Turning 30 is an amazing and exciting milestone in life! Here is my 30 before 30 list to help inspire you to make your own!
Any twenty-something year-olds here excited to turn thirty? No? Just me, okay. As a twenty-four-year-old, the big thirty is still seven long years away. But for some strange reason, I’m actually quite stoked about slowly approaching the age of 30. And that’s why I’m already here creating my 30 before 30 list, haha!
Related post: The Best College Bucket List: 60 Things You Must Do
“Age is just a number, and summer’s just a season” (I stole this from Justin Bieber’s song) But what I’m trying to say is. The bucket list ideas in this post can be accomplished at any age. It doesn’t matter if you’re 25, 40, or 70. You can do it! Live your best life! The only reason I decided to write them all down is that I want to keep myself accountable and actually stick to some of these goals.
Growing older has just been such a wonderful experience for me. Each year, I get to know myself more on a deeper level. And with every additional number added to my age, I also gained valuable wisdom and knowledge about this life I’m fortunate enough to be living. To take advantage of my time here on Earth, I want to experience as much as I can. And hopefully, this 30 before 30 list can inspire you to do the same!
Here we go! My 30 before 30 list
1. Move Abroad For A Year Or Two
Moving abroad alone seems like the most exciting yet scary idea at the same time. A new identity, a new environment, and a new life! But it also means having to make new friends, and start over from scratch. Ever since I started learning Spanish, I’ve been wanting to move to Mexico City or Colombia. However, even though the thought of moving abroad sounds super awesome. When it comes to actually looking for an apartment, applying for a visa, and settling down…Ufff sounds like a lot of work. I feel like I just need to pluck up the courage, stop being lazy, and just do it.
2. Go Vegetarian For 6 Months
Not long ago, I read this blog post by Natalia about her experience going vegetarian. And as someone who used to be vegetarian for a while, I felt inspired to give it a try again. But during that time, I was eating at my college’s dining hall every day. And I’m not going to lie, I just couldn’t say no to free tacos and pepperoni pizza for dinner. But now that I’m not living on campus anymore, I think it’s probably time to give vegetarianism a try?
3. Eat In A Pitch-Black Restaurant
Have you guys seen the movie “About Time“? If not, go watch it now, it’s amazing. But anyway, I’ve always wanted to visit the pitch-black restaurant “Dans Le Noir” where Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson had a literal blind date at. The only thing I’m concerned about is, what if there’s a bug or a string of hair in my food. How am I going to see it? Am I allowed to use my phone’s flashlight to double-check before I eat? So many questions. Haha! But I’m excited to find out in person.
4. Fly First-Class Somewhere
Ok. The funny thing is, I’ve actually flown first-class before. But it happened when I only 8, so that doesn’t count. My brother (one year older than me) and I were flying alone from Taiwan to Japan at the time. And in order to keep an eye on us, the flight attendants made us sit up front in first class. Crazy right? My brother and I were drinking orange juice from champagne glasses, and literally living our best lives. So freaking funny.
But this time, I want to use my own money to fly first class. And see if the food is actually better.
5. Become Fluent In A New Language
Every time I learn a new language, I get distracted by another language, and so I never actually become fluent FLUENT in any language I learn. Does that make sense? So before 30, I want to become fluent in French and Korean. Which technically isn’t impossible, since French is similar to English and Spanish. And Korean is similar to Mandarin. Also, if I spend 3 years living in each country, it should give me enough time to master these languages.
But would I actually do it? That is the question. Haha! Let’s hope I stick to this goal.
6. Workout On A Regular Basis
If you know me, you’ll know that I never work out. Which is so bad! During my Junior year of college, my dorm room was situated right above the gym. And guess how many times I went that year? TWICE. Unbelievable. I really need to get myself together so I can actually achieve my dream body. So fingers crossed that I’ll be able to cross off this 30 before 30 list item soon.
7. Become Financially Independent
Becoming financially independent is probably the goal that everyone has. For me, being financially independent means not having to rely on my parents, and not having to worry so much about next month’s rent. As a fresh college grad, I definitely feel a bit of pressure in terms of paying back student loans and securing a good monthly income. But we’ll see! I’m super excited about what the future holds for me!
8. Be Present Every Single Day
Being present is a habit that I’ve been working on since I was 20. However, there are still some days where I let my environment gain control over my emotions. And instead of being awake and “aware” of my thoughts, I sort of just doze off like a zombie and let the world control me. So my goal for the next few years, and actually, for the rest of my life, is to be present EVERY SINGLE DAY. For me, being present and appreciative of the present moment is the only way I feel true happiness.
Related Post: What Does It Mean To Be Present? And Why It’s So Important?
9. Improve My Small-Talk Skills
Am I just an awkward person or what? Why is small-talk so nerve-wracking for me sometimes? Let me know in the comments if you also feel the same way. Anyway, learning how to small-talk and network with people is definitely something I need to start working on more. Of course, I’m so much more confident compared to five years ago. But from my ideal self‘s point of view. There’s still some space for improvement.
