The 30s are a challenging time of life when we don’t feel old, but we also don’t feel young. Let’s find the habits you should discontinue to live a better life.
Life is all about learning new things, but on this journey of learning, unlearning also plays a vital role. While growing up, we humans tend to adopt many good habits that often fade when we enter our professional lives. Most people in their 20s are struggling, and those struggles come in various forms and aspects. Starting from career to relationship and finding the true purpose of life, most people find themselves lost while navigating through life.
No one is living a perfect life, and perfection is often overrated. You are supposed to make many mistakes in your young age, and that is okay, as mistakes can help to build a better and stronger character. In life, sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn, and you should consider each mistake as a great opportunity for learning. If you are turning 30 soon and trying to make a positive change in your life, there are some effective ways to do it. While most people will suggest to you the ideas and tips that help to come up with a new routine, it is not about incorporating new habits. In order to bring an organic change, you should also learn habits that you should get rid of. Rejecting the bad habits will not only help you in your 30s but also in your 40s and the later years.
- Flaking Out on Plans
This is a common issue noticed in many adult individuals who want to cancel the plans at the last moment. Whether it is friends or family, a lot of people are comfortable with flaking out plans, and it is not a good habit. Of course, you can cancel and postpone for a super valid reason, but it is wrong to just cancel it for your mood swings. Just like your time is precious, others are busy too. It is never okay to not participate in a plan because you are feeling stressed. Research shows that people who hang out with friends are happier as less stress is caused. Try to stick to your plan and commit to it. In case you do not want to go for the plan, tell them early instead of making a last-minute decision.
- Spending on Cheap Clothes
There is a saying, ‘you get what you pay for,’ and it should be remembered every time a person decides to buy cheap clothes. With the creative explosion and demand for affordable fashion, even well-designed clothes are now available at a reasonable price. As a result, people can’t help but spend more on cheap clothes. However, the cheap clothes with street fashion are perhaps good for thrifting, but not as an investment that could last long. Instead of often buying cheap clothes, you can make a good investment in high-quality clothing that lasts for a long time and reduces your recurring expenses.
- Obsessing Over Online Dating
In this modern digital era, most people are into online dating, and the problem is that people are obsessing over it. People have become quite lonely and are internet-oriented, which makes them happy with their own bubble. People are more likely to talk to random strangers online rather than meet and interact with people in real life. The dependency of virtual life and lack of practical interaction ruined the dating pool, and it is hard to find a suitable companion, so the search continues, which puts people in a never-ending loop. Start getting over the dependency on dating apps and stop entertaining people online who do not deserve your time.
- Being Anxious before Asking for a Raise
There is a study from a decade ago that showed more than 60% employees are afraid and anxious about asking for a raise, as they felt genuinely uncomfortable, and they feared that asking for a raise would make them lose their jobs. Every individual works hard to get the job, and they seek a deserving amount of money that is sufficient to serve for that job role. While it is a request for what we deserve, a lot of employees feel they are asking for more. It is time for you to get over your professional hesitance. Ask because most organizations try to keep their employees in the same salary slab for many years.
- Skipping Skin Care
After a certain age, skin care is not a luxury but a mandatory need. You do not have that teenage skin anymore, as you become an adult, and you go out for work on a daily basis. Skin care is part of basic hygiene, and adults need to follow it regularly without skipping the face, which is the most exposed part of our body. It is mandatory to wash your face every night and stop your bad habit of pimple picking. Unless you want to pay for costly derma treatment or laser therapy, start taking care of your facial skin. Also, make sure to apply sunscreen every day to protect your skin from UV and sun rays that can even cause skin cancer.
- Forgetting to Stay in Touch with Older Relatives
Old age is a miserable age where we get lonelier than we already are, and you should think of this from the perspective of your grandparents and older relatives. While they might not be as ‘cool’ as you, they still deserve to talk to you or listen to your voice. Stop making excuses every time for avoiding them and start taking action for active communication. Try to pick up their phone now and then, and be with them, and older people love the support that comes from the young ones. Likewise, you will also feel good through the process. Who would they care for if not you? Therefore, you have some responsibilities too.
- Saying ‘Sorry’ Too Much
While saying sorry is very important, saying it too much or the word may lose its value in the situation. People toss around the word ‘sorry’ too much in their conversation, too much, and this can be considered a culture’s apology epidemic. Do not be sorry because you are sending a text two days later, or you canceled the weekend plan due to severe sickness. Try to say sorry only when you are apologizing, and in that way, you can hold the significance of the word.
- Feeling Guilty for Success
If you are having a new job or making much progress in life, weirdly, a lot of people are not happy about it. There will always be some relatives, neighbors, or distant friends who will envy your success, and it will make you feel bad about your own progress. Don’t let people put you down, as they are simply doing it out of jealousy and insecurity. Do not feel embarrassed or guilty for your situation, instead celebrate your every achievement with the people who truly appreciate it and support you. Forget the haters and forgive them, as they will be able to catch up.
