As my big 3-0 approaches and the midlife existential crisis settles in, finding time for personal growth and meaningful experiences before turning 30 can feel like a challenge, especially with a full-time job. But taking inspiration from my favorite blogger, Rachel Nguyen’s 30 by 30 list, I decided to challenge myself as well. If she can do it, then so can I! (self pats on the back)
I believe it's entirely possible to weave exciting and achievable goals into a busy schedule. It’s just a matter of time management, goal setting, and actually making time to do things.
Here it is, my 30 by 30 list—some come with a plan or justification, and some are self-explanatory.
Embrace a low-tox lifestyle
Drawing inspiration from my previous hospitalization, I’ve decided to switch to a low-toxic lifestyle and slowly swap out the things I use with a toxin-free alternative.
Read 30 books
As I was on sick leave, I decided to go back into reading to pass the time while I was not so mobile due to a surgical drain bag. What I plan to do is document the books I’ve read in a monthly book capsule review type of post and also, as a motivation to actually finish reading 30 books.
Lose 10kgs
10kgs might not seem a lot to lose in 11 months but for an overweight sickly person, it’s a huge leap to reversing all the stuff I’m dealing with right now.
Replenish emergency fund
As mentioned in my Life Lately post, there’s just been crisis after crisis that frazzled me and my family this year. Safe to say, our emergency funds got depleted—and now it’s time to replenish and save at least P50,000 minimum. It might not be as high as it was before, but the goal here is to have a decent cushion for emergencies.
Work from home or home-based business
One of the things I realized during this whole medical ordeal was that there’s no guarantee that you’re going to live tomorrow. So, moving forward, I want to spend more time with my family as much as I can. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job but I need something that grounds me at home. I can’t go unemployed because the economy is shit and a double-income household is the way to go so either I snag a work-from-home job or start my own home-based business.
Keep a plant alive
My dad has the greenest thumb I know. Give him any seed and he’ll grow the shit out of it. My mom’s awkwardly the opposite, anything she tries to plant doesn’t go past the seedling stage—the same goes for me. Everything I touch or plant withers. Last month, I got myself a “How to Not Kill Your Houseplant” book and I realized, it’s just a knowledge issue for me. I’m going to take care of at least one plant and I’m going to make It thrive!
Journal everyday
I can’t, for the love of God, start and maintain my own bullet journal. I tried countless times but just fell off the wagon after a few weeks. So, I got myself two guided journals: The 3-Minute Journal of Joy and Do One Thing Everyday That Makes You Smarter. It’s a start, but the practice and consistency are all I’m after.
Open a new MP2 account
My first MP2 account is set to be released this April 2024 and I’m going to open a new one again for myself and for my daughter to diversify my investment portfolio.
Cut credit cards to three
At most, I have two cards from the same bank and my goal is to have them consolidated into one card or close the cards with low rewards turnout.
Learn how to drive
Drink one liter of water every day
Easier said than done but for an ex-soda-addict like myself, it’s a huge lifestyle change for the better.
Get my new UMID ID
Secure passports for my family
Renew my Google certification credentials
This is an annual thing for me but I still included it here.
Get Meta Certified for Ads, Analytics, and Community Management
Seven years of Meta advertising experience but I haven’t taken any certification exam………….
Renew medical and life insurance for myself and my family
Primarily the Maxicare E-Ready cards which were heavily used this 2023 and Singlife insurances.
Keep and maintain a capsule wardrobe
I have the tendency to buy clothes that don’t fit me, thinking it will somehow inspire me to lose weight. It’s been years and these clothes gather dust in my closet. It’s just self-torture at this point! As I cut back on my possessions, my goal is to create a capsule wardrobe that’s flexible for casual, business, or formal needs.
Travel locally with my whole family
Tokyo Disneyland!
Reverse my Type-2 diabetes
This is actually a wish more than anything but my doctor said with a healthy lifestyle change, it can still be reversed.
Bake cookies
I tried twice before and it all ended up either a crisp or a gooey fudge. A normal and simple batch of cookies will do!
Publish 30 blog posts
I’m not counting this post in the list so anything after this, it should be 30 posts by August.
Stick to healthier habits
Being negligent and sinking myself into unhealthy habits are what got me into this mess in the first place. It’s not an overnight change, but embracing healthier habits (which I already started doing) is going to help me steer my life in a better direction.
Adopt zero-waste practices
One of my clients in 2022 was a sustainable hair care brand from Singapore. During my time with her, I learned the detrimental effects on the environment of plastic and our wasteful lifestyle. Little by little, I adopted zero-waste practices but I’m going to be more intentional about this change moving forward.
Learn to play the piano again
Donate or throw away unused, expired, or excess items consistently
House renovation
Establish and maintain my own PARA workflow
Why did I just learn about Tiago and his systems this October? I wasted years following productivity bits of advice that didn’t work and his PARA systems and workflows hit the nail on the head for me. I plan on using a mix of paper and digital methods such as my Hobonichi Day-free, Evernote, Asana, and Google Drive.
Reconnect with (and meet new) people
I’m honestly just shit at being a friend. I tend to isolate myself when the going gets tough and not talk to anyone for months. I’m going to make the effort this year to communicate more with the people I care about and to actually go out and network with new people.
So that’s it.
Approaching 30 doesn't mean giving up on personal growth and exciting experiences. Incorporating these realistic goals into my life can create a fulfilling and balanced change that sets the stage for an even more successful and satisfying future.
Here's to embracing the journey ahead!
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