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Men, we all know that by the time we’re 30, we should be more ‘grown up’. It’s a significant turning point in one’s life (believe me!). However, what does that mean exactly?
If you don’t want to be left behind, this list is for you. These are 50 things men should do by the time they reach 30 years old
01 Create an exercise routine and stick to it
Keeping your health in check is important at all ages but it is easiest to form a good habit when you are still in your twenties.
When you turn 30, it can feel like you have aged years. After this, your metabolism slows down making it harder to get in shape and stay in shape than it is in your twenties.
It is therefore essential to get in the habit of exercising regularly before turning 30. It’s much easier to stay fit than to get fit after 30.
02 Live and work abroad
There are a lot of opportunities for young people to move abroad for work or study.
However, most do not take advantage of it. A stint in another country will help you grow up faster compared to staying at home.
When you come back, you will be more open-minded and more of a man than when you left.
03 Choose a career
It is never too early to think about what you want to do for a living. Ideally, by the time you turn 30, you will know what you want to do.
That’s not to say you stick with the first job you get. Try different things to see what suits you while in your twenties.
While you can retrain, or change career paths in your thirties or even forties, it will undoubtedly be more difficult.
04 Put some money aside
This may sound backward, but it’s important. If you want to survive financially, start putting money aside as soon as possible.
It’s always good to have some cash for a rainy day. Get into the habit of saving a little every month until you have enough to cover most unfortunate events that may occur.
05 Learn to drive
When you’re young, learning to drive is fun. As time passes you realize how important knowing how to drive can be.
Every man should know how to drive by the time he turns the big three-o.
06 Learn a foreign language
Learning a new language is a great way to immerse yourself in a culture that is not your own, which is always beneficial even though it may be difficult.
Learning to speak another language (or languages) can be done at any time in your life but it is easier before you turn thirty.
If you’re like most men, you will get married and work hard in your thirties. There simply may not be time to learn a language.
07 Learn how to cook
An essential part of being a man is independence. Learning to cook goes a long way toward this.
You don’t have to become a master chef but being able to grill up some steaks or prepare a delicious healthy meal has tangible benefits.
First of all, that hot date you have will love it! Not only this, being able to cook well will allow you to save money.
Learn to cook before you turn thirty.
08 Start a business
If you are like most men in their twenties, you probably don’t have a lot of responsibility (despite how you may feel). Once you pass thirty, you will probably will. It is therefore much easier to start a business before you turn thirty.
If you are successful, you may have found that career we mentioned a few points back.
If not, you will certainly have learned something and will have time to get back on your feet before you get into the responsibilities of your thirties and forties.
09 Travel
Traveling can really open your mind to new ideas.
With most men having more free time before they turn thirty, it’s a great time to explore.
You don’t need to spend the world to reap the benefits either.
If you’re not convinced or want to learn more about this go ahead and check out our more detailed article on 8 reasons every young man should travel.
10 Learn about investing
Investing for your future goes hand-in-hand with saving money. The earlier you get started investing, the more money you stand to make.
Really, the magic of compound interest should not be underestimated. If you invest $10,000 when you are 30 when you are sixty that sum would be worth approximately $211,000 (based on the average S&P 500 return since 1957).
If you invest the same amount when you are 40, when you are sixty it would be worth just over $75,000.
What a difference getting started earlier can make!
11 Date some girls!
You are probably not married now, so you have time for dating. Take the time in your twenties to get to know some women and find the right one for you.
12 Learn how to drive a motorbike
Yes, this is a man’s list!
A motorbike is a great way to get around and to see your surroundings.
Learning how to ride a motorbike can be fun and it is also a good skill to have in your arsenal.
13 Experiment with your style
Now is the time to be adventurous when it comes to your wardrobe and hairstyle.
Don’t limit yourself by conforming to a style you are comfortable with. Try new things and see what works for you.
14 Make friends
This may seem a little silly but after thirty, it is easy to start becoming closer to your workmates and in many cases for them to become your only friends.
Meeting new people is more difficult as you get older. Use the time before you turn thirty to meet as many as you can!
15 Become a good communicator
People who are excellent with their words can easily influence others. They can persuade people to do what they want without being forceful.
This is a skill that will greatly benefit you. Learn it early and reap the rewards.
16 Become a good listener
Communication is more than just talking. It is also about listening to what people have to say.
Not only will this make you more likable and attractive to the opposite sex, but it will also help you to understand others.
17 Quit smoking
It should come as no surprise to you that smoking is bad for one’s health.
If you are a smoker, the sooner you can quit, the better.
If you are not, don’t get into the habit.
18 Make healthy eating a habit
Eating right and exercising regularly will make you feel great about yourself. It will improve your mental and physical well-being.
It will also make you much healthier in the long run and it is something that can be done easily before you turn thirty.
19 Improve your writing skills
Writing is a somewhat forgotten art but it is a skill that can greatly benefit your professional career.
Ditch the emojis and learn to write like a mature man before you turn thirty.
Reading is a great way to improve your writing and nowadays there are tons of courses online.
20 Eliminate toxic ‘friends’
If you have friends who drain you emotionally and stress you out, it’s time to let go of them.
You don’t need them in your life if they are negatively affecting your well-being.
It is harsh but it is better to say goodbye sooner rather than later.
21 Cultivate a positive mindset
It is important to have a positive outlook in life and especially so once you pass thirty. However, this habit is built in your twenties.