- Staying with a Partner Who Makes You Feel ‘Not Enough’
It is true that we are not built with sunshine and rainbows, and we are not a unicorn, even if we feel like one. However, your romantic partner should be someone who is able to see it within you, even if you cannot. Your partner should make you feel ‘enough’, beautiful, secure, and loved. If your partner does not support your initiatives and or makes you feel less than awesome, it is time to rethink your relationship because clearly it is not working. When you are in love, you should feel like thunder struck rather than irritating shocks on the doorbell on a rainy day.
- Accepting ‘No’ without Trying
There are a lot of situations that arise in life when you cannot do anything about them. But when it comes to something, whether it is your passion, work, or family, do not just accept ‘no’ without even giving it a try. Make a reasonable argument with yourself and find out the solution without any complaints. Consider yourself a bumblebee. A bumblebee has a big size and a small wing span, which makes it physically unable to fly, but the bumblebee flies anyway by defying the laws of physics, and that comes from perseverance.
- Saving Zero Money even After Earning
We cannot survive without money, and that is why everybody needs to work and find a way to earn. However, only earning is not enough for survival, as you need to save as well. Without any savings, you cannot sustain in this world of constant inflation and constantly increasing valuation. Start with 10% to 15% savings in your 20s and take a notch higher with 15 to 25% savings in your 30s. Savings can help you in the long run as it can help you survive when you are not having a job, have retired, or are trying to establish your own brand or business. Usually, people start spending more as soon as they start earning more, and that is not the right habit to cultivate.
- Not Cleaning until It’s Dirty
This is a common issue that can be noticed in a hefty number of people, and it is a very gross habit. A majority of people have a tendency to push things to the edge before taking care of them. You should not wait for your bed sheet to get dirty and smell bad to get it cleaned. Just like you bathe every day, try to maintain the same cleanliness for everything you use and even the house you are living in. Wash your dishes right after eating instead of waiting for the right time to get them cleaned. Honestly, it is not that hard to clean, and you just need a small portion of time. Get your duster and stop making excuses.
- Arguing with Parents
Even though we grow up, our growth seems to be unnoticeable to our parents, and they will always be concerned with our every move. It is one of the main reasons why many adults feel frustrated to live with their parents and look for a solo lifestyle where they are self-dependent. However, you cannot act like a sullen teenager when you are hitting your 30s, and it is time to be more responsible. The unfortunate truth is that your parents will not be around you through your entire life, and you should appreciate their presence as long as you have them with you. Treat them with respect instead of arguing all the time. Consider yourself privileged, as a lot of people do not get the chance to spend time with their parents. Even if they irritate you a little, accept them with love.
- Smoking or Substance Abuse
Well, smoking, substance abuse, and alcoholism; everything is bad for your health, and you are aware of it when you are doing it. But the approach here is not quitting but finding the fine line of limit. It is not easy for everyone to quit nicotine overnight and other habits that offer a sense of stimulation. Addiction of any kind is bad for you. It is better if you can stop it before the age of 30, as the effects can be adverse in your older age. Consuming anything without limit is bad for your health, and that goes for coffee as well. It is necessary to set the limit and have control over your needs without forming any habit for it.
- Waiting for The One
The rom-com movies and novels have provided us with the idea that we are destined to meet our soulmate at any point in our lives, and so many people wait for ‘The One’ who is meant to be. While these flowery concepts feel good to read or watch, the reality works differently, and no magically perfect partner will show up to you. While it can be quite tempting to swipe profiles on apps, you also need to open up to people and give them a chance to let them break your heart. The fear of getting heartbroken is the main reason why you are still single. A soulmate is not a real thing, and you 100% miss the shots that you do not shoot. Shoot your shot as you have nothing to lose.
- Not Pursuing Passion
A job is something we do for money, and only a very few people get the job they desire based on their passion and specialization. Other than your time in the workplace, you should also make time to cultivate your passion, regardless of what it is. Starting from painting, reading, sculpting, singing, dancing, pottery, and doing sports, you should definitely do what you love other than what you are doing at your workplace. You can find your identity through your passion, as a job does not help you build character, but your passion can. Cultivating your passion can also help you find new routes to a side hustle.
- Running Late Constantly
It is a common problem that can be noticed among most adult individuals, that they are constantly running late. It is also a very tough habit to work on, as you cannot get punctual overnight. But if you can nail the whole being-on-time thing, you’ll be well on your way to a better, less-stressful life. It is the rush and anxiety of running late that makes us feel fear and feel less confident. Besides, being right on time can help to save a lot of time for yourself as well as the task you are going to do. It is also a good impression both in your personal life and professional life.
