In 2014 I created a blog post (and page) where I aimed to complete 30 things before turning 30. My objective was to perform many tasks I had wanted to do but lacked time or motivation. While I was not able to finish all items before turning 30, I am proud of those I was able to achieve. This is my 30 before 30 review.
I successfully completed 13 out of 30 items on the list. It may seem like a small number, but I am delighted with my achievement.
30 Before 30 Review
1. Solid mental health plan
Status: 💎 Complete
This was really important to me. To be able to address many of my problems and devise ways to avoid triggers. It also gave me guidance on what to do if I felt I wasn’t coping. I am so glad I completed this.
2. Plan a future
Status: 💎 Complete
When I created my list I was dealing with a lot of things. I didn’t feel like I had a lot of direction or know where I wanted to go. Being able to complete this item and understand that I have potential to have a future was a big deal.
3. Work or study
Status: 💎 Complete
Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that I was not studying already. I have really fallen into a great cycle with study and I am learning so much about design. I am also proud of the fact I have been working hard and have a 4.0 GPA.
4. Save $100 each month
Status: 💩 Fail
Hahaha. Nope. I seriously need to do it.
5. Write/Illustrate a children’s book
Status: 💎 Complete
Of all the items on my list, this would have to be the one I am delighted about the most. I had always wanted to write and illustrate a book but never did it. Since 2014 I have created two books with the plan to create a new one each year.
6. Pink Hair
Status: 💎 Complete
Pink hair, don’t care.
7. Write lost letters
Status: ☁️ Partly
A lost letter is a letter written to someone who has died. So you are able to share your thoughts and feelings with them. This was a really hard one to do. While I did write one letter, it was a very emotional process. Hopefully, I can write more in the future.
8. See Nicole & Claire
Status: 💩 Fail
Kind of bummed that I didn’t get to see Nicole or Claire again in the time I had written the list. Need to make it happen!
9. Own under 10 personal domains
Status: 💩 Fail
Hahaha. Was this ever going to happen? Really?
10. Be food conscious
Status: ☁️ Partly
My intention when I first created the item on the list was to try and adhere to a pescetarian menu. I wasn’t able to get there, but I did make a lot of changes to the food I consumed. I looked particularly at sugar and tried to greatly limit the amount of processed sugar I was eating.
11. 10 photo shoots
Status: :poo: Fail
Kind of annoyed that I did not complete this. There were many ways I could have approached it. Now that I have a new macro lens, I will have to make it happen!
12. Create writing every month
Status: 💩 Fail
Most of my recent creative work has been very visual. I love writing, but I also feel very daunted by it. I really want to try and do this more. Even if no one ever sees what I create.
13. Appreciation List
Status: 💎 Complete
My appreciation list was a compilation of all the things I am thankful for. It was really rewarding to create this and examine the things in my life that are positive.
14. Travel Overseas
Status: 💩 Fail
I had really hoped that I would be able to travel overseas before turning 30. Not completing it has kind of made me more determined to do it now.
15. Travel to Tasmania
Status: 💩 Fail
Like my plans for travelling overseas, I hoped that I would make it here as well. Better get my bags packed and get moving! ;P
16. Create 10 traditional artworks
Status: 💩 Fail
I started off with making a few traditional artworks but fell out of sync. I want to make sure that I continually practice and try to improve on this amazing artform.
17. Learn current web standards
Status: ☁️ Partly
I learned many new things when I created my blog layout (no longer in use) but didn’t spend the time to gain knowledge in a lot of areas. There seem to be so many new things I am no longer in the loop about.
18. Make my own blog layout
Status: 💎 Complete
While the layout may not be in use now, I am glad I did take the time to create my own. It had been a long time since I had coded a WordPress theme and it felt create to see my own work again. However, I am so picky and decided on something new.
19. Stop smoking
Status: 💩 Fail
This is probably the one item I am most disappointed that I was not able to complete. With the crazy health risks, skyrocketing costs it should be a logical decision to quit. 😔
20. Volunteer
Status: 💩 Fail
There are a large number of causes that I care about and I would love to be able to help in some way. I am quite an introverted person and ideally, I would love to be able to design something that could be used to promote or raise funds.
21. Thirty-day creative challenge
Status: 💎 Complete
The challenge was all about creating something creative every day for a month. Sometimes it was a little difficult to try and make something each day, but it was worth it.
22. Create stationery set
Status: 💎 Complete
I created a stationery set of my own cloud design which included; notepad, cards, notebook, pen and stickers. I had wanted to create a set for a long time. Hopefully, I can make some more soon!
23. Stop drinking soda/pop
Status: 💎 Complete
This was so much easier than I thought it would be. Once I felt how much cleaner (and less bloated) my body was, it was awesome. It’s been over a year and still soda free.
24. Fix blog categories
Status: 💎 Complete
This was probably the easiest item on the list. Although it did take me probably a full day. It was more of a cheat item. Haha oops.
