10 things I now know in my 30’s that I wish I’d known in my 20’s

Your 20s are often painted as the “best years of your life” — full of freedom, adventure, and possibility. But for many they’re also a decade of confusion, self-doubt, and chasing versions of success that don’t actually feel like us. I’ve found my 30’s some of the happiest years of my life so in this month’s blog I wanted to share with you 10 things I’ve learned in my 30’s that I wish I’d known in my 20’s. Read on to see if any of my lessons resonate with you too.

Now, in my 30s, I see things through a completely different lens to my 20’s. The lessons I’ve learned have shaped me into someone more grounded, confident, and at peace with who I am, something I’d have found impossible in my 20’s. As a natural people-pleaser, I have been on (and continue to be on) a journey of self-discovery learning how I can best show up for myself so that I can be the best version of myself for the people around me. Don’t get me wrong my 20’s were transformational, but it was in my 30’s that I truly found myself. So, if you’re in your 20s (or still untangling them in your 30s), here are 10 things I now know that I wish I’d known back then:

1) Trying to be like everyone else is exhausting and will make you miserable. Just be you

2) Pay attention to your gut, it's never wrong

3) Don't shrink yourself to please others; they're just intimidated by your greatness

4) You know what's best for you so stop listening to everyone else

5) Don’t be afraid to try something new

6) Stop trying to be perfect. You will make mistakes and that’s okay. Just have fun and embrace the journey

7) We are all different so don’t expect people to think, feel or behave in the same way you do

8) Your career is unique to you. Find your own definition of success and chase it with everything you have

9) You can’t please everyone so stop trying. It’s your life, follow your own path regardless of whether it pleases the people around you

10) It's okay to move on from jobs, people and opinions that no longer serve you. Cherish them for what they gave you at the time but let them go with grace when the time comes

Your 20s might be for discovering who you think you should be, but your 30s are for becoming who you really are. The truth is, growth doesn’t happen overnight, it happens through reflection, honesty, and giving yourself permission to change. So wherever you are on your journey, know that you’re not alone, and you’re most definitely not behind. You’re simply evolving and taking a chance on becoming the best version of yourself, and that my friend is something to celebrate!