- Eating with Your Phone
This is perhaps the worst habit that is widely visible among new-age people, as we are highly dependent on the internet, and mobile phones have become a 24/7 partner. However, it is never cool to use your phone or watch reels on social media while you are having dinner or any meal. Whether with friends, a date, or your family, always try to maintain this while you are eating, as it is a sign of respect to your food and the people you are eating with. Whatever is so intriguing on your phone can wait, as it only takes a little time to get done with your food. Just like eating, the phone should be avoided during driving as well, and hopefully, people understand that.
- Living on Social Media
In this modern digital age, people are living a parallel lifestyle on social media where they post about their lifestyle and other events through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Currently, these platforms have become a representation of life goals, and while you might not be achieving every goal, you are still getting influenced by the posts of others. While a glance can be motivating, it is also greatly depressing when you just keep consuming the lifestyles of others. Doomscrolling should not be the only escape or source of information in your life. Enjoy the things you really want to do in real life without the need to flex it on social media. It is the moment you enjoy, regardless of the memories you share with strangers on the virtual platforms.
- Sending Texts after 2 AM
Doing anything after 2 AM can bring a lot of embarrassment, and it is perhaps not the best idea. Nighttime is perhaps the ‘me-time’ or personal time that most people enjoy after a long day of work, and that is the moment when you get to reflect on yourself. You might even miss someone at that time, but sending a nonsensical text to that person at dawn is not the right idea. In most cases, this person is your ex, and trying to bring them back is not the best idea for your well-being.
- Not Exercising
Exercising is the best habit for everyone regardless of age, gender or any other aspect. Regular exercise comes with a lot of beneficial aspects, and if you do not exercise at all, you should definitely embark on this habit as soon as possible. We are not talking about running a 60 Kms marathon or lifting huge weights. We are talking about basic exercise and mobility that allows you to stay agile, strong, and flexible in your 30s. While it can be overwhelming in today’s fitness landscape, you can opt for any practice that helps you move your body. Starting from Yoga, cardio exercise, calisthenics, to Pilates, you can choose anything that you like and develop a healthy habit of doing it regularly.
- Ranting about Getting Older
To be honest, being 30 is not that old, as you are still trying to figure out your life and adulthood. You should never be worried about your age, as it flows like time, and there is no way to stop it. Stop complaining about your age always, as everyone is getting older, and you are not the only one suffering. The 30s are perhaps the best time to follow the dreams or the crazy goals that you could not do in your 20s due to a lack of money and confidence. Now that you have both, you should absolutely send it! Age like a fine wine and enjoy each year of your life gracefully.
- Not Buying Monthly Groceries
You know, grocery shopping works like a therapy? As crazy as it may sound, buying monthly groceries in your adult life is a good habit for your life and the coming days. In today’s world, most people are more likely to order groceries online through an app, and they can order them at any time they need them. Convenience is making people lazy, and they are more likely to stay at home and shop online than go to an offline store. Buying offline offers a special kind of satisfaction where you make choices from stacked and organized products. Sometimes you can get more than what you initially decided, as some new product might catch your eye. Besides, this also provides an opportunity to socialize with other people who are also doing offline shopping like you.
- Saying Yes to Someone You Do Not Like
As mentioned before, the digital age has made people lonelier, and that is why online dating scenes are not going well for any party. It can happen that you go out with someone and do not like them, and so you want to stop seeing them. A lot of rude people like to ghost in this situation, as that is the easiest way to reject and avoid someone, but it is perhaps insensitive. If you do not like someone and do not want to go out anymore, tell them the truth, as they deserve to know. Being honest with someone is less hurtful than lying and avoiding. Once you tell the truth, you will feel less guilty and can enjoy your alone time better than going out with a date whom you do not like. Learn to say no without making excuses.
- Skipping All Doctor’s Appointments
When you become an adult, seeing your doctor becomes a regular thing as you need to take care of your health before it gets worse, not after. Always go for regular checkups without skipping any appointments. These steps are necessary for a healthy and long life without any diseases. Try to see nonsensical. This is not an optional choice but mandatory for every individual.
- Blacking Out
Partying and hanging out with friends is a major part of life, and how can a party be complete without a little booze? Everything is okay until that little booze becomes a beaker and you start fading out from the night. It is never a good feeling when you wake up the next day in some random place without any idea of what you did or how you slept. It can also be scary if there are evil people around. Be a responsible adult and try not to black out after you have had a great party.
- Waiting for Life to Restart
Life is not a game, and you do not get any respawn or last loaded checkpoint. Life does not automatically change if you do not actively make decisions to change it. Always focus on your dreams and goals to achieve them in your real life, regardless of the adversities. Nothing is destined in life, but you can write your own destiny.
