I’m celebrating three decades on this earth! While I’ve jokingly referred to this holiday as my “second annual 29th birthday,” I am so thankful for the chance to celebrate another trip around the sun. I truly believe the best is yet to come, but I thought I would share a few important lessons I’ve learned so far.
1. Doing the right thing is never the wrong move.
There are so many pressures at every stage in life and standing up for what you believe in will rarely be easy. Going with your gut and aligning your actions with your values will always be the best decision.
2. If someone shows you who they are, believe them.
I am not the first (and far from the last) person to say this. To me, this falls in the same vein as, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? Shame on me!” When someone shows their true colors by betraying your trust, or even making a hateful remark, they are showing their true character.
3. Forgive, but don’t forget.
We all make mistakes and forgiveness is essential. Do not however, let others take advantage of your kindness.
(If you are wondering, yes, I am a Scorpio)
4. Respect others and accept nothing but respect.
Aretha Franklin said it best…
5. Stop saying “sorry” for everything.
This is a particularly common problem for women. We often say we are sorry when it is not even necessary. Take note, and eliminate this phrase from your vocabulary whenever possible.
6. Acknowledge your mistakes.
You will mess up many times and when you make a mistake, you need to apologize. Even if it’s something small, a simple “my bad” can go a long way!
7. Give credit where credit is due.
Never take credit for another person’s ideas. We are better when we lift each other up.
8. Get out of your own bubble!
I have moved around a lot in my life, but you don’t need to pack up your belongings to have new experiences. Leave your neighborhood, travel, talk to someone new! Trust me, you will be a better person for it.
9. Never stop learning.
I could not wait to graduate, but earning a degree does not mean the learning stops. Take an online course, watch a how-to video, read a new book, attend a conference. Constantly advancing your skill set is good for both your career and your personal life.
10. Ask questions.
While you are learning this is a must. Also, people enjoy talking to others who show a genuine interest in something other than themselves.
11. Say please and thank you.
As Tim McGraw says, “always stay humble and kind.” No one is above basic manners. Titles don’t mean a thing. Don’t get too big for your britches.
12. Don’t be afraid to say no!
You are only one person, with a limited time on this earth. Politely and respectfully protect your own boundaries.
13. Say no to resolutions and yes to specific/achievable goals.
Those New Year’s resolutions mean nothing without taking small, concrete steps to achieve them. Personally, I am a big fan of making lists and checking off items. For the last few years, I have had success breaking my goals into personal and professional categories. Speak them into existence.
14. Fail fast.
If at first you don’t succeed, you know the rest. You will fail in life and that’s ok. Better to take that chance than live with regret.
15. Always hold the door open, put away your shopping cart, pick up trash/dog poop and overall be a decent human.
In my experience, a person who does not care about the little things, will turn out to be a big problem. Trust me, you can tell a lot about a human who does not do these simple acts.
16. It’s ok to walk away.
You don’t have to be friends forever. You don’t have to stay at a company forever. There is a time and a place when it is best to say goodbye. Appreciate the time you have in each life stage, but realize there is a reason to move on.
17. Wear sunscreen.
This rule is basic, but rarely followed. Sunburns are not just a temporary pain, they can cause long term skin damage and disease. Your body will thank you!
18. Put things away.
A mess is much easier to tackle when it is only one or two things. It’s also easier to stay organized when everything you own has a designated home.
19. Eat breakfast.
They call it the most important meal of the day for a reason. I am not a morning person, but a little food (and coffee) goes a long way when it comes to setting the right tone for the rest of the day.
20. It’s ok to buy cheap bottles of wine.
It is completely unnecessary to splurge on a bottle of wine. Spending less than $15 is perfectly sufficient. I have a few favorites in the $30 range and even fewer in the $50-100 range. Feel free to treat yourself on special occasions, but don’t let anyone judge you for enjoying a bottle of “two buck chuck” on a random Monday.
21. Don’t buy the cheap vacuum.
You will end up spending more in the long run when you have to continue to replace your cheap device. (Especially if you have a pet living in your home)
22. Buy a rain jacket with a hood.
Umbrellas are not your friend. They are good to have on hand, but will likely disappoint and fold at the slightest gust of wind (with a few nice exceptions). It’s also difficult to maneuver an umbrella when your hands are full. When in doubt, hood up.
23. Wear that expensive item you splurged on.
Did you buy an expensive pair of heels or a designer handbag? Chances are, that item is still collecting dust in your closet. Pick a few times to really shine and wear it outside of the house (you know, where people can see you).
24. Dress for the job you want.
I’m a little old fashioned about this one. I’ve always believed in dressing up. I’m not saying you have to wear a suit or a dress, but there is a way to stay true to your own style while looking (and feeling) your best. When you feel good, your confidence will skyrocket and people will respect that.
25. Call your mother (and your friends and family).
It turns out, the people who raised you may actually know a thing or two, about a thing or two. Stay in touch, even if you are far away. Cherish those precious relationships.
26. Make that doctor’s appointment.
It’s easy to put off regular check-ups, especially when you are young and seemingly healthy. Those screenings and tests are recommended for a reason. It could save your life or the life of a loved one.
27. Drink water.
Alcohol and caffeine can be fun, but you also need that water. Invest in a nice, reusable water bottle and make it a habit.
28. Breathe.
Obviously you need to breathe to live, but breathing is also essential for mental health. Stop, pause and slowly breath in and out. This exercise will alleviate stress and help you feel refreshed.
29. Stretch.
Take time to stretch out your body (and mind). A couple minutes a day can be a real game changer.
30. Celebrate!
Whether it’s your birthday, Christmas, or simply Thursday, celebrate! Tomorrow is never guaranteed, don’t forget to enjoy every moment!