Lots of people make lists of things they’d like to do or see before they hit the dirty thirty. When I think about approaching the big 3-0, I think about the bad habits, stubborn traits and short cuts of my 20’s that I don’t want to carry into the next decade.
Here are 30 things I’m working on in my 29th year, in no particular order:
- reconnect with estranged friends and family, even if it means forgiving and forgetting.
- be open to new ideas and different perspectives.
- be informed; ignorance is not bliss.
- accept that perfection is impossible. and boring.
- don’t let irrational fear win.
- keep learning new things.
- volunteer.
- worry about nothing, pray about everything. (Philippians 4:7)
- spend more time outside.
- stop falling asleep to the television.
- start playing the violin again.
- make exercise a priority.
- ask for help and/or graciously accept when it’s offered.
- take constructive criticism and learn from it.
- send more snail mail.
- pick up the phone and call instead of always texting.
- build a nest egg.
- don’t be a know-it-all.
- communicate, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult.
- try new things.
- wake up earlier.
- have more date nights.
- tell important people they’re loved and appreciated — a lot, so they never question it.
- network with other small business owners.
- make new friends, but keep the old ones.
- take lots of photos. and print them!
- let go of the need to control every little detail.
- don’t run from conflict.
- enjoy guilt-free down time.
- say “yes” more often than “no.”
What do you think?