I recently turned 30. And yeah… that feels wild to say.

As I looked back on my 20s, I realized those years were full of change, growth, mistakes, and breakthroughs. From being a college kid drinking Natty Lights in a fraternity house to running my own business, getting married, and helping hundreds of people transform their health—it’s been a journey.

So today I want to share with you 16 of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned over the last decade—lessons that have shaped how I live, work, think, and relate to others. My hope? That at least one of these resonates with you, saves you some stress, and helps you move closer to your own best you.

Let’s get into it.

1. Delayed Gratification Beats Instant Gratification

Whether it’s investing money instead of spending it, or skipping the ice cream for long-term health goals—learning to prioritize your future self is a game-changer.

2. There’s Power in the Pause

Between any stimulus and your response, there’s a space. Use it. Don’t react. Choose your response. This is huge for managing emotions, relationships, and leadership.

3. Drop Expectations of Others

This one hit me hard. Expecting others to behave how you think they should is often just selfish. Let people be who they are, and focus on your own growth.

4. Get Your House in Order First

It’s easy to blame others or external circumstances for our problems. But the truth is, change starts with you. Clean up your side of the street first.

5. Cast Vision, But Stay Open

Dream big. Plan. Visualize. But stay flexible. Life rarely unfolds how you expect, and that’s okay. New experiences might reveal a better path than the one you imagined.

6. Routine Builds Progress

Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. The results may be slow at first, but they snowball over time—so stay consistent.

7. But Don’t Forget to Embrace Novelty

Routine is powerful, but novelty brings stories, growth, and fun. Take the trip. Try the new class. Say yes to something that scares you a little.

8. Become Independent First

Whether it’s emotionally, financially, or practically—learn to stand on your own two feet. A strong relationship is made up of two whole individuals, not two halves.

9. You Don’t Need the Whole Roadmap to Start

Clarity comes through action. You don’t have to see the entire mountain to take the first step. Start now, and figure it out as you go.

10. You Get Urges for a Reason

Those nudges you feel? The things that light you up or tug at your heart? Don’t ignore them. God (or the universe, or your intuition) may be trying to tell you something.

11. Never Neglect an Area of Life

Health, relationships, finances, career, spirituality, personal life—when one gets completely ignored, it eventually drags the others down.

Stay aware of all six.

12. You Can’t Chase Two Rabbits

A Chinese proverb says it best: "The man who chases two rabbits catches none." Focus on one thing. One rabbit. Then go all in.

13. Curiosity is King

If you stay curious, you’ll keep growing. Progress becomes inevitable. Lose curiosity, and you stall out. Ask questions. Stay a student.

14. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Don’t wait until your marriage is on the rocks to start working on it. Don’t wait until your health is wrecked to start caring. Proactive living prevents unnecessary pain.

15. Sacrifice + Responsibility = Meaning

Want a fulfilling life? Take ownership. Make sacrifices. Step up. That’s where the purpose lives. Not in ease, but in meaning.

16. You Don’t Experience Life—You Experience the Part You Focus On

At any moment, there’s both good and bad happening. What you choose to focus on shapes your entire reality. So choose wisely.

The Bottom Line

Your 20s are a time to experiment, screw up, learn, and evolve. Mine were full of all of that. But they’ve given me these 16 guiding principles I plan to carry into my 30s and beyond.

Wherever you are in life—20, 30, 40, or 60—some of these might resonate. My challenge to you is to pick one or two that stand out and commit to applying them in your own life this week.

And if you’re looking for more structure to create real change, join me for the Build an Intentional Life Workshop on April 17th at 5pm Central Time. Sign up here: nickcarrier.com/intentional

Here’s to living with purpose—and becoming your Best You.