30+ things to do before turning 30 – reach new milestones

Need inspiration for things to do before turning 30?

Turning 30 is a major milestone for many of us. It’s a time when we start to reflect on our life and accomplishments, and think about what we want to achieve in the future. For some, it can be a daunting prospect, but for others, it’s an opportunity to set new goals and embark on new adventures.

As exciting as adulthood is and as great as the idea of tackling your bucket list is, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect, grow and experience the things that have made you who you are before you reach your thirtieth birthday.

Some of the things to do before 30 may be practical, like paying off credit card debt or starting to invest in your future. Others may be more experiential, like traveling to a new country or learning a new skill.

Over 30 things to do before turning 30

Whatever the item may be, the goal is to have a sense of accomplishment and growth before we enter our next decade of life.

Here are over 30 of the things to do before turning 30, that has the potential to leave you feeling more fulfilled, content and finished with your twenties.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is an important aspect of life that everyone should strive to achieve. Here are a few things to do before 30 to help with personal growth:

Get a degree

The universe offers so much knowledge to be absorbed and explored, education should always be a priority. Whether it’s taking night classes or enrolling in university online or in-person, there is something to learn at all levels.

A degree can open up doors to new opportunities, help you land better jobs, and increase your earning potential. 

Make sure you budget for tuition and other expenses related to your degree. With the right plan of action, getting a degree before turning 30 can be a great way to further your career and increase your earning potential.

Learn a New Skill

Learning a new skill can help with personal growth and development. It can boost confidence, increase knowledge, and provide new opportunities.

Consider learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, or enrolling in a course or workshop. Learning a new skill can also be a fun and enjoyable experience.

There are a lot of skills to learn before turning 30 and beyond – there is no age limit!

• Blogging
• Web development
• Graphic designing
• Baking
• Fashion designing and more.

Volunteer or Give Back

Volunteering or giving back to the community can be a rewarding experience that helps with personal growth. It allows one to make a positive impact on others, develop new skills, and gain a new perspective on life.

Consider volunteering at a local charity or organization, donating time or resources to those in need, or participating in a community service project.

Set Achievable Goals

Setting goals is an important part of personal development. It gives us something to work towards and helps us stay motivated. If you suck at this, make it one of the things to do before turning 30.

Ensure you make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This means setting goals that are realistic and have a deadline.

One way to set and achieve goals is to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help us stay motivated and see progress along the way. We can also track our progress and celebrate our successes along the way.

Develop a Healthy Mindset

Developing a healthy mindset is another important thing to do before turning 30. It is a part of personal development that entails cultivating a positive attitude, practicing self-care, and managing stress.

One way to develop a healthy mindset is to practice mindfulness. This means being present in the moment and focusing on our thoughts and feelings without judgment.

We can also develop a healthy mindset by practicing gratitude. This means taking the time to appreciate the good things in our life and focusing on the positive. Another way to develop a healthy mindset is to surround ourselves with positive people who support us and lift us up.

Career and Finance

As you approach the milestone of turning 30, it’s important to take stock of your career and financial goals. Here are some tips to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Build Your Professional Network

Networking is crucial to building a successful career. By attending events, meeting new people, and staying in touch with your contacts, you can open up new opportunities and gain valuable insights into your industry.

Make it a priority to attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn.

One effective networking strategy is to offer to help others. When you offer your skills, expertise, or connections to someone else, you build trust and goodwill. This can lead to new opportunities down the line.

Start a Business

Starting a business can be a great way to achieve financial independence and pursue our passions before turning 30. Before taking the leap, we should conduct market research, create a business plan, and seek advice from mentors and other entrepreneurs.

We should also be prepared to take on the risks and challenges that come with entrepreneurship, such as financial instability and long hours.

While there is no right time to start a business, making it one of things to do before turning 30 puts you at advantage. If you are able to focus and start a business, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success.

Take on a Leadership Role

Leadership skills are highly valued in any industry. Taking on a leadership role, whether it’s leading a team at work or volunteering in your community, can help you develop your skills and gain valuable experience.

Leadership roles can also help you build your professional network and gain visibility within your industry. If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining a local nonprofit or community organization and volunteering to lead a project or committee.

Start Saving for Retirement

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. By starting early, you can take advantage of compound interest and potentially build a larger nest egg over time. Consider opening a 401(k) or IRA and contributing as much as you can afford.

If your employer offers a 401(k) match, be sure to take advantage of it. This is essentially free money that can help you reach your retirement goals faster.

Remember, building a strong financial foundation takes time and effort. Taking these steps before turning 30 can set you up for long-term success and security.

