Turning 30 was huge for me. It represented transition. A turning point. It brought moments of deep internal reflection. These weren’t moments of comparing myself to others or coveting what belonged to my neighbour. These were moments of calm and humility.

In his book, The 8th Habit, Dr Stephen Covey identified four parts to the human nature – body, mind, heart and spirit, he also identified the four basic needs we all have - to live, to learn and to leave a legacy. At this point I found myself taking an audit of my life and asking myself, as Brendon Burchard put it "Did I live? Did I love? and Did I matter?". Though I’ve learnt these principles throughout my entire life, at 30 I found myself looking through a different lens.  

There is a humility that only comes when life has truly revealed itself to you. This moment comes to all at different stages. Due to life-altering experiences, for some, it comes sooner; but for some, it may only be at their death bed. It is the moment of true self-reflection, examining one’s life and seeing “the light” – as some would say. A moment your eyes are open to the true depth of life. A moment where that which mattered then, does not matter now. The moment where a deep sense of humility takes over. If this moment were to be described in words – words like -  revelation, wisdom, maturity, humility - would come to mind. At this point you have an idea of what I mean; hopefully after reading all 30 things learnt, you have true understanding and are prompted to start living life purposefully.

1.     You are not a product of your circumstances -  "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters" - Epictetus.

2.     This is it – Life is not a rehearsal, you only have one chance.

3.     You have the power of choice ~ make the right ones.

4.     It is what it is – some things are just out of your control.

5.     Life will give you lemons, make some lemonade and keep going.

6.     You are stronger than you think – pick yourself up, dust it off and keep going.

7.     Change your thinking, change your life - "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them" - Albert Einstein.

8.     The glass is always half full - change your perspective & stop focusing on what’s missing.

9.     Be present - we are too focused on the next thing that we fail to live in & appreciate the moment. Stop looking or waiting for the next thing.

10.   Take care of your earthen vessel – this is the only one you’ll get, and this is the only time you’ll have – make it count.

11.    Success stems from your daily habits – the little things you do or don’t do matter.

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