30:00
Aug 2021
Entering the 30’s feels like entering into a “different era”. Some things become relics of the past such as TV show Friends, retired sports heroes like Usain Bolt & Michael Phelps, the golden era of Manchester United under Alex Ferguson. The “30’s” mark a stage in life where we start many new things in life such as: settling down with your partner, having your firstborn, finally stabilizing in your career.
What I think I’m saying is this: we play, we learn, we follow our passions, and somehow (and inadvertently) , we grow up. Sometimes, we look back and wonder how did we even get here and how do we go forward from this “30:00” mark?
Identity
In my 30s, I realize we can become whoever want to be, but that’s nowhere near as important as knowing that we can be exactly who we are.
Habits
When we regulate our daily activities, we create consistency, and deactivate “fight or flight” instincts because we are no longer confronting the unknown.
Routine reaffirms the values and the decision that we already made. Be it eating healthily, reading consistently, exercising. Sticking to the habit not only affirms the choice that we made, but our ability to stick it.
Routines push us further and harder. Without routine, we may fall susceptible to our subconscious minds telling us “you may take a break now”. If we are used to taking a break at that point in time, we’ll simply allow it because we always do.
Half-time
“30’s” mark only but the beginning of our careers, and we probably have another 30 more years to go to retirement (yes, I know this sounds really long, we have to work for another 30 years?!). It is a marathon.
Well, the good news is that we also have 30 years to invest smartly and plan for retirement. So I am really thankful for this one.
These are the things I will carry with me going forward into the next half.
References
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/32998876-101-essays-that-will-change-the-way-you-think
Things My Son Needs To Know About The World
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42833687-things-my-son-needs-to-know-about-the-world