10. Attend New York Fashion Week
Ummm… Ok. I’ve always wanted to sit front row as a guest at New York Fashion Week. But little did I know, I was able to attend NYFW a few months ago as a model. Like, what? I still can’t quite believe it.
However, I would still love to admire fashion pieces from a guest’s point of view. Especially Alexander Wang’s show (proud Taiwanese represent)! And actually enjoy the fashion week experience instead of hectically running around for castings all day in the winter cold.
11. Eat At A High-End Restaurant ALONE
Eating at a high-end restaurant alone takes some balls. As a frequent solo traveler, I’ve eaten at many restaurants and local food shops alone. And I’ve been able to slowly overcome my fear of eating alone while traveling.
But dining at a high-end restaurant by myself just for fun? I’ll admit. I haven’t done it before. But I’m definitely willing to challenge myself. I think once I do it, nothing in this world will scare me anymore. (Ok, I’m exaggerating, but you know what I mean)
12. Stay Up All Night Partying
I’m that friend who just can’t hang. I’d always fall asleep before going out, or literally after dancing for only one hour. Once I find somewhere to sit, the night is over. DONE.
And so before turning 30, I want to experience what it feels like to stay up all night partying (probably like shit, I already know). Because apparently, after the age of 25, wine nights and 10 o’clock bedtimes seem to become the norm. So you know what, Ibiza! I’m coming for ya!
13. See The Pyramids In Egypt
Witnessing the wonders of the Egyptian Pyramids in person has been a dream of mine ever since I was in kindergarten. When I was young, my mom would read to me storybooks about these mystical structures. And every day since then, I’ve become more and more curious about how the Great Pyramids were able to withstand thousands of years of time, and remain as intact as it is today. If I have the pleasure to visit the Pyramids in Egypt, I will for sure shed happy and grateful tears.
14. Write A Letter To My Future Self
In high school, my teacher made our whole class write a letter to our future selves (3 years into the future). And opening that letter three years later was one of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever had. I felt like I was reading a letter from my little sister. How she admired me, loved me, and truly wished the best for me. It was such a sweet moment.
So before turning 30, I definitely want to write a long letter to myself. This time, maybe 10 years into the future.
15. Go Skydiving Or Bungee Jumping
Ufff. Heights is another fear of mine. But recently, I’ve been able to slowly overcome my fear of flying, and so I’d like to believe I’m making progress in this department. If I had to choose between skydiving and bungee jumping, I would probably go with the first one. The reason being, at least someone is jumping with me! Whereas in bungee jumping, they’ll just heartlessly push me down into the abyss, which doesn’t sound very kind nor fun at all.
16. Conquer A Life-Long Fear (Eat An Insect)
I just can’t get myself to put an insect in my mouth. And I don’t know if I ever will. Yikes, I can’t believe I’m putting this as one of my 30 before 30 list ideas. The funny thing is, my part-time job during college was working as a research assistant at the Natural History Museum in LA where I sorted insects every day. I would tell guests that “Oh, insects are nice, there’s nothing to be scared about”! Whereas deep down inside I’m cringing so hard. The things I do for money (Shake my head).
17. Meet Rihanna In Person
I don’t worship celebrities or anything. But Rihanna! She’s been my girl crush ever since I was in third grade. And it would truly be absolutely amazing if I could actually meet her in person. Even though I don’t know her personally, but her music and her entrepreneurial achievements have inspired me throughout my teenage and adult years, sort of like a big sister I never had. And yea, I don’t usually look up to celebrities. But Rihanna’s different. She’s like a childhood crush I’ll never forget lol.
18. Overcome My Ego
Overcoming one’s ego takes A LOT of work. And I’m still working on it every day. I realized a while ago that I have a habit of letting my ego-based emotions (such as envy, jealousy, fear, anger, unworthiness, and worry) control my day to day life. Which was far from ideal! I felt stressed as a result of my overthinking, fear, and anxiety. And these emotions were all due to my attachment to my ego.
Today, I’ve learned to view this world from the perspective of love and abundance. And it has completely changed my life! However, from time to time, I still notice some fear-based emotions creeping in. Which I know is a result of my past subconscious programming, and it’ll take time to overcome.
19. Use Only A Flip Phone For An Entire Month
Going hermit mode for an entire month? Sign me up! I’ve always wanted to do this. And since my brother gifted me a vintage Nokia mobile phone for my birthday this year, I might as well put it to use. Especially with the prevalence of social media addictions nowadays, by forcing myself to stay away from my smartphone, I can truly do a social media detox. Without any distractions at all. The only concern I have is: How am I going to survive without Google Maps?
