30 Things I Learnt Before 30... ??

Casting my mind back 12 years to my 18 year old self. Fresh out of Sixth Form, A Level results in hand. Facing what you are lead to believe to be the biggest decision of your life. What to do with the whole of your adult life.

Looking back, that is a lot of pressure for someone who is barely even an adult yet. I had been accepted into five universities and was surrounded by people telling me that getting a degree was the best thing since sliced bread. For some people, it is but I chose to decline those offers and go to work full time in the bank. And you know what? I have no regrets!

So, what have I learnt in the first 12 years of adulthood?

1. Don't conform to the "norms" of society. There is no right or wrong age to do anything.?
2. You don't have to everything planned. Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Take each day as it comes.
3. Having a good morning routine is PARAMOUNT to setting yourself up for a successful day. How you spend the first 60 minutes of your day dictates your mindset for the 23 hours to follow.
4. Don't compare yourself to people on the internet. Even Instagram models don't look like Instagram models everyday...
5. Be kind to yourself. We are all our own biggest critics. Be mindful of how you talk to yourself.
6. Setting boundaries is SO important. Don't be afraid to say no or be clear with what is acceptable, or unacceptable, to you. In life, in work, in relationships, with yourself...
7. ?Setting small achievable daily goals is as important as setting the bigger, longer term goals.?A goal without a plan is just a dream. Climbing the mountain is as important as reaching the top.
8. It's not all about the destination, it's about enjoying the journey. Remember, right now is a gift. That's why they call it the present.
9. Separate your penny tasks and your pound tasks. Start the day by doing the bigger, more important tasks and avoid added stress/pressure later in the day.
10. Organisation is key - Your finances, your living space, your working day. Organise it all.?
11. ?To do lists are addictive. Refer to points 9 & 10 ????
12. Life is like a bike. In order to keep moving forward, you need to stay balanced!
13. ?Spend your money on experiences not material things. You'll never look back on a watch or pair of shoes as fondly as you will on traveling or a sky dive for example.
14. Don't be afraid to take risks. Better an "oh well" than a "what if..."
15. ?The magic really does happen when you leave your comfort zone!
16. Leave your hometown. Even if just for 6 months or a year. You'll learn so much about yourself and grow as an individual.?
17. Pushing yourself to do the things you don't want to do, is usually where you see the biggest results.
18. Putting yourself first isn't selfish, it's necessary. Your career, your spouse, your friends will still be there. Do what you need to do for you.?
19. It is never too late to change your career path.
20. Trust your gut. Mine has very rarely let me down. If ever.
21. Worrying is pointless... if it won't bother you in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it.
22. Wait 24 hours before responding... this will save you a lot of arguments, a lot of heartbreaks & a lot of "I shouldn't have said that" moments.
23. Self care is more than face masks and bubble baths. It's organising your finances, cleaning your home, catching up on those jobs you've been putting off.
24. Doing yoga and meditation don't automatically make you "healthy."
25. The Law of attraction/manifesting is real.
26. Journaling and putting things down on paper gives me a much clearer mindset.
27. DRINK WATER. I know you see it everyday but it genuinely does make a massive difference to how you feel, how you look, how you perform, how you sleep etc...
28. Food is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Enjoy it without guilt (donuts in moderation though please).
29. Sleep as much as you can. Staying out until 4am when you have work at 9 might SEEM like a good idea. It's not.
30. Read more books. Read as many books as you can. About as many topics as you can find.
31. Only look back to see how far you have come. Maybe right now you aren't EXACTLY where you want to be but you're a hell of a lot further than you were 1 year, 5 years or 10 years ago. You are one step closer to where you want to be. Keep going. You got this ?????

I'm sure once I hit 40 I will have a whole new list of things I have learnt! Here's to the next 10 years!

Jod xo