Achieve Your Dreams with a 20 by 30 List

Like most people, around December I begin to make plans for the upcoming year.

This time I decided to do something different by writing out a mini version of a bucket list. A list of 20 things I want to do by 30 years old, hence my title 20 by 30.

Why 20 by 30?

The reason I love my 20 by 30 list is because it closes the gap between the problem with New Years resolutions as well as the issue with bucket lists. New Year’s Resolutions often feel overwhelming because we try to fit so much change into one year. And while we make the lists, and buy the planners, we fail to include the common barriers to success in our vision boards. Working full time, having a family, car breaking down, mental health struggles, etc.

Although all of these may not stop you from achieving one or two goals on your list, let’s be honest. We often create way more than two life goals.

Then there are bucket lists which have the opposite issue. Death is a horrible deadline because for many of us (hopefully) death feels far off. We feel like we have plenty of time and constantly daydream of the items on the bucket list while following it up with a wistful “one day” under our breath. Ler’s not mention, you’ve been saying “one day” for the last 15 years.

20 by 30 allows you to achieve goals in a relevant but realistic time span.

The Age Problem

Now some of you may feel like you can’t make a 20 by 30 because you are 30 or you long surpassed that age. Or maybe you are about to turn 30 next year and you don’t have plenty of time to achieve 30 goals.

No worries!

The point of this list is to do 20 things you have always wanted to within a defined time limit. This is a chance for anyone regardless of age to make the most of life while you have the chance. That means, although the title is more personalized for those of us in our 20s, conceptually the age is customizable to your needs.

Who cares if you can’t do a 20 by 30!? Do a 20 by 40, or a 20 by 50. Heck do a 20 by 80 or some odd number like 20 by 45. It won’t be as catchy, but it’ll get the job done!

If you’re feeling really ambitious you could even increase the number on your list. Maybe a 35 by 55 or something similar. However, I would personally discourage this as this may be overwhelming.

Some Advice

As you read my personal 20 by 30, I hope it can give you some ideas as to what you would like to put on your list. Remember, take your time but don’t think too hard! This is about your personal dreams. Give it some time, and I can guarantee the list will come naturally.

Lastly, don’t be scared to write down something outlandish. It doesn’t matter if it’s crazy or seemingly unachievable. I’ve found that often times, due to upbringing, culture, or personal disappointments we can limit ourselves. You will see in my list that there are some things that seem impossible to achieve within 5 years.

I am a full-time working adult after all.

But that’s the loveliness of this whole experience. It’s not about succeeding. It’s about trying and letting God, and my effort determine the results.

The Road Writer’s 20 by 30

Find anything you would want on your list? Maybe you already have an idea of what you want to do. What’s your dream list or something you’ve always wanted to do? Let’s talk in the comments!

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