30 x 30 – 30 things to do before I turn 30
We’re coming up on my half birthday this weekend! In a year and a half, I’ll be 30. Over the last 6.5 years, I’ve been working through a 30 by 30 list, so I thought I’d share it here with updates as I check off accomplishments.
I’m not the biggest fan of bucket lists or resolutions, but I do like having goals to work towards. Instead of fearing 30 and the “loss” of my youth, I want to celebrate all the memories and achievements, the experiences I’ve enjoyed, and the things to look forward to in the next decade.
With that, I present to you my 30 x 30 list.
Attend a drive-in movie
Go driving one day without a GPS, savor the cafes and attractions, and see where I end up!
Travel to a country I have not yet visited (pending the pandemic)
Go skydiving, hang-gliding, or parasailing — something adventurous!
Run a marathon
Have my art published
Grow my business social media to 2,000 followers
Get accepted to graduate school
Record a podcast
Publish a research paper
Compete in a CrossFit competition
Refinish a piece of furniture
Present at a research conference
Speak publicly outside of academia
Have a website, an email list, and write regularly for each
Publish a piece for a popular news-type site (e.g., Inside Higher Ed or NYT)
Serve in GSA executive leadership
Drive across the country
Get a tattoo or piercing
Create + maintain a sourdough starter (and make a loaf of bread!)
Read some classics that I either never read or want to reread as an adult: To Kill A Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies
Write a letter to my future self
Run a mile in less than 8 minutes (less than 7 if I’m feeling ambitious!)
Sign up for piano lessons
Pick up my violin or clarinet again (and maybe join a community band)
Join a church
Go an entire weekend (48-60 hours) without my phone
Maintain a gratitude or joy journal for a month
Take myself on a solo date
Spend a day serving my local community
Anything you think I should add? Share it in the comments below!
