Being in your 20s is a time for planning, learning, and adventure. It's worth using this time to prepare for your future. After all, it is the defining decade of adulthood. How you spend your 20s will define you.
Whether you're in your mid 20s or you're all set to hit the 30s, you need to take life a little more seriously. Now is the time to tick off some big hitters off of your bucket list.
Here are 10 things every man should do before he turns 30.
Break the bad habits
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Growing up means breaking a lot of bad habits. Try to get rid of all the bad habits that have been dragging you down.
Quit using your credit card when you're out of money. Stop ignoring your parent's voicemails. Drop the habit of drinking caffeine all day and start drinking water. Don't be afraid about what other people think. Let go of grudges and learn to forgive.
Cook one meal that is impressive
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Let's face it. Cooking is something of a mystery to most men. Some can even get away with not cooking their entire lives. Many of them prefer something that is quick and convenient, so they won't think twice about ordering from a fastfood or a restaurant. But wouldn't it be nice if you can at least whip up a decent meal or two?
Stop ordering out every night and learn how to cook decent meals. Not only will you eat better; women find men who are comfortable in the kitchen hot.
Volunteer
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We work in order to put food on the table and maintain a roof over our heads. But if you have extra time and money, we encourage you to do some volunteer work.
Volunteering gives you the chance to gain real world, insightful experiences that no amount of money can buy. You'll also gain a range of skills that can help boost your career. Knowing that you're doing something good for others and the community gives you a sense of pride, accomplishment, and purpose.
Streamline your wardrobe
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With the increasing popularity of online shopping, it's hard to resist the temptation to buy things. Those things accumulate over time. You probably have a closet full of clothes you no longer wear or have never worn before. Your wardrobe can benefit from streamlining.
Go through your closet and pick out your most worn pieces. Look for classic pieces that will carry you throughout the year. Then, get rid of all the things you no longer use. Now that you have downsized and de-cluttered your closet, you need to shop less.
Having more clothing options is good, but sometimes it can harm your productivity. By limiting your choices, you'll have more time for more important things.
Be financially independent
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As a mature individual, you shouldn't be carrying the spending mistakes of your past into your 30s. Pay off your debt, most especially your student loan. Stop making impulse purchases. Your goal is to stay debt-free. Pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history.
Save money and establish an emergency fund. If you have extra money, start an investment portfolio. You can start with something simple like mutual funds and then invest in stocks later on. Instead of putting all your money in your savings account, have it diversified.
Know when to call it a night
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When you were younger, you probably drink till you're blackout drunk. Mature men know when to call it a night.
If you know that you have a meeting, an appointment or a presentation the next day, resist the urge to order one more drink. Although saying no to booze is no fun, thinking about the future is a mark of mature and responsible man.
Have a place you can call home
Buying a house has always been considered as a significant part of the American dream. Considering how big of a financial obligation buying a house is, you may want to put off plans of buying until you're financially ready.
You may not be a homeowner, but we hope you do have a place you can call your home. A place that makes you feel safe and relaxed as you open the front door. That's good enough for now.
Start a workout routine
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Many of you are probably sitting in front of your computer, staring at the screen, typing furiously all day. When you get home from work, all you do is eat dinner and watch TV until bedtime.
Living an active lifestyle is more important as you age. Regular physical activity will not only help lower you risk of certain diseases, it also makes you look and feel younger. Plus, it makes you stronger, boosts brain functions, and gives you a boost in confidence.
Taking good care of yourself is a part of growing up. It's time to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It's never too late to get started.
Learn another language
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English is the universal language. As a native English speaker, you could get by and communicate with people wherever you go, but that's boring.
It's not easy learning a new language, but it does come with several benefits. For one, it allows to have engaging conversations with people abroad and even establish deep connections with them. Learning a new language also gives your brain a boost. Ultimately, it opens up a world of job opportunities.
Live abroad
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Everyone should experience living abroad at least once in their life, be it for work or to study. Living abroad will give you a different perspective on the world. It will be a life-changing, life-affirming experience that no amount of passport stamps will ever satisfy.