25. Keep a daily journal/diary
Status: ☁️ Partly
I use the app Day One to record many of my thoughts. While I don’t keep it updated every day, it’s a great way to record my thoughts.
26. Read 20 books each year
Status: ☁️ Partly
I was able to read 20 books every year, with the exception of last year. Soooo close.
27. Healthy Weight
Status: ☁️ Partly
Once I looked at my diet and removed much of the sugar that I was consuming I was able to loose a lot of weight. I also began to do (mostly) daily exercises. I still have some way to go.
28. Blog Matter
Status: 💩 Fail
My dream of running a comment exchange site is probably in retirement. I really like the idea of it, but it’s hard to create the site without having a script that would make it work.
29. Drive more
Status: 💎 Complete
Getting my own car really inspired me to drive a lot more. I am still a nervous driver. I just have to keep at it, and hopefully get to my provisional licence (P) soon.
30. Accept 30 is not the end of the world
Status: 💎 Complete
100000% 😆
Now that the 30 before 30 is over will I be doing another similar challenge? I am not sure at the moment. A 40 before 40 sounds like it’s too far off in the distance…
💬 Questions
- Do you like to set goals or challenges?
- Do you plan to complete anything before your next birthday?
- What did you do in the last year you’re proud of?
39 Responses
Congrats on all the things you achieved! You could always start your 40 before 40 now by starting with the ones that you didn’t get to on this list that you still want to pursue and then go from there 🙂
Thank you! That is a good idea. :blush:
Congrats on all!
I like to set goals but for most of them I don’t like to set a limit. Why should I have a 30 before 30 if I pretty much have my whole life to complete the tasks? So I just made a bucket list. I’m really happy I made my sports instructor certificate last year (and wrote the exam this year). It was so much to study and I’m happy it all went well 🙂
Thank you. I can understand what you mean. Having a bucket list is also a good idea if you want more time. The 30 before 30 was a good motivator for me, to try and complete them before a set time. That’s really good you got your certificate. 😀
Congratulations on your achievements! Some of those seem much harder than others but you did so many of them and that’s such a great thing to celebrate. I never heard of this list and wish I would have made one before turning 30 last July. 40 before 40 sounds like an idea but I don’t even know what I’d want to make of my life in ten years let alone what goals I want to do each year during that time. Ya know? There are the really big obvious ones – lose weight, get healthy, be successful in my career, but I don’t think just because I write it in a list will make it happen. Hmm, you’ve given me something to ponder ^_^ Thanks. Great job again on the list. Cannot wait to see what you accomplish next!
Thank you. :love: Sometimes just taking the time to consider the things you want to do in your life can be a really good first step. There can be things we might forget we wanted to do or experiences we really want to have. 😀
Awesome job! And hey, even if you only fully completed 13, if you add in the progress ones it’s really 19. I think that’s pretty damn good. At least you’re taking a step in the right direction for most of them. 🙂
I think lists like these are always so fun. I sometimes think I should make one myself but worry I’ll forget about them and it’ll be for not. I’m not even sure what I’d put on my list tbh. Hm, maybe I should just write one out to see what would come to my mind. (The drinking less pop / cutting back on sugar would definitely have to be on mine. It’s so baddddd. My absolute weakness is chocolate.)
Thank you! 😀 It can never hurt to even just write down a few ideas of things you want to do. It doesn’t have to be a dedicated list in a specific time frame. :blush:
13 out of 30 is a great number of achievements, Kya! Better than none XD But you accomplished quite a bit with what was on your list. You may not have competed everything, but what you did come through with are fantastic! You did a lot more than I did before I’d turned 30. Then again, I never even made such a list, so it’s harder to measure how accomplished I feel.
I hope you’ll meet your other tasks! Travelling is a must 🙂 At the least even check out more of Australia! That counts ^^
Thank you so much! ou3uo :love:
Congratulations on your accomplishments! Many of the items on your list aren’t easy at all but you managed to complete them, good job! 13 out of 30 is a really good number, and it shows that you’re really motivated 😀
I like to set goals and I still do it now, but at the same time I don’t like pressuring myself and beating myself up if I don’t achieve them, you know what I mean? Sometimes things don’t go as planned and I prefer to focus on the goals I fulfilled than to get upset over the things I didn’t accomplish 🙂
Thank you. I can understand what you mean!
This list is so wonderful! I’m a huge advocate of lists, so you can see why I really love yours :’D
In all seriousness, congratulations on completing 13 tasks! It doesn’t seem like a small number at all because completing a book or planning your future is no small feat <3
I am in love with your pink hair! I, too, gave up soda and would also like to drive more.
These are all so great and inspiring that I want to make my own. Here's to hoping I can accomplish as much as you did 😊
Thank you so much! :blush:
I love lists so this list makes me happy. Good for you, Kya!
☼ cabin twenty-four
Thank you! Lists are a handy little thing. :love:
It’s fine that you didn’t accomplish all of the items on the list. The fact that you completed a handful of them is already great. I’m glad to see that you’re paving way for a good future :). Within time, I am sure that you will be able to save at least $100 each month :). It’s awesome that you made two children’s book! I love the art behind it :).
