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This may sound a bit dramatic but what you do before you turn 30 lays the foundation for the rest of your life.
Whether it’s about building a fulfilling career, nurturing meaningful relationships, or taking care of your health, this decade is the time to set the tone.
Success, after all, isn’t about luck—it’s about the choices you make daily.
In this post, we explore seven habits for a better life that every man should develop before hitting the big 3-0. Are you ready to invest in the man you’re becoming?
Let’s get started.
1) Embracing self-care
In your twenties, you might be able to get away with neglecting your health. But as you approach thirty, it’s time to take self-care seriously.
And no, I’m not just talking about hitting the gym or eating right – though those are important too. It’s about taking care of your body, mind, and spirit in a holistic way.
Take the time to figure out what self-care looks like for you. Maybe it’s meditating for 10 minutes a day, or committing to getting a good night’s sleep, or even just making sure you drink enough water.
Your body is the only place you have to live in. So start treating it with the respect it deserves.
Making self-care a habit now will pay dividends down the line. Not only will you feel better physically, but you’ll also have more energy, motivation, and overall positivity in your life..
2) Becoming financially savvy
When I was in my early twenties, I’ll admit, I was pretty clueless about money. I spent without thinking and saved without a clear goal.
But as I crept closer to thirty, I realized it was time to get my finances in order.
It began with setting a budget. I started tracking every penny I spent and cut out unnecessary expenses. I also started saving a portion of my income every month – no matter how small.
Then, I dived into the world of investing. It seemed daunting at first, but with time and patience, I started understanding how stocks, bonds, and mutual funds work.
I also made it a point to educate myself about taxes and insurance. These aren’t the most exciting topics, but understanding them can save you a lot of headaches (and money!) in the long run.
Becoming financially savvy doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey. But trust me, it’s one that’s worth embarking on.
Today, I can confidently say that I’m in control of my finances, not the other way around. And that’s a feeling of empowerment that no amount of money can buy.
3) Nurturing relationships
In an era where we’re more digitally connected than ever, it’s ironic that loneliness seems to be on the rise.
Don’t believe me?
A study conducted in 2023 found that a whopping 15% of men had no close friends. Yes, no close friends. That’s five times the number from 1990.
That might surprise some of you in your early twenties but trust me, it’s get harder to keep friends as we age. Careers, family obligations, and personal ambitions can all pull your focus away from the people who matter most.
But here’s the thing: your friendships and connections are one of the most valuable investments you can make in your twenties.
Start by being intentional. Schedule regular catch-ups, even if it’s just a quick call or a coffee. Celebrate your friends’ wins, support them through challenges, and don’t shy away from being vulnerable yourself. Relationships thrive on mutual care and authenticity, not surface-level interactions.
Also, don’t forget about your family. These bonds can often take a back seat in your twenties, but they’re a source of strength and grounding.
4) Developing a growth mindset
This is a big one.
Success doesn’t come to those who are exceptionally talented or lucky. It comes to those who believe they can grow and improve through perseverance and effort.
This concept, known as a growth mindset, was coined by psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time.
It’s about embracing challenges instead of avoiding them, persisting in the face of setbacks, and understanding that effort is the path to mastery.
As you approach your thirties, developing a growth mindset becomes increasingly important. Because let’s face it – life is going to throw curveballs at you. And how you respond to these challenges can make all the difference.
5) Cultivating gratitude
In a world that constantly pushes us to want more, it’s easy to overlook the blessings we already have. And trust me, no matter where you are in life, there’s always something to be grateful for.
Cultivating gratitude is about appreciating the small things – the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, a good book on a rainy day, or a heartwarming message from a loved one. It’s about recognizing the beauty in ordinary moments.
As you approach your thirties, you’ll find that life is filled with ups and downs. And in those challenging times, gratitude can be a powerful tool to help you stay positive.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the difficulties in life. It simply means choosing to focus on the good. And believe me, when you start practicing gratitude, you’ll begin to see the world in a whole new light.
6) Embracing failure
I’ve failed more times than I can count. I’ve stumbled, fallen, and made mistakes. But you know what? I wouldn’t be where I am today without those failures.
As Einstein once said, “Failure is success in progress”.
Embracing failure is about understanding that it’s not a dead-end, but a stepping stone to success. It’s about learning to pick yourself up every time you fall and treating each failure as a lesson.
7) Prioritizing mental health
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. But amidst all the noise and chaos, it’s crucial to take a step back and prioritize your mental health.
This could mean different things for different people. Maybe it’s taking a few minutes each day to meditate, or perhaps it’s seeking professional help when things get overwhelming.
It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s absolutely okay to seek help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it deserves the same level of care and attention.
At the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of your mind, and everything else will follow.
The bottom line
The habits you cultivate in your twenties will set the stage for the life you want to live, shaping your career, relationships, health, and happiness.
From embracing self-care and nurturing relationships to developing a growth mindset and prioritizing mental health, each of these habits is a stepping stone toward becoming the best version of yourself.
So, what will you begin today? Your future self is counting on you.