What advice would you give your 30-year-old self? We asked this question around the Lifefy office and the results were spectacular. The answers had a sense of nostalgia. Every individual’s eyes glistened at the thought. Before a sound was uttered, their pupils would enlarge, adjusting to the million memories flying by.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

At 30, there’s still time to make your mark on the world. This is when your big plans are getting ready to bloom. Tiny bumps on the road shouldn’t stop you. At this age you will find the minutiae of life can be unforgiving. Someone will frequently say something that ruins your day. Your car might not start when you’re already late. Maybe you were overlooked for that promotion you wanted. If all you can do is your best, just let these small things go. Make an effort to fix things, but not dwell on them… Remember, you have the big picture to think about.

Learn to turn the page.

If your career, life or prospects aren’t satisfying you, make a change before it’s too late. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of perpetual regret and despair. It’s much harder to stand up and go for what brings you fulfillment. Think back to when you were 15 or even 20. What were your goals and dreams then? If you aren’t living them now, in your 30’s, consider turning the page and jumping deep into a new career. Once you are 40, there will be a lot more bills to pay and hurdles to jump. This applies to people, surround yourself with a carefully selected tribe. Choose those who inspire, support and challenge you to be better. You don’t have to ignore old friends, simply turn the page on negative relationships.

Start saving for the future.

There is something to be said for “living in the now.” But thinking ahead and saving money is just as important. When asked, most people felt this was the most important lesson to learn. Saving money is pivotal for protection from bad investments, sudden expenses and above all… retirement. You can take a portion of your paycheck and put into a 401k, IRA or even a savings account. Anything saved is better than nothing at all.

“Even if you can only start saving $2,000 a year, it’s fine. After a few years, make it $5,000. This is when these responsible habits become second nature. Also, if you’re not good at finances, simply take a course.” Says Al Vilar, Lifefy Chief Executive Officer.

Stop spending, too!

Okay, okay… Don’t stop all together. But avoid frivolous spending. Everything adds up at the end of the year. Subsequently, when making large purchases, make sure you can afford them. Why live in a huge home if the payments have you living from check to check? Consider a moderately sized home that gives you some room to breath and cash to save. A good tool to use is the 10% rule. If your debt is more than 10% of your gross annual income, something needs to change. Consider putting away 10% of your paycheck.

Watch your health, see a doctor.

“Your mind is 10 years behind your body. It’s easy to pretend that those aches and pains will go away like they used to. But they only get worse now! Take care of yourself.” Says Heidi Liranzo.

We all know what we need to do, but don’t. Start taking care of yourself now before your body loses the ability to revert to its “factory settings.” First, take appropriate screenings. Prostate exams and mammograms may be uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as an unexpected health issue. Have regular check-ups, keep abreast of the small problems so the body doesn’t break down all at once.

Aside from medical follow-ups, eating healthy and exercising regularly is the best way to avoid heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, blood pressure problems, joint issues and chronic pains in the future.

Travel, while you still can…

Did you know that each of the thousands of mirrors throughout the rooms of Versailles cost the same as building a warship at the time? When you’re standing there… and the sun glimpses its rays from behind a cloud, a ray of light hits a mirror within the room, then another, then another… The room lights up in ways that cannot be described.

Traveling is important because it connects us to the world we live in and opens our minds. Internally speaking, wandering abroad is a treatment for depression and anxiety by disconnecting people from their daily lives. In your 30’s, one is young enough to be able to scale The Great Wall of China, agile enough to climb the Tower of Pisa and quick enough to avoid the fast walking crowds of Time Square. Now you may have a job that helps you pay for travel or even a little bit tucked away. You couldn’t afford it in your 20’s and you might not have the stamina to do it later. This is the decade of wonder and exploration.

Some self-improvement tips.

If you’re in your 30’s, you still have a lifetime ahead of you. Be the best person you can be. Self-improvement never stops, but this is the time to dig in and really put some effort. Warren Buffet said, “the greatest investment a young person can make is in their own education, in their own mind. Because money comes and goes. Relationships come and go. But what you learn once stays with you forever.”

All in all, make sure you’re happy. The purpose of these bits of advice is to ensure contentment with life. Take heed and boost yourself with these final hot tips:

-Read for entertainment – it cultures you and relieves stress while improving vocabulary.

-Research self-improvement – like this article, there are also books and films about being the best you possible.

-Learn a hobby – everyone needs a “thing” to be passionate about and focus on when life brings you down.

-Volunteer – you’ll see you get more than you give, leave a legacy of good by giving back to society.

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