Health and Wellness

Maintaining good health and wellness is important at any age, but it becomes even more crucial as you approach your 30s. Here are some essential tips to help you establish a healthy lifestyle:

Develop Healthy Eating Habits

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. Focus on eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Limit your intake of processed and sugary foods, and aim to cook at home more often to have greater control over what you eat.

Consider working with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan that meets your specific needs and goals. You can also use apps or websites to track your food intake and monitor your nutrient intake.

Here are some tips for eating healthy:

• Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure that you are getting a variety of nutrients
• Choose whole foods over processed foods
• Limit your intake of sugary and high-fat foods
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day

Go for Mental Health Checkups

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. It is important to take care of our mental health by seeking help when we need it and practicing self-care.

Here are some tips for taking care of our mental health:

• Check in with yourself regularly and seek help if you are struggling
• Practice self-care activities such as meditation, yoga, or journaling
• Find a support system of friends and family who can offer emotional support
• Consider seeking therapy or counseling if you are dealing with mental health issues

Establish a Fitness Routine

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. Whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or lifting weights at the gym, find a form of exercise that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.

Consider investing in a fitness tracker or downloading a fitness app to help you stay motivated and track your progress. You can also join a fitness community or find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable and make exercise more fun.

Here are some tips for incorporating exercise into our daily routine:

• Find an activity that you enjoy, such as jogging, swimming, or yoga
• Set realistic goals for yourself and track your progress
• Make time for exercise by scheduling it into your day
• Find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable and motivated

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s essential to take care of your emotional and mental well-being.

Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine to help reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Make time for self-care activities, such as taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or spending time in nature. Prioritizing your mental health and well-being can help you feel more balanced and energized as you approach your 30s.

Travel and Adventure

Traveling and seeking adventures is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things to do before turning 30. It helps us gain new perspectives, learn about different cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some sub-sections to consider when planning your travel and adventure:

Solo Travel

Traveling solo is a great way to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. It allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and explore at our own pace. Some tips for solo travel:

• Research your destination and plan ahead
• Stay in hostels or guesthouses to meet other travelers
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
• Embrace the experience and be open to new opportunities

Cultural Immersion

Traveling is not just about seeing new places, but also about learning about the local culture. Here are some ways to immerse yourself in the culture:

• Try the local cuisine and street food
• Learn a few phrases in the local language
• Participate in cultural activities and festivals
• Stay with a local family or in a homestay

Adventure Sports

For the adrenaline junkies, adventure sports are a must-try before turning 30. Here are some popular adventure sports to consider:

Remember to always prioritize safety and choose reputable companies for adventure sports.

Relationships and Social Life

Our relationships and social life are an essential part of our overall well-being. Here are some sub-sections to help you improve your relationships and social life before you turn 30.

Building Strong Relationships

Building strong relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners is crucial for our happiness and mental health. Take the time to communicate with your loved ones regularly, make time for them, and show them that you care.

Try to be present and attentive when you are with them, and be willing to compromise and work through conflicts. Remember that relationships take effort and commitment to thrive.

Connect with Family and Friends

Connecting with family and friends is also an important part of life. Before turning 30, it is important to make time for loved ones and build strong relationships with them.

Whether it is through regular phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits, staying connected with family and friends can provide a sense of comfort and support.

Make an effort to attend family gatherings and events, and make time for one-on-one activities with friends. It is important to prioritize these relationships and show appreciation for the people who have been there for you throughout your life.

Meet New People

Meeting new people can be a great way to expand your social circle, learn new things, and gain new perspectives. Try joining clubs or groups that align with your interests, attending events or conferences, or volunteering for a cause you care about.

Be open-minded and friendly, and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers. Remember that making new friends takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent.

Maintain Healthy Boundaries

Maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. It’s important to know our limits and communicate them clearly to others.

Be willing to say no when you need to, and don’t feel guilty for prioritizing your own needs and wants. Remember that setting boundaries is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of self-respect and self-care.

Attend Social Events and Network

Attending social events and networking can also be beneficial before turning 30. Whether it is attending a conference or joining a professional organization, networking can lead to new opportunities and connections.

It is important to attend social events and put yourself out there in order to meet new people and form new relationships. Whether it is a networking event or a social gathering, taking the time to connect with others can lead to personal and professional growth.

Creativity and Hobbies

Pursue a Creative Passion

One of the best ways to explore your creativity is by pursuing a passion. Whether it’s painting, writing, photography, or music, finding a creative outlet can be incredibly fulfilling.

Take some time to explore different types of art and hobbies to see what resonates with you. You might find that you have a hidden talent or passion that you never knew existed.

