What To Do In Your 30s

1. Reduce financial debt every year in your 30s. The goal should be to enter your 40s with less debt than when you entered your 30s.
   2.Stay consistent and go deep with 3 – 4 strong friendships. In his excellent book “Strength to Strength,” Arthur Brook cites research that says one of the top regrets later in life is looking back and realizing we often sacrificed friendships for work. This usually begins in our 30s due to the growing demands of our career and family. I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t have more than four friends. What I’m suggesting is go deep with 3 – 4 friends now in order to hit your 40s and beyond with meaningful friendships.
2. Get life insurance.
3. Get your will done.
4. Take a calculated risk. Our 30s is the decade when we start settling down, and that’s not a bad thing. But too often we can choose comfort over growth.
5. Try something new with your fitness. If you’re not a runner, sign up for a 5k. If you’ve never done a triathlon, sign up for a sprint triathlon. If you’ve never played pickle ball or golf or taken a spin class — you get the point. Try something new in your 30s and see if it sticks. If not, no problem. You tried something new.
6. Stretch, stretch, stretch. This is one of my big regrets. I should have stretched more. Make mobility and flexibility a part of your daily routine, even if it’s just stretching for 5 minutes a day.
7. Don’t ‘should’ on yourself. Our 30s is when we start thinking, “I should be further along by now.” “I should be married by now.” “I should have written that book by now.” Don’t worry about where you’re not. Focus on making progress where you are. Also, stop comparing yourself to others. That’s often where “should” starts.
8. Find a therapist and start meeting monthly. Your 30s is actually your fourth decade on the planet. You’ve been through a lot. It’s helpful to process with someone who is a professional. Also, counseling doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means you’re human.
9. Find a faith community.
10. Prioritize Quarterly Retreats. If you’re married, this is a great idea to do with your spouse. If you’re not, this is still a great idea. Getting away every 90 days, reflecting on what went well, what didn’t and what adjustments you should make is very important.
11. Meet with a financial advisor. Topics like retirement plans, college savings funds — yes, you’ve arrived at this stage in life — are signs it’s time to get some professional, financial help.
12. Read at least one book a month.
13. Build your personal network by at least 12 people a year.

God Bless,

Janitza Rivera

Executive Business Coach