Being more conscious about what you eat is always a good step forward. Eating or drinking less of a certain thing makes a big difference. This also includes drinking soda. Good on you!
Blog Matter is a great concept. Hope the idea is not tossed out! There will always be time for other goals/challenges to complete. Glad to see you working for a happy life :)!
Thank you so much! ou3uo
Congratulations on your achievement! 13 is still a lot of things to complete. I feel like everything is a progress, and if you make small steps toward your goals then it’s better than nothing.
I love setting goals/challenges. I attempted to change a habit in 30 days. In my case it was smoking – I did complete it, but I have significantly reduced the amount I smoke a day. It’s such a bad habit though 😭
I can’t think of anything I did last year that I was proud of! Haha.
I feel like everything is a progress, and if you make small steps toward your goals then it’s better than nothing. YES!
That is so wonderful that you were able to attempt a habit change. It sounds like a really good exercise to do.
I think you did really well on your 30 before 30! Even if you didn’t complete it, you knocked out some really big ones on the list. The ones you completed and made progress on are great achievements, especially when it comes to your mental and physical health. I also like seeing all the creative ones you completed, like your children’s books and the creative challenge. Plus, you don’t have to stop at age 30! I hope you’ll complete more of these later on!
I’m definitely a goal oriented person, which is why I’m doing monthly goals right now. I tried a project 52 once (52 goals in one year), but I lost motivation part-way through. The shorter term goals are working better for me! Hm… in terms of the last year, I think I’m most proud of being promoted at work and completing a couple cosplays!
Thank you so much! :love: Monthly goals is a really good idea. It gives you things to try and commit to, or even to work on getting too. 52 in a year would certainly be a big challenge! :’|
Congratulations on the achievements – I think even 3 out of 30 things would be good so to do 13, some of which were pretty big life changes, is pretty aweosme. And just because you’ve hit some pre-ordained number doesn’t mean you can stop… It doens’t matter if you don’t achieve some of the things until you’re 60, so long as you keep pushing yourself.
I’m now feeling inspired to come up with my own ’40 before 40′ since 30 is in just a couple of months from now
Thank you! 😀
YAY so happy you could complete a lot of your plans!
xx Lisa
lisaautumn.com
Thank you! :angel:
“Own under 10 personal domains” –> Hahaha. I always get tempted to buy new domain name too. Luckily for me, I find registering for a new domain name is troublesome thus, end up not buying them…
Haha. They are so evil. 👿
Hello Kya ! Congrats on achieving as many goals as you can !
I was just thinking of what to do with my life (I’m 24) and came across your blog post. I like the idea of setting goals; it gives me a clearer sense of direction. Life is boring if you’re not doing anything!
I’m just curious, will you continue trying to strike things off this list even after 30? Because there was once I made a list of ?? (forgot the number, it was a trend back then) things to do in 1000 days, and I could not follow through so I gave up on most of it. I cannot remember what was on that list, and I lost it, but now I think I should have persevered even after 1000 days. After all, they were what I once wanted…
Thank you. 🙂 I think I probably will continue to strive to complete the items I didn’t complete and add some more as well. ;D
13 does not seem small at all! Congrats!
I never know how to approach these types of lists so it’s pretty inspiring that you did your best and achieved the goals you wanted to. I can’t even begin to make a 30 before 30 list. And that’s not too far off for me.
As for the things you didn’t complete, I wouldn’t consider them failures, they just didn’t make the completed list. But you can just keep at it!
Also, Happy Belated Birthday!!!
Thank you! :love:
Have kids and get stable. That’s really what I want.
Best of luck.
omg Kya. This post makes me so happy. Even the little poops that indicate “fail”. I’m just so thrilled that you were able to complete so many of your goals, even though it was not all of them. You had some BIG goals in there, too.
I still remember your first post announcing that you were going to give up soda. I cannot believe it has been a year since then. 🙂 A year is a super long time. Also, if you want any tips on pescetarianism then you know I am more than happy to offer my opinions and advice (obviously though, I am no expert). I definitely need to eat less sugar than I currently do. At the moment I think my main aim is to continue going to the gym and eat sugar in moderation. Some days I eat so much candy and other days I eat none at all. 😆 It’s much better to have that in a nice balance.
I am not planning to do anything before I turn 26. It’s a little too soon… um… I just realised it is only two months away. 😓 I may very well try something for 27… to be honest with you, I think you have inspired me a little bit to do something! 😁 I’ve never done anything like it in the past, and 27 is a funny number, isn’t it… I do prefer choosing a list of things before a certain age, compared to some kind of “bucket list”. Shorter term works better for me, I think!
Thank you so much for your continued support. :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:
Regardless, you still achieved quite a bit. 🙂 I’m proud of you!
Thank you! :love:
Dude, you have done SO WELL!! Be super proud of yourself, those are massive things you’ve completed on that list.