30 Things I Wish I Knew In My 30s

Summary

In this video, Steve Winn shares 35 life lessons for people in their 30s, offering wisdom on personal growth, career development, and well-being. From embracing change and managing emotions to learning how to learn and prioritizing experiences over material things, Steve emphasizes practical advice backed by his own experiences. He highlights the importance of self-care, maintaining relationships, investing in good habits, and avoiding perfectionism. Additionally, Steve discusses dealing with burnout, handling life transitions, and offers time management tools through the video’s sponsor, HubSpot.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your 30s are way better than your 20s; you're not over the hill, you're just getting started.
• 💡 Don't take advice from people who haven't failed. The best lessons come from battle scars and experiences.
• ⚡ If there's something you want to change about yourself, take action or learn to live with it. Indecision creates a never-ending frustration.
• 🧠 Learning to regulate your emotions is key to achieving anything. Emotional instability can hold you back.
• 💪 Take care of your body—recovery gets harder as you age, and health becomes increasingly important.
• 🌱 You will keep growing and changing throughout your 30s. Expect and embrace these changes.
• 🎯 Instead of focusing on specific skills, improve your ability to learn new things efficiently. Meta-learning is invaluable.
• 🌞 Wear sunscreen daily. Skin protection is crucial as you age.
• ⏰ There’s never a perfect time for big decisions. If there are no blockers, take action now.
• ❤️ Don’t take time with loved ones for granted. Time with parents and grandparents becomes more precious in your 30s.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video?

The main message is that your 30s are a time of growth, self-improvement, and embracing change, with advice on how to navigate various aspects of life, career, and personal development during this decade.

Why does Steve emphasize not taking advice from people who haven't failed?

Steve believes that the best advice comes from those who have experienced failures and learned from them. Their 'battle scars' give them a deeper understanding and valuable perspective that can't be gained through success alone.

What does Steve suggest about making changes in one's life?

He advises that if there is something you want to change about yourself, either take action or learn to accept it. The 'middle ground' of wanting change but not acting is a frustrating state that should be avoided.

Why is emotional regulation important in your 30s, according to Steve?

Emotional regulation is key because, in your 30s, while you might have more resources, your emotions can still hold you back if they are not managed well. Stability in emotions helps in achieving goals and maintaining focus.

What does Steve mean by 'meta-learning,' and why is it important?

Meta-learning is the skill of learning how to learn effectively. Steve emphasizes it because new trends and technologies constantly emerge, and the ability to quickly adapt and learn new skills is more valuable than mastering a specific tool or programming language.

What advice does Steve give about time management in the workplace?

He suggests focusing on uninterrupted work for at least 2 hours a day, as it can make you more productive than most workers. He also recommends using time management templates to structure your workday and maintain focus.

What is Steve's perspective on waiting for the 'perfect time' to make big life decisions?

Steve believes that waiting for the perfect time is counterproductive because it rarely arrives. Instead, if there are no significant blockers, it's better to take action now, whether it's starting a family, buying a house, or pursuing a major goal.

Why does Steve recommend investing in experiences over material things?

He believes that experiences create 'memory dividends'—lifelong memories that enrich your life. In contrast, material things often lose value over time and become clutter.

What is Steve's advice for those who struggle with people-pleasing tendencies?

He suggests focusing on pleasing yourself and making decisions that align with your own values, rather than always trying to satisfy others. This helps in developing a stronger sense of self and independence.

Why does Steve emphasize maintaining connections with friends as you age?

Making new friends becomes harder with age, so maintaining existing friendships requires effort. A simple text or sharing a meme can help keep these relationships alive, which adds to one's social support and well-being.