Success of any kind isn’t easy if you are unwilling to take risks. Once you settle on a career and have a family, a mortgage, and other responsibilities, it becomes difficult to take risks. It doesn’t matter if they are personal, professional, or financial. However, if you are still in your 20s and 30s, you have a license to explore anything you want. It’s highly likely that you are freer at this moment to dive into all the experiences you’ve always dreamed of – before life stops you and prevents you from trying new, potentially adventurous endeavors.
Here is a list of 7 crucial things you should do before turning 40.
1. Take care of your health
“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley
If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others. By prioritizing your own wellbeing, you are not being selfish but selfless.
Naturally, we want to take care of the people around us. But the unfortunate truth is that we often neglect our own health in the meantime.
Do you remember the last time you went to the gym? Or your doctor? You have to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself as part of your daily program. Follow this advice and keep fit to feel good in your own skin and be able to take care of others when they most need you.
2. Let go of your fears
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
– Dale Carnegie
Letting go of fear is a crucial step toward seizing priceless opportunities and taking bold and rewarding risks. You cannot take any risks if you allow fear to cripple you. Learn how to trust in your own abilities, let go, and live a fulfilling life.
3. Break out of your comfort zone
“The comfort zone is a psychological state in which one feels familiar, safe, at ease, and secure. You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
― Roy T. Bennett
You most likely did some pretty wild things when you were younger. Most of us did.
As we grow older, we become more risk-averse. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it’s always good to step into unknown waters and push yourself.
Becoming comfortable in your current surroundings will inevitably kill your productivity. You must try new things. This may make you feel uncomfortable at first but it’s the best way to get more done. It also prepares you for facing unexpected future challenges.
So get out there and put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Shock your own system and marvel at how well you adapted to the new situation.
4. Stand your ground
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
– Thomas Jefferson
Be assertive, and don’t hesitate to say no when taking a risk (way too many of us say yes to things we internally know we should say no to). Whether it may be…
- asking for a pay rise or a better position at work
- standing up to someone who mistreats you
- turning down a trip with people you really don’t want to accompany
The sooner you learn how to say “No,” the better off you’ll be. It’ll be of great help to you in the long run.
5. Get a degree
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin
Many of us find ourselves at a standstill once we settle in a job because we thought it wasn’t necessary to pursue college. If you have set your sights on a career which demands higher qualifications, don’t hesitate to go for it. It isn’t easy to juggle bills and a family with the extra demands of a school schedule. And you’d be surprised, some programs are more affordable than you may think.
6. Communicate with friends and family on a daily basis
You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. – Frederick Buechner
You won’t live a long life if you don’t have good friends and relationships.
As we get preoccupied with achieving our goals, we can lose touch with even the most precious people in our lives. And there is never an excuse for this – especially when they’re just one phone call away.
Don’t take your friends and family for granted. Just make the call and say “hey, what are you up to?” This could make someone’s day.
7. Travel to the place you’ve always dreamed to visit
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
One one of the greatest benefits of the current times we live in is being able to work remotely.
Take advantage of this opportunity (an opportunity previous generations did not have) and become a digital nomad for a year, working from your computer wherever you find yourself.
Stash your stuff in a safe place, hit the road (or the sky), and go see the place you’ve always dreamed to visit. You can even rent your house or apartment while you’re gone to help you with some of the traveling costs.
Of all the things to do before turning 40, this one appears to be the most popular nowadays, and it makes total sense.
As they get closer to the end of their lives, people often wish they would have gone somewhere and experienced an adventure. And even if they’re still physically able to hop on a plane and travel, they’re way too fragile to climb mountains or scuba dive in the ocean.
What are some of the things you think you should do before turning 40? Or maybe 50 or 60? Let us know in the comment section and share this article if you enjoyed it.
