1. Life is SO not about you. The only universe you are the center of is your own. A successful life is one lived out of generosity and service for others. One of the hardest parts of growing up is to place others above yourself. If we take our cues from Jesus, this should be a no-brainer. As Mark 10 chronicles, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.
2. Credit cards are dangerous. College campuses are the locations of the worst offenders of sucking young people into credit card debt. They offer free gifts as incentives and make you feel as though you deserve the things you want but can't afford. If you haven't had the opportunity to participate in Financial Peace University, I highly recommend looking into it. If you are working through debt, it can transform your life and your relationship with money.
3. Stuff will never satisfy. Sure, for a short time, it may, but that feeling is fleeting. Material things are not the source of true joy. Joy comes from helping others, from faith and love, and a sense of purpose. You may feel contentment with your life, but it is only through God that true joy is received.
4. Save now while you're young. Sounds like common sense, right? Saving gets harder the older you get if it's not a habit for you already. If you have a family to support, it becomes that much harder to set money aside. Having an emergency fund is critical and helps avoid the panic that sets in when a crisis hits if you know you have that buffer. Too often we live paycheck to paycheck and end up with more month at the end of the money!
5. You should probably read more. The benefits of reading are tremendous. A healthy mind is nourished by increasing your vocabulary, gaining knowledge, and improving concentration. There's something about holding a book in your hands and flipping the pages, and I'm not talking about a digital pad and a swish of your finger!
6. Pay attention to what you eat. This is probably something many of us needed to do long before 30. As we age, our metabolism slows and if we are not compensating for that through routine exercise and a healthier perspective on the foods we eat, we are opening ourselves up to long-term disease and an unhealthy lifestyle. I am just as guilty of slacking in this department probably more than any other area mentioned in this list. Sometimes it takes a wake up call to prioritize your life, and your health should be at the top of the list. Gwen Shamblin has a terrific take on how to have a healthy relationship with food. I would recommend checking out her workshop (and it's a book, so you're reading too!)
7. Stop comparing yourself to others. So you don't have the latest TV, or the fastest car, or the best looking body. It's time to focus on what you DO have and be grateful for it. There will always be someone prettier, smarter, or more successful than you. In the end, you can't take it with you. Jealousy says "God owes me." The truth is God gives out according to His will and He never claimed to be fair. This is directly related to the first item on this list. You cannot have a heart of jealousy and envy and love people (1 Corinthians 13:4). If you are happy when others fail, you have a heart problem.
8. Get used to saying "No". It may be time to re-evaluate your responsibilities and prioritize. Don't let others make you feel guilty for doing so.You can't do it all, nor should you. Rely on other people for support when you're running ragged and take time for the important people and things in your life. Nothing lasts forever, so savor the moments.
9. Maintain close relationships. The most important thing in life is relationships. Those who travel along the journey by your side are the ones you need to sustain and follow up with. Is there someone with whom you need to reconnect? What's stopping you? It's about doing life together. There's no better way.
Be well. Be joyful. Be you.
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