30 Things I Learned in my Thirties
I turn 40 tomorrow. That’s the first time I’ve seen that on paper, but I came to terms with it long ago - and I’m pumped. So far, every decade in life has been better than the previous, and I don’t intend on bucking that trend once I’m over the hill.
Reflecting on the last ten years, I figured I must have matured (right?) and probably learned some lessons along the way. I don’t know who might benefit from this list, as I’m sure there aren’t droves of about-to-be-30-year olds subscribing to this blog, but at the very least, it’s to remind my future self what truly matters, and to avoid making the same mistake twice:
Being an uncle is the coolest role in the world.
Life moves fast, but it’s mostly unpredictable - don’t kill yourself by trying to plan every aspect.
Being kind is a cheat code.
Listening is underrated. I still suck at it, but am slightly better than I was.
Running a business is super difficult and more stressful than you think.
If you’re reading this, you have a 100% success rate in getting through tough days.
Taking action kills anxiety.
Morning routines are overrated. Living by some core principles and structure can help, but I’ve had some of the best days after sleeping past my alarm, and some of my worst days after a 6-mile morning run and a cold shower.
There’s no financially-rational reason to live in New York City, but through both jubilation and gut-punches it can provide (sometimes in the same day), the five boroughs is one of the best places to call home.
If adversity builds character, everyone should become a sports fan. Another 10 years with no Arsenal Premier League Championship, and no Winnipeg Jets Stanley Cup.
Ultramarathons are a completely different kind of fun from road marathons. Up and down hills, through canyons, climbing on all fours, trotting through streams, all while conquering more than 42 kilometers at a snail’s pace. If you hate running, try trail running!
The over-the-shoulder duffel bag is the ultimate carry-on luggage. I took well over 75 flights in 2025 and I will die on this hill. Expanded tips here.
Almost every situation in life can be viewed on a spectrum: very positively on one end, and very negatively on the other. Imagine you take the exit off the highway, you’re running late for your appointment, and you all of a sudden see a massive backlog of traffic. You can say “Oh jeez; that’s a ton of traffic!” or you can remark “Ohhhhhh jeeeeeeezzzz (hand slaps knee), that’s a TON of traffic!” Same words. Different outlook.
Similarly, you see a long line to get into a restaurant you’d like to try, and you say “Dang, that’s a long line, it must have an awesome menu” instead of “Dang, that’s a long line, these people must take forever.” I’m convinced that the more positively you view the world (and people’s actions), the more you enjoy life.
There’s nothing quite like an airport beer.
Alcohol is bad for you - partake sparingly.
Friendship is the ultimate currency in this world. Meet and keep contact with as many friends as possible from as many locations, backgrounds, and walks of life as possible - you’ll be rich.
A walk around the block is one of the most underrated therapeutics for mental clarity, energy levels, and for not screaming at work colleagues through an electronic screen.
On a decade without eating meat: if you mix vital wheat gluten with water, olive oil and spices, boil it for 90 minutes in tin foil, then slice and fry it in a cast iron skillet along with garlic, vegan butter, and rosemary… it will still taste nothing like a ribeye steak.
It’s going to take longer than, and I can’t stress the enough, two weeks to flatten the curve.
Family vacations get better with age. One of the downsides of living away from your parents and family is that you normally spend your vacation days visiting each other’s homes. This year we disrupted the pattern with Italy and Greece, and now I want to travel with my parents and sister every year.
Reading doesn’t always have to be productive. I finally read a few fictional novels in my thirties and will continue to do so in my forties.
Spotify Premium is truly essential.
The New York City Marathon is the best day to be in New York.
If you’re feeling sluggish or unfit at any particular moment, the power of 20 push-ups, a couple times a day, for a couple days, can be immense.
If news outlets are a burning fire, Instagram reels are the gasoline. Keep a safe distance from both.
Particularly in the Western World, it’s best to take an attitude of abundance rather than scarcity into business or even community situations. There is more than enough to go around and most things aren’t zero-sum games.
Moving in with a girl is fun.
There are very few disputes that can’t be resolved with someone who you’ve met in person and shared a meal with.
I want to minimize the number of times I tweak my back from folding laundry. Either pay for wash and fold, or stretch more.
Age is just a number, but it’s important to moisturize.
Thanks for reading,
Mike
Happy 40th Mike! Great read and for sure, there is nothing like an airport beer!