for me.

As I got older, I realized how quickly life went by. I learned that I must put myself out there to learn and grow as a person.

Be active in your 20s. Learn as much as possible. Take risks.

I started investing in the stock market at 26. The only thing I regret about that is not doing it earlier. The same goes for writing and other choices. But, now that I have realized this, I don’t want to say the same thing in my 40s.

4. Become independent

In my culture, we have to live with our parents for our entire lives. Since I was brought up in this culture, my parents were available whenever I needed them. They even made most of my life decisions for me.

As a kid, I felt safe (and fortunate) to have such loving and caring parents. However, as I grew older, I realized how dependent I was on them. They were always there whenever I needed money or other life support. This made me lazier and more dependent.

Now that I have realized this, I am trying to be completely independent of my parents. Although it is never possible to do that 100% in my culture, I am trying my best to live as if they do not exist for me, especially regarding money and decision-making.

5. Say “No”

We have all heard about the importance of saying “no.” But in reality, it is easier said than done. If you have tried it, I’m sure you know it.

Saying “yes” has caused many troubles for me. It’s not just about doing something I didn’t want to. Instead, I have had to face the consequences of saying “yes” for a long time.

After a few awkward encounters of saying “no,” I have learned its importance. Even though it is hard to do so, you feel good in the end.

Now, I either say “no” directly or tell them I’ll think about it, which is a less awkward version of saying, “I don’t want to do it.”

Bonus: Always be learning

Learning is a part of life. You never stop it.

Most understand formal education as learning. But every day is an opportunity to learn.

I learned most of the essential things in life after graduating from college. Today, it is easier to learn new things because of the internet. Anyone can learn anything regardless of age, gender, or nationality.

Your keen desire to learn new things is essential for success in life.

Thanks for reading.