As if turning 30 wasn’t stressful enough, you now have to deal with turning 40 and get used to the idea of being one decade older. Here are 5 things that can be considered your ‘40s bucket list’ or ‘your 40s permission slip’ that will make this part of your life much more fun and appealing.
1. Say no whenever you feel like it
There is a lot of merit in saying ‘yes’, as it might make help you do things that are outside of your comfort zone. However, learning how to say no and how to refuse things that you don’t want to do is extremely important. We all do things that we hate to do, even if there isn’t a good reason for it. Maybe we watch bad movies in order to spend time with a certain friend, maybe we go shopping at the mall when we would rather be staying at home. Now that you are in your 40s, it’s time to stop doing the things you hate.
2. Ask for a promotion
Have you been working hard lately and you feel like your bosses are not even noticing it? If that’s the case, now is a good time to roll up your sleeves. Be honest with your bosses and explain your merits to them. The only thing that’s holding you back now is your lack of confidence. If you are a valuable asset to your company, chances are you will get that promotion. If, however, you don’t get it, at least you’ll know where you stand. These are some of the most efficient habits that successful people have.
3. Be more forgiving with yourself
If you’ve made it to 40 years old without having any regrets for past decisions, then you are one of a kind. As you reach a new decade in your life, it is extremely important to learn how to move forward and how to forgive yourself. Stop feeling guilty about all the things that you didn’t do. Maybe you dropped out of college and you still regret it or maybe your first marriage didn’t end well, whatever the reason, it’s about time you reflect on your decisions, accept them, and appreciate the journey that is your life. Are you still in love with your ex? Find out how to get them back.
4. Go for your dream job
Each and every one of us has a personal perspective on the things that are attainable and the things that are safe from a professional point of view. Maybe up until now, you’ve chosen the safe path and gave up on your dream job. If you are now financially comfortable, it is time to take a risk and go for your dream job. This might be the perfect time to change your life, to learn something new, and to invest all your time in something that you are passionate about. Get your dream job by finding out how to stay motivated.
5. Release yourself from toxic people
Stop spending your time and energy on people who are ruining your life. Identifying the people who are not there for you when you need them might be easy. We are talking about those friends who are there only when you pay for dinner. It can be very difficult to put an end your relationship with them, but it is worth it. In the long run, not having to deal with them anymore might increase your chances of meeting new and interesting people.
You have reached a stage in your life when you decide what’s best for you. It is now time to leave behind the job that you hate and all the toxic relationships that should have ended years ago. Be patient with yourself and forgive yourself for your past mistakes. Being 40 doesn’t have to be boring and it is not all about being a responsible adult, it can also be a time of change.