Special issue! Your 30-point guide to growing up
Turning 30 is terrifying. So, we gathered 30 practical tips from adults who have been there, done that, thrived, to help you nail adulting
Grow up, they said. It will be fun, they said. But what they didn’t say – and no one ever says – is *how* to do it. How do you take just the right amount of risk with the peanuts in your bank account today to have a modest fortune a decade from now? How do you find love, keep it, multiply it manifold and how do you imagine a life without love, too? How do you pick the right headphones when everyone is buying AirPods on Monday and losing them by Friday?
Here’s the secret: No one’s got it all figured out. Not the millionaires. Not your grandparents. But older folks have been able to work out a few things from years of tripping, falling, rising and giving it another go.
Our cover story is about the things you should know by the time you’re 30. But don’t wait until you’re twenty-nine-and-three-quarters to start. And don’t believe that you’ve missed out if you’ve already crossed 30. As any of the advice-giving grown-ups in this story will tell you, adulthood is a journey, not a destination. Consult every map, take note of every sign, but forge your own path.
Sumukhi Suresh, @sumukhisuresh, comedian and writer
“Oiling your hair really helps. Your mom was right. If you find it icky, just picture your hair thinning earlier than you planned.”
Sarah Todd, @sarahtodd, international celebrity chef and entrepreneur
“If you’re struggling in your career, it’s okay to take a step back, reframe your mindset, and keep pushing forward. Find a skill that calms the mind, even one as simple as learning to control your breathing or how to meditate.”
Ashish Dev Kapur, @ashishkapur09, hospitality industrialist
“Learn how to order wine like a pro. The French never write the grape varietal on the wine bottle. Each region in France only grows specific varietals anyway. So, a white Burgundy is always a Chardonnay and a red Burgundy is always a Pinot Noir.”
Deeba Rajpal @passionateaboutbaking, author, food blogger
“Always, always invest in quality appliances, even if it means spending a little extra. Ask around, read reviews, research. A good appliance promises a lifetime of joy.”
Onir, @iamonir, filmmaker
“Even if you’re not a parent, learn about good touch and bad touch, so you can teach the children in your family how to protect themselves from any kind of abuse. Adults often shy away from discussing sex with children. Learn how to do it if you care enough to empower them to be safe.”
Rashee Mehra, @delhi_walli, urban researcher and activist
“Learn how to think beyond yourself. Give a little back; make donations, no matter how small, to a charity or cause of your choice. And be an active citizen, be aware of the politics of your city and country.”
Prateek Sethi, @theprateeksethi, founder, Trip Creative Services
“Take five minutes off and declutter your mind after every 25 minutes of solid work or activity. This will keep you refreshed and ready to take on the world.”
Malika Budhiraj, @vegansnroses, co-founder of Baarique, vegan
“Make deadlifts a habit. Every time we bend and lift something from the floor – a bag, a suitcase, a box, a dog, a book or even a child – we are deadlifting. When we lift things, we engage our back muscles instead of engaging our core and legs, which eventually leads to injuries. By 30 you should have figured out the right form and posture of deadlifts and know how to lift items the right away. So, when you’re helping a friend move into their new home, warm up and get into the right deadlift posture. You’ll be doing a solid workout instead of hurting your back.”
Aparajita Kohli, @aparajita_kohli, finance coach, Wealth Vedas
“Set up your savings. Follow the 50/30/20 rule. 50 per cent of your income should be used for expenses and liabilities, 30 per cent for your leisure and 20 per cent saved away for contingencies. A good health insurance and tax saving tools should be the first steps to building a healthy financial portfolio.”
Ankit Gautam, @ankit.fit, Founder, Fitness Xpress
“Workout at least three days a week, not just for your physical health but also your mental health. Explore things out of your comfort zone, such as kick-boxing, CrossFit or jiu-jitsu. You never know what you’ll fall in love with and enjoy. Then, fitness becomes something you look forward to instead of something you just check off the list of things to do.”
Vasuki Punj, @vasukipunj, lawyer turned actor and entrepreneur
“Relationships will evolve. There is no reason to feel guilty about it. It’s okay to grow out of people and find your tribe as you grow older. This does not mean that you purposefully eliminate people from your life, but it’s okay to find new people who share your values and develop stronger bonds with them.”
Samantha Kochhar, @samkochhar, MD Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies
“We constantly keep looking for someone who can complete us, but you should be able to be comfortable in your own company. Try:
*Creating a space in your home that’s yours and yours alone, even if it is a little nook.
*Going to a fancy restaurant, dressed up and everything, just for yourself.
*Pampering yourself at a spa or salon without a social occasion to attend later.
*Taking a solo walk or drive so you can be happy in your own company.”
Janice Sequeira, @janiceseq85, content creator, anchor & media strategist
“By the time you’re 30, you should be able to understand and handle your own financial affairs. Your money should be making money for you while you sleep. Get those investment ducks lined up in a row.”
Khushi Govil, @khushigovil, co-founder, Click Media
“As you grow older, you’ll realise that talent isn’t the only asset you need. The most difficult job is managing people. All you have to do is be empathetic. And choose collaboration over competition. Kindness takes you a long way.”
