As we step into our 30s, many of us find ourselves standing at a crossroads. Gone are the carefree days of our 20s, filled with late-night adventures and the ability to bounce back from anything with minimal effort. Instead, our 30s bring new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities for growth. If you’re like me, you might be wondering, “How did I get here, and what’s next?” It’s a common sentiment, but the good news is that with the right habits, your 30s can be some of the most fulfilling years of your life.
Here are five essential habits that will not only help you survive but thrive in your 30s:
1. Prioritize Your Health
Your 20s might have been a time of pizza binges, late-night parties, and seemingly endless energy. But by the time you hit 30, your body starts sending not-so-subtle reminders that it’s time to take better care of yourself. While it can be tempting to ignore these signals, prioritizing your health is crucial.
Think of taking care of your body like investing in a stock that always pays dividends. In your 30s, you can no longer rely on instant noodles and energy drinks to power you through the day. Instead, it’s about making those incremental lifestyle changes—whether that’s finding time to exercise, getting enough sleep, or eating healthier meals—that keep you feeling energized and strong.
Take it from someone who tried to maintain a 20-year-old’s lifestyle well into their 30s—it doesn’t work. I felt like I was running on empty, constantly fatigued and frustrated. It wasn’t until I made my health a priority that I began to feel better, both physically and mentally.
2. Learn to Take Smart Risks
Your 30s are often filled with opportunities to take bigger risks, but that doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Smart risks—whether in your career, relationships, or personal life—can lead to extraordinary rewards.
The key is to balance ambition with pragmatism. Yes, you might have dreams of leaving your full-time job to pursue a passion, but have you thought through the steps needed to make that transition? Do you have a backup plan if things don’t go as expected? Learning from those who have already walked the path you’re considering can be invaluable.
As someone who’s chasing their passion on the side while maintaining a full-time job, I understand the importance of taking calculated risks. I haven’t made this my full-time gig yet, but that’s okay. I’m pursuing my dreams while ensuring I have the security of a steady income. And that’s the essence of smart risk-taking—following your passions while maintaining a safety net.
3. Master Your Finances
By 30, managing your finances should be a priority. In your 20s, it’s easy to spend on wants over needs—whether it’s the latest tech gadget, expensive dinners, or unnecessary credit card splurges. But those financial habits can lead to stress and regret later on.
Your 30s are about mastering the balance between enjoying life now and securing your financial future. It’s about understanding the difference between wants and needs and creating a budget that allows you to enjoy life without recklessly spending. Learning how to manage your finances now will give you freedom later.
Trust me, I’ve made some huge financial mistakes in my 20s—like maxing out credit cards on things I didn’t need, only to struggle to pay them off later. Take it from me: If you don’t have the money to pay it off immediately, don’t buy it. Learning this lesson earlier can save you a lot of financial pain down the road.
4. Surround Yourself with Good People
By the time you’re in your 30s, you should have a solid squad of supportive people in your corner. Your time and energy become more valuable as you get older, so it’s essential to invest them in relationships that enrich your life.
Your circle might have shrunk since your 20s, but that’s okay. It’s better to have a few genuine friends who truly support you than a large group of acquaintances. Quality over quantity becomes the rule here. Surrounding yourself with good people is about more than just having fun—it’s about building a network of individuals who will lift you up, challenge you, and help you grow.
The truth is, as we get older, friendships become harder to maintain, but that makes the few real ones you keep even more important. I’ve lost many friends since college, but I’ve gained deeper connections with people who add value to my life—sometimes even online friends who I’ve never met in person.
5. Learn to Accept Yourself
The final habit that will serve you well in your 30s is learning to truly accept yourself. This can be one of the hardest lessons to learn, but it’s also one of the most liberating. Stop comparing yourself to others—whether it’s Instagram influencers, colleagues, or friends—and embrace the fact that your journey is unique.
In my 20s, I was overly concerned with what people thought of me, trying to fit into societal molds that didn’t reflect who I was. It wasn’t until I started embracing my quirks and accepting myself that I felt truly free. Accepting yourself doesn’t mean you can’t improve or grow—it just means giving yourself the grace to be authentic and live life on your own terms.
Remember, your 30s are not about having everything figured out—they’re about learning, growing, and becoming the best version of yourself. These five habits—prioritizing health, taking smart risks, managing finances, surrounding yourself with good people, and accepting yourself—will set the foundation for a life that is not just successful, but deeply fulfilling.