Related Post: Social Media Detox: 20 Ways To Curb Your Social Media Addiction
20. Eliminate Thousands Of Junk Mail
Who else has thousands of junk mails in their Gmail account? I’ll be the first to admit. I have more than 20,000 unread emails in all my three Gmail accounts combined. And let me tell you, I think “overwhelmed” is an understatement to describe how I feel right now. Sometimes I wonder why is it that I’m so lazy and unorganized. But then I get too tired just by thinking about it. *Shrugs*
I’ve been wanting to clear out my Gmail accounts ever since 2015. And….we’re still waiting. Ugh, I know I need to do it sooner or later. And so I’ve decided to add this to the 30 before 30 list (Definitely not as exciting as the other ones).
21. Go On A Meditation Retreat
In a hectic modern world where our senses are constantly bombarded with stimuli left and right. A meditation retreat can be a great way to center ourselves and gain a better perspective on what really matters in life. Taking a short break from the hustle-and-bustle city life, we get to have more time to ourselves. And I think I would truly benefit from this.
22. Take My Family On Vacation
My mom has always paid for our family’s vacation. And now that I’m an adult. It’s time for me to give back! This is another big goal of mine that I’ve been wanting to achieve for the longest time. And I know that as long as I believe in myself and trust the process, I can do it.
23. Learn To Swim Like A Pro
Ever since I almost drowned in a lake when I was in third grade, I’ve forgotten how to swim. It’s hard to describe. I technically still “know” how to swim. But my fear of water causes me to hyperventilate, which then causes my body to sink the moment I try to swim.
I know I can do it, but I just need to slowly overcome my fear of water first. I’ve already signed up for a gym membership at a gym that includes a swimming pool, so we’ll see how that goes!
24. Work Toward An Excellent Credit Score
I’m kind of late to this game since I just recently applied for my first credit card. Woohoo! Having a good credit score is a vital part of our financial life. When it comes to buying a house, taking out a mortgage, obtaining a better insurance rate, and buying a car. Our credit scores matter. And so one of my goals before the age of 30 is to work toward an excellent credit score so I won’t have to worry about making these financial decisions.
25. Get A Professional Makeup Lesson
I’m 23 and I still don’t know how to do my own makeup. The only makeup tools I own are my fingers. Meaning, I apply everything including foundation, concealer, and blush with my fingers. I’ve watched many makeup tutorials on Youtube, and I’m always so amazed by how flawless and impeccable their makeup techniques are. A good face of makeup can truly make a HUGE difference. Of course, I’m not trying to change my appearance completely. But it’d be nice to learn how to do my own makeup professionally for important events.
26. Swim In A Cenote In Mexico
This is assuming that I’ve already achieved my goal of swimming like a pro. But if not, I’ll just use a life jacket. The Cenotes in Mexico are absolutely breathtaking. It is a natural reservoir of underground water resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock, and can be found in many parts of Central America as well. One of my friends I met in Guatemala highly recommended that I visit a cenote at least once in my life.
27. Run A Marathon
I used to be an athletic kid, but I honestly don’t know what happened. I feel like I’ve turned into a full-time couch potato as soon as I hit my 20s. But you know what!? That’s going to change from now on…I hope!
Of course, I’m not going to aim for a full-on 10k marathon from the start, maybe just a half-marathon. But eventually, I’ll get there.
28. Learn How To Ice-Skate
One of the many childhood dreams of mine was to become a professional figure skater…Yea, obviously that hasn’t happened yet. I can’t even bend down and touch my toes without breaking my back, nor ice skate without falling on my bum every 10 minutes. Once I become a millionaire though, the first thing I’d do is hire a retired-Olympic figure skater to teach me how to skate lol. Or also, I could just go to the ice-skating rink alone every day and embarrass myself. Either way, I would LOVE to learn how to ice-skate.
29. Spend A Night In A Treehouse
My absolute favorite book series as a kid was Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House! This book series ignited my passion and love for travel, as well as my curiosity for treehouses. In this book series, the protagonists were able to time travel back to different periods of history with the help of this magic tree house in the woods. And even though it’s been years since I last read these books, I’m still obsessed with the idea of staying in a treehouse. I think these children’s books might have left a mark in my subconscious mind haha.
30. Love Myself Unconditionally
What does it mean to love myself unconditionally? This is a question I’ve grappled with for the longest time. For a period in my life, I thought I was loving myself by constantly trying to “better” myself. Self-improvement isn’t bad! It’s just that I was coming from a place of strong dissatisfaction with myself. I felt that I wasn’t good enough. And in order to truly love myself, I felt the need to change something about me first.
But throughout the years, I’ve learned that loving myself unconditionally means being gentle and patient with myself. It means treating myself with kindness, forgiveness, and the knowledge that I’m whole and perfect just the way I am. It’s definitely been a challenging journey since I’ve been conditioned to criticize myself so much growing up. But every day and every year, I’m learning to love myself more and more.
Hope you enjoyed this 30 before 30 bucket list
There you have it! 30 before 30 list. What do you think?
Do you think I should add anything else to this list? And have you already accomplished some of the 30 before 30 list items here? Let me know!
And lastly, let’s live our best lives together! Because life is beautiful. xoxo