Look at what you have done rather than what is still to come.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel, even if it seems dark.
22 Experiment with haircuts
There are so many styles to choose from. Experiment with them in your twenties and find the one that works for you.
Once you’ve found it. Stick with it after thirty.
If you are looking for some inspiration, you can’t go wrong with these classic haircuts.
23 Learn a martial art
Every man should learn a martial art.
While you should always try to resolve things without resorting to physical aggression, it is reassuring to know that if unavoidable, you will be able to defend yourself.
Aside from that, practicing a martial art is a great way to stay fit and meet other like-mined people.
24 Learn to play a musical instrument
Learning an instrument is a great way to stay sharp. It is also a great way to meet interesting people.
Oh, and did we mention that ladies love musicians? Well, they do.
25 Find a mentor
Having a mentor is an important skill to have if you want to reach your full potential.
We all need guidance; a mentor can help show you the way and they will lend an ear when you need it.
26 Shave with a safety razor or straight razor
It is always the right time to start shaving with a safety razor or straight razor.
Not only will you look like a badass, but by shaving this way your face will feel so much better.
27 Learn to tie a tie
How have you gotten this far in life without having learned to tie a tie?
If you don’t want to look like a boy playing dress-up, now is the time to learn how.
28 Buy a suit
If you have not already, it is time to invest in a good suit. Get one that is made from quality fabric and fits you well.
29 Invest in a decent watch
You may not be a ‘watch guy’ but it is important to get a good quality watch before you turn thirty.
It is not only a good way to tell time but also a conversation starter and suggests that you are organized.
30 Move out!
Move out of your parent’s house.
You are a man and a man needs independence.
If you are turning thirty soon and still living with your folks, it’s time to make a change.
31 Learn to fix your car
If you can fix your car, you can fix almost anything. Get yourself a good repair manual and learn how to take care of your car.
This will also save you money in the long run.
32 Learn to repair things around the house
On a similar note, it is important to learn how to repair things around the house.
Not only will you save money on hiring a handyman, but you will feel more confident and capable.
33 Realize that life is short
When we are young, life feels endless. However the older you get, the faster time flies.
It’s best to realize that life is short as early as possible.
Simply knowing this goes a long way to helping you to plan, and prioritize so that you live the fulfilling life you deserve.
34 Watch The Godfather
It doesn’t matter what your age is, every man should watch this film. Save yourself any embarrassment and do it before you turn thirty.
The Godfather is a classic that has everything: great acting, plot, and one of the greatest endings in cinema history.
And who doesn’t love Al Pacino?
35 Throw out the clothes you wore in your teens
It’s way too easy to keep the clothes you wore in your teen years but they should be thrown out or donated.
It is time to let go of these pieces and move on with your life.
36 Pursue a passion
Before you turn thirty it is important to start pursuing a passion. Whether it is something that you will do as a career or just a hobby, you should find out what it is.
This will help focus your life and give you direction.
37 Be alone
Whether you are in a relationship or not, learn to be alone.
You will find it very hard to truly love someone if you don’t know how to be alone.
38 Get in the habit of reading
Reading is a great way to improve your knowledge, vocabulary, empathy for other people, and your imagination.
While there are many media forms to choose from nowadays, reading is still one of the best.
39 Learn to be patient
You will need patience in your thirties, I promise.
It’s best to learn this skill before you leave your twenties.
40 Think longterm
It’s easy to live for the moment when you are younger. It is far too easy to waste away your twenties and end up lost in your thirties.
If you want to be successful in your career and in life, you need to learn to think long-term.
We said life is short but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look ahead. The future is closer than you think.
41 Grow a beard
Beards are not just for hipsters anymore. They are an important part of a man’s image.
Try a few styles before you turn thirty to see if they work for you. If you look ridiculous, people will forgive it on account of your youth.
42 Face your fears
The longer you delay facing your fears, the more significant they become.
Whatever you are afraid of, aim to face it head-on before you turn thirty.
43 Learn to iron your shirts
Learn how to iron your shirts before you turn thirty. This is one of the little things that will put the finishing touches on your appearance.
Kids can get away with running around in creased clothing. You are not a kid anymore.
44 Learn the art of budgeting
Learning how to budget is an art form that you should master as soon as you can.
It will be even more important in your thirties when you are earning more and have greater living expenses.
45 Ditch the backpack
Unless, you are traveling or hiking, leave the backpack in the closet.
Even if you are still in school, stop carrying a backpack. Ditch it for a briefcase or laptop bag.
It will make you look more manly and mature.
46 Make time for the people you love
It’s so easy to let the people you love slip away.
This is especially true when you are in your twenties and discovering the world.
Make time for the people who love you, before it is too late.
47 Become friends with your father
Most men my age don’t know their fathers. You should.
Before you turn thirty, learn to be friends with your father.
This will be the most important relationship of your life and it will help you so much in the future.
48 Learn to clean up
To be a real man, you have to know how to pick up after yourself.
Even if you are still living with your parents, learn to clean up after yourself and put your things away.
49 Take a break from technology
This is an important thing to do if you are turning thirty soon.
Don’t get stuck in the habit of using your phone all the time. Texting is a great way to communicate but it can also become a bad habit.
50 Don’t take life too seriously
There are lots of things to worry about when you are turning thirty but life isn’t one of them.
You only get to live it once, so don’t take it too seriously.
So there you have it, fellas. I hope you found this post useful. If there are some things we have forgotten, feel free to leave them on the comments!