Learn a New Hobby

Learning a new hobby can be a great way to challenge yourself and expand your horizons. Consider taking a class or workshop in something you’ve always been interested in, like cooking, woodworking, or pottery.

You might also want to try something completely new, like rock climbing or salsa dancing. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you’ll also meet new people and have fun in the process.

Attend Cultural Events

Attending cultural events and performances can be a great way to broaden your horizons and learn about different cultures. Consider going to a museum, art exhibit, or theater performance. You might also want to attend a music festival or cultural celebration.

Pursuing a creative passion, learning a new hobby, and attending cultural events and performances are all great ways to explore your creativity and broaden your horizons. Take some time to try new things and challenge yourself, and you might be surprised at what you discover.

More exciting things to do before 30

Start embracing yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in how we wish we were. What you should be focusing on is accepting yourself just the way you are, liking who you’ve become and being content with every physical and personal trait that helps make you who you are. The confidence you gain is priceless.

Make some clear-cut aspirations

We all have goals deep down, start by identifying and then make a plan to achieve them. You can’t reach your goals alone, ask for help and advice from those around you that are sure to take you far.

Peek into the philanthropic field

Start with getting involved in local volunteer activities and charitable foundations, this will give you the opportunity to connect with people that share the same principles and goals with you.

Incorporate different cultures into your daily life

Apart from food, cultures can reflect in many aspects of our lives. Start by researching some traditional recipes and language or watch movies related to lifestyles from other places.

Move out from home

This is a key step for initiating adulthood and becoming independent. Moving out is a demanding task, but keeping your home and lifestyle organized is the foundation to improve your mental health and physical energy.

Follow your creative passion

We all have some form of creative developing within us, express yourself through activities like painting, writing, sculpting, etc. This can help you to connect your inner and outer worlds.

Learn a new language

Having a command over another language opens doorways to new possibilities both locally and internationally. Learning a new language broadens the horizon when it comes to people and cultures you can connect with.

Tackle physical challenges

Push your physical limits, whether you’re climbing a mountain or running a marathon. Experiences like this will add another dimension to your life and the sense of accomplishment that follows is priceless.

Help somebody else

No matter how small, take the effort to help somebody else. This act of kindness will do more than just lighten up somebody else’s day, it will warm your heart and make you realize what a blessing it is to be able to help somebody in need.

Understand technology

We’ve become so dependent on technology, however; in many cases, we don’t fully understand it or how it works. With the rate at which technology advances, it would be wise to develop a basic understanding of it even if from an amateur’s perspective.

Stop procrastinating

Most of us tend to wait until the last minute to perform tasks such as submitting assignments, paying off bills, etc. Take this chance to practice using productive time management and prioritize the tasks that need to be completed before you’re thirty.

Read widely

Take some time out of your week and read books of different genres, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, self-help or educational books. What you learn adds to your knowledge and allows you to look at the world with a different perspective.

Get rid of bad habits

Now is the time to get released from any vices or bad habits you have. Start by understanding what makes you tick and feed it with positive activities that have the potential to add to your overall wellbeing.

Keep track of time

Time is the most valuable asset you can have, use it wisely and start managing it better. This will help you achieve increased productivity in both your personal and professional life.

Practice gratitude more

Be thankful for everyday and don’t take things for granted. Take time to list out the things you’re grateful for in your life, it might unlock new opportunities and reinforce those happy vibes within you.

Take the risk

As the older you get, the more you realize the importance of taking risks. We all fail and make mistakes, take a calculated chance at something knowing that it has potential to only bring something valuable to your life.

Find your balance

Find ways to cope with stress while devoting enough time to your accomplishments and leisure activities. Meditation and exercise not only help with physical health, but mental health as well.

Cut down on screen time

Dozens of digital devices are continuously invading our life, set a screen-time limit to reduce your interaction with digital devices, making sure you have enough time for more important activities.

Learn how to relax

It’s necessary to break away from your routines despite the fact that they offer safety and protection. Learn to relax and let it all go, take yourself to the beach, go on a spa day or take a road trip with friends.

Buy your own home

It’s never too late to become a homeowner, the sooner the better. Whether you’re looking for an investment property or moving into it, having a home sets you on a path to financial growth.

Learn how to drive

Learning how to drive is an important and exciting thig to do before turning 30. Go to a standard driving school and practice with patience and dedication.

Final Thoughts

Turning 30 is a major milestone, it’s a chance to settle into the rhythm of adulthood and look back on the experiences of your twenties.

Before taking the plunge though, make sure to take some time to reflect, grow and experience life. This list of over 30 things to do before turning 30 is a good starting point to help you along the way.

Make the best of it, live it outside the box, choose experiences that add to your story. After all, your twenties are an important period of your life that you don’t want to overlook!