Are you able to list down things you want to do before turning 30? This is the “30 before 30 bucket list!”
Your 30th birthday may seem so distant when you are in your 20s. As you will quickly discover, the years pass faster than we think. The 20s are the best time to discover who you are and what you want before you embark on a new decade.
Recall your dreams about your 21st Birthday as a 10-year-old. Perhaps you thought you’d be living the dream at your dream school, partying all night and learning every day. You might have imagined yourself as a world traveler who would spend his days backpacking through Europe, sipping wine with some of the most interesting people in the world.
If your dreams didn’t quite turn out as planned, it’s OK! I have learned that you should still enjoy your 20s by opening a bottle of wine-in-a box and celebrating. Your twenties are a time of adventure and joy. Many of us will eventually settle down, have beautiful children and be permanent residents in the neighborhoods we choose. For me, however, this day is not today.
To fill the time between now and thirtydom I’ll try to be reckless and responsible. I want to get rid of my self-destructive and unrepentant bad habits. I want to set goals, surpass them, and make memories that I will never forget.
“Go to a place you don’t speak the language, or where you have never been.”
It’s not scary to go somewhere you cannot communicate with others. I am not serious. However, I must admit that this was a challenge for me.
You can usually communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world.
You’ll need more awareness of what’s happening around you if you live in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. You will be more mindful of what you are experiencing and more attentive — something that most people could do more of.
You never know, you may use this opportunity to learn a new skill or a different language.
I have always longed to see the Northern Lights. It was the most amazing experience of my life to see the Southern Lights.
“Begin friendship with a variety of people.”
You will grow and learn from people who are different to you. You can learn and grow from people like these in your life circle. You will learn how to consider other perspectives. You will broaden your worldview. You can also learn to communicate your beliefs better.
Start your 401(k)
While retirement may seem like a distant dream, it is coming soon. Do yourself a favor by saving now. Consider adding matching funds if you have one. Increase your profits, increase your cash flow!
It’s better to start saving early for retirement. It doesn’t matter if you have ten dollars per month or one thousand, it is important to start saving for retirement. Savings habits will benefit you in the future more than any other thing.
Take a chance!
Think about what “risk” you are taking on and be willing to take it on. Some people might consider skydiving in Costa Rica or scuba diving in Costa Rica a risk. Others might have to commit to a graduate school program. If you are afraid or apprehensive about it, you will know it is a risk.
It can be terrifying, but it can also be thrilling to take a chance. Sometimes, the best things in life are right on the other side from fear. This is the one thing you might take away from the 30 before 30 list.
Start investing.
Your money will grow faster if you get started investing sooner. Investing is a long-term endeavor and it is best to start investing in your 20s. This entire series will help you get started in investing.