When we were younger, we used to dream about being adults and how great it was going to be. Now as adults, we day dream about being younger. We no longer look forward to birthdays. Instead we usually dread the date and to being a year older. That’s exactly how I felt turning 30. I remember an episode in The Office (UK) where David Brent makes a joke about Tim turning 30 and declaring his youths over. The common perception of the age of 30 is that we’re over the hill. It is perceived to be negative in society as the end of youth, fun, and adventure. Rihanna joked that she could no longer blame bad decisions on her 20s now that she’s 30.
So, maybe it’s time to start making good decisions and credit our experience for it. We can take inspiration from people who became successful after turning 30:
- Jan Koum created WhatsApp at 33
- Reed Hastings founded Netflix at 37
- JK Rowling was 32 when the first Harry Potter book was published
- Harrison Ford was a carpenter at 30
Being successful isn’t solely down to our careers. It’s about having a well-balanced, happy life and I believe our health can be a foundation for it. Investing in our health is one of the best things we can do for ourselves no matter our age. It was for me. I started lifting weights when I was mid 20s which transformed, not only my body composition but also my mind. Improving my physique also improved my mindset and I became more positive and grateful in life. This transformation crossed over into my career as I had the confidence in myself to change career.
Regardless of our age or where we find ourselves right now, there is still so much to achieve in life. Our age shouldn’t be a factor. We’re not over any hill, we’re merely half way. The peak (just like our dreams) is still in sight. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the view, recognise just how far you’ve come and keep going. You might find, like Rihanna said, 30s being your favourite era.
Fitness in Your 30s 