When I was younger, I used to dream how amazing adulthood was going to be. Now as a 30 something, I find myself day dreaming of how better life was when I was younger. Birthdays are no longer anticipated with excitement. On the contrary, they’re dreaded and celebrations feel more like commiserations. That’s exactly how I felt when I turned 30. I feared the date ever since watching The Office (UK) tv show when David Brent jokes about his coworker, Tim’s youth being over on his 30th birthday.
That’s usually the perception in today’s society. The landmark is associated with the end of excitement, adventure, and fitness. But it doesn’t need to be like that. Life was no better when I was 18 years of age. Back then, I had really bad acne and the only thing lower than my income was my confidence. Now 12 years on, I’ve grown in confidence, earned a little, and learned a lot (including plenty of water helps with acne).
The pop star Rihanna turned 30 recently. On the eve of her birthday she joked that she could no longer blame her bad decisions on her 20s. But maybe that’s a good thing. And maybe it’s time we took responsibility and made positive decisions that we can now credit our experience for. We can learn the lessons from our past and use them in creating a better future for ourselves this decade.
There is plenty of examples of transforming their lives in their 30s. Stan Lee published his first successful comic book in 1961 when he was almost 39 years old. Harrison Ford’s first major acting success was at the age of 35. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter, the best-selling book series in history, was first published when she was 32.
Transforming our lives starts with a clear-cut decision. And the best decision I made in my 20s was transforming myself physically. I no longer wanted to be skinny and underweight. So, I started lifting weights. I was disciplined, determined, and patient. Through time, my body started to develop. In addition, my outlook also changed. I became more confident, self-assured, and happier. With this new-found confidence, I had a desire to better my life in other ways such as my career. I started applying to bigger roles within my field (with better salaries). Shortly after I was offered a better position in a worldwide company.
It may not seem like a massive achievement but it was for me. Pushing myself to achieve things we didn’t know we were otherwise capable of is one of the great achievements in life. It’s important to remember not everyone is destined to be famous actors or entrepreneurs. Being successful isn’t solely down to careers or money. Success ultimately is living a well-balanced life. And I believe fitness can be the spring box to success.
Becoming fit seems like an impossible obstacle to climb. But it starts with putting one foot in front of the other. You’ll be amazed at what your body is capable of doing no matter your age. So, start now. Stay consistent. You never know how your life will change for the better. And just like Rihanna once said: “30s might be your favourite era”.
Fitness in Your 30s 