Vishal Punjabi, @theweddingfilmer, founder of The Wedding Filmer
“Never stop believing in love. My own parents got divorced, married other people, only to find out they wanted to be with each other! They are now happily married to each other, again. That’s where my belief in love comes from. I have seen couples fighting for their love to succeed, sometimes for more than a decade. I have seen couples fade into their happily ever after. Love is the most important feeling in the world. Don’t let go of it.”
Arman Sood, @soodarmanster, co-founder, Sleepy Owl Coffee
“The best way to build great partnerships is by taking the time to fully understand the other parties’ needs and pain points. It’s only then that you can offer solutions to make their life becomes easier. Add to this a “follow up till you die” attitude, and you have the best path to making things happen.”
Kabeer Kathpalia, @oaffmusic, musician
“Learn to run a house all by yourself. Young adults in India often live with their families and rely on the support of the people around them. Being responsible for a home is invaluable even if you live with a partner or with your family.”
Varun Rana, @varunrana16, fashion consultant and commentator
“It may not always make sense, especially in times when life is hard, but beauty and wonder are among the many fundamentals of existence. No matter your age, try to surround yourself with as much beauty and inspiration as possible. Art, books, plants and flowers, colours, textiles, interesting knick-knacks, pictures, prints, a flute you can’t play, or even an interesting rock you found somewhere. Anything that inspires you and causes you to soften your gaze and smile. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is good to be reminded, daily, that there is a loveliness and beauty that stands apart from your work, salary, access, ability, connections, or circumstances. Make beauty a habit.”
Anubhuti Raikwar, @anubhuti2711, marketing communications specialist
“Learn how to file your taxes. Understand your salary break-up, even if you have to ask 100 different people to explain it to you. And start putting away money to invest early on, even if it’s your first job and you can save only one per cent of your salary.”
Saahil Goel, CEO and co-founder, ShipRocket
“Know that you can take risks before you turn 30. There is no nagging subconscious voice that magically appears on your birthday. Take advantage and take risks while it’s on mute.”
Neel Gogia, @neelgogia, co-founder IPLIX Media
“Use content creation to build your personal brand outside of what you do and who is employing you. Even if it’s something as simple as sharing your experiences, tips, and suggestions with people around you. I’ve seen first-hand the gateways it opens for a person, personally and professionally.”
Dr. Tanaya Narendra, @drcuterus, author and doctor
“Women, get your pap smears! They’re a super chill gynaecological procedure, in which a doctor takes some cells from your cervix (it’s at the top part of your vagina) using a soft brush, and studies them under the microscope for any precancerous changes. This is a good way to look after your health, and diagnosing cancer and infections early on. It’s also inexpensive and not painful. You need one every three years. Don’t fear the smear!”
Sam Dalrymple, @travelsofsamwise, author & co-founder, Project Dastaan
“Go exploring. It doesn’t have to be a big trip to another city. It could just be another part of town. Just walk down streets that you’ve never been down before and see what you discover. You’ll never regret it.”
Nisa Shetty, @nisa_shetty, singer
“Don’t turn 30 if you drive in your city and don’t know how to change a car tyre. I know so many people who depend on their chauffeurs for everything. You’ll always find help in India, but you should know what need to be done, and there’s always the that chance you’re stuck somewhere by yourself.”
Karna Timbadia, director, Saj Hotels
“Don’t alter your dreams to suit your financial planning. Instead, chart out your dreams and explore target-based investments based on those. Review both the dream and the means to make them come true about once a year.”
Savera Mehta, @savera.mehta, musician and singer-songwriter
“Learn basic domestic maintenance & repairs. Wall-mounting your own TV, fixing a leak, repairing a broken lamp etc, are skills that are not only fulfilling but also encourage self-reliance.”
Sonalee Kumar, @sonaleekumar, director, TCC
“Learn yoga, or adopt a self-care practice that works for you, and integrate it into your lifestyle. Bonus points if it’s an activity that you master, because then you get to feel good about feeling good.”
Abhay Sharma, @sax.abhay, musician
“Being a good hang gets you more gigs than being supremely talented does. What I mean is, even if someone is incredibly gifted, people won’t put up with their attitude. The nicer musicians get more gigs and more work than others, in the long run. That’s how it works in the outside world as well. Learn how to be nice – it’ll take you further.”
Prayag Mehta, @prayagmehta, DJ-producer
“Learn to use advanced Excel early in your career, no matter which field you’re in. In today’s data-driven world, the ability to interpret statistics is as important as creativity. Master this and you’ll have a significant advantage in analysing and presenting complex data, streamlining workflows, and making informed decisions.”
Bina Punjani, @binapunjani, art director, Bina Punjani Hair Studio, Academy and Bridals
“A good haircut can change your life and give you the confidence you need when you’re moving up or moving to a new field. Go to a trusted hairstylist who will take the time to understand what you need and what kind of care you’re willing to put in. That’s how transformations succeed. ”
From HT Brunch, April 1, 2023
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