Everybody eagerly waits for their twenties because they will no longer be counted as teens. Most of the time, the twenties breeze by fast, and as the thirties near, fear and anxiety start creeping in.
Being anxious about this milestone is understandable since it comes with bodily changes and societal pressure. Men may get a receding hairline or dad bods, while women face a general decline in fertility. Also, you may no longer have the energy you had in your early twenties.
That said, the best years are ahead of you. This article explores reasons you shouldn’t be scared of your thirties and why it’s not as bad as you think.
Why you should embrace your thirties
1. It’s okay if you’ve not achieved your vision
Most 20-year-olds envision where they want to be when they hit the big “3-O.” You hope to have your dream car, house, and even partner by the time you hit this milestone. Besides your expectations, society expects you to have some things by your thirties.
However, you’ll be surprised that most people haven’t figured out their life by this age. As you age, you will discover that life didn’t turn out as you expected. Some things went better, and others went wayward. So, instead of feeling guilty and ashamed, it’s an opportunity to reflect or refocus your energies on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
2. It’s just the beginning
As you age, you may not have the energy you had in your twenties. Still, you are young, and if you’re not satisfied with what you’re doing, you can start over.
Your thirties come with one great advantage: You’ll be comfortable with what you like and don’t like. You have a clearer vision of your aspirations, values, and priorities, so you won’t feel pressured to do things you don’t like or please everybody around you. This is great because you can focus on yourself and improve your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
3. Your twenties may not be your best years
Your energy is at its peak in your twenties, and you have time to experiment and make mistakes. However, this period is not as glamorous as people paint it to be. The twenties come with a steep learning curve at a time when you are still learning the ropes.
The good news is that your thirties will be better. You will have experience from your previous mistakes and no longer tolerate people who want to pull you down. This period also comes with financial stability. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be wealthy or successful by 30, but it means you get better at managing your finances or knowing your limitations.
4. Stronger relationships
Because you have self-knowledge and self-assuredness, your thirties may also come with stronger bonds in your romantic, friendship, and familial relationships. Also, as you eliminate toxic people, you become surrounded by people you can depend on.
5. You can say no to societal pressure
Societal pressure can derail your progress and increase your anxiety, especially if you haven’t met them by your late twenties. People will keep asking you why you’ve not settled, married, have children, and so forth. You’ll also be constantly reminded of what your peers have achieved.
However, as long as you have direction and a sense of purpose, there’s no need to succumb to this pressure. You can progress slowly and achieve what you want in the long run. There are many examples of people who were deemed failures only to make breakthroughs in their later years.
6. Aging doesn’t have to be bad
In the natural progression of life, you’re bound to grow old. Not everybody likes this thought, but there’s no way around it. So appreciate each year as it passes, reflect on your progress and mistakes, and find a way to positively impact those around you.
Most people believe they must make a monumental gesture to be impactful, but the little things you do for your friends, family, or neighbors matter a lot. As you enter your thirties, it’s a period to improve yourself and those around you.
Takeaway
Entering your thirties is not something to be feared, but embraced. Remember, comparison may be your greatest enemy as you strive to foster personal growth and achieve success. Don’t gauge your success with others, but where you were yesterday as a person.
Happy thirtieth birthday!
