40 Things To Do Before 40

If you’re in your 30s and wondering how to make life worthy before you step into yet another new phase – here’s the most amazing ‘40 things to do before 40’ list that’s gonna spice up your life!

The lovely thing about being forty is that you can appreciate twenty-five-year-old men. – Colleen McCullough

As they say, the 40s are the new 30s – and you’re never too old to change your life.

So without further delay, scroll down and keep adding these to your bucket list – and make sure to tick them all off. Remember that each day is precious in its own way – get up and get going!

Here is the list of 40 things to do before 40:

#1 Learn from your mistakes.

As you’re going to complete four decades of existence in this world, it’s utmost necessary that you learn from your mistakes and make sure not to repeat them again in life.

#2 Get rid of your bad habits.

Yes, I’m serious – before you hit the 40s, it’s important to let go of the bad habits. Whether it’s a poor sleep cycle that you’ve acquired over the years, or it’s your excessive smoking tendency – try to bring some good changes in life by stepping into a healthier way of living.

#3 Get involved in a fitness regime.

No one’s asking you to hit the gym for sure, but you can do little things on your own. Doing yoga will also help you in several ways and help you to nurture a good life.

#4 Add digital detox to your routine.

Choose one day in a week (preferably Sundays) for a digital detox and you’ll definitely notice that you’re feeling calmer.

#5 Be comfortable to apologize.

It’s a good practice to know how to say ‘sorry’ and make up for something wrong that you’ve done.

#6 Learn to say ‘No’ when needed.

You can’t please everyone in this world, and it’s better to hold on to your self-worth.

#7 Make a reading list for yourself.

Books can take us to places, heal our inner wounds, make us more mindful, and help us to grow in amazing ways.

#8 Binge-watch.

Watch all popular series that you’ve avoided all these while. It’s gonna be fun!

#9 Join ‘Postcrossing’ and make pen-pals across the world.

It’s the best way to make friends out of strangers and collect some cool postcards, too!

#10 Tick off at least a couple of dream destinations from your travel bucket list.

Whether it’s Tibet or Cusco, Las Vegas, or Bali – make sure to have walked down the places you’ve always wanted to.

#11 Learn the art of being organized.

Putting an effort and working on your organizational skills in your 30s will pay off later in life since it’ll reduce your stress levels and save you a whole lot of time and money.

#12 Give ‘Happiness’ more priority than ‘Success’.

While the latter will fade away with time, happiness is something that’ll nurture your well-being for life.

#13 Plan a lunch/dinner with your school friends

Friends with whom you haven’t met in the last 10 years or more. You’ll be amazed to see how beautifully each of them has grown.

#14 Go for a cross-country road trip.

Start driving from North-eastern India, through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and finally, end up in Vietnam 🙂

#15 Learn to bake.

Make a perfect walnut brownie or try that apple pie recipe you’ve seen for thousand times on Youtube!

#16 Attend a music festival.

Attend a musical festival to feel the pulse and vibrancy of the ambiance. I attended the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, India, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences ever!

#17 Learn to meditate.

Focusing on your breathing is what you need to master.

#18 Fundraise for a noble cause & volunteer.

Get associated with a volunteering project to bring some meaningful change to society. While it might seem to be a very small step, your contribution will not get wasted.

#19 Develop your taste for alcohol.

Whether it’s Single Malt or Bourbon, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio – shift your taste and start savoring whiskey or wine.

#20 Stop having regrets for the things you missed.

People might keep reminding you of the things that ‘you could have done’ and the things that ‘you just skipped out carelessly’ – but for your own good – stop having regrets for things that never happened.

#21 Indulge in journaling & make it a habit.

Start writing about the good things in life and you’ll feel happier.

#22 Find that one friend who’ll stick to you, no matter what.

Find that one friend, who’ll just be there, without asking ‘why’ and ‘what’ – and extend the helping hand whenever you need it.

#23 Stop living for social media.

Scroll through your feed but don’t ever compare your life with what you see out there.

#24 Be at peace with yourself.

If you’re at peace with yourself now, then you’ll surely rock your 40s and the remainder of your life.

#25 Go for a wildlife safari.

Whether it’s in Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa, make sure to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat.

#26 Try any adventure sport that you’re scared of.

Scuba diving, sky diving, swimming with sharks, paragliding – no matter what it is, just go for it. You’ve just one life and it’s not worth being scared!

#27 Learn to cook some exotic meals.

How about trying out some authentic Moroccan dishes or maybe that perfect bowl of Pad Thai noodles which tastes exactly like the one you had in Bangkok?

#28 Tell your partner that one secret which is still boxed up in your heart.

Probably your first kiss under the table during Maths class when you’re in 8th standard? Or the time when you used his Credit Card to pay for your Gucci bag!

#29 Indulge in owning that expensive watch/ bag, which you always wanted to buy.

You’re going to be 40 – so you better own that Rolex Watch or Balenciaga shoes!

#30 Try to know more about your family history.

You have always been busy with yourself till now, but now it’s time to turn back and dig into the past.

#31 Start a ‘Retirement Fund’.

By that, I’m not asking you to retire, but just have a backup plan.

#32 Climb a mountain you never thought you could.

It’s never too late to put on those and conquer the heights.

#33 Watch the sunrise and sunset on the same day.

You’ll notice how nature unfolds, every single day!

#34 Stop holding grudges.

There’s no point in sticking on to something that has happened years ago and feeling low about it.

#35 Live in a different city, at least once.

It might sound like a difficult deal – but at least once, you should think of moving out and staying in a different city, all by yourself.

#36 Take a solo trip.

I’m guessing you’ve already done it – but in case you haven’t, there can be nothing more fulfilling than a solo adventure! Read also: Solo travel tips 

#37 Look beyond ‘mid-life crisis’.

As your 30s are still rolling, make sure to live every moment to the fullest and negate all the theories that support the idea of ‘mid-life crisis’.

#38 Write a letter to your ’30-year-old’ inner self.

What advice would you wanna give to your younger self?

#39 Write a letter to your ’50-year-old’ future self.

How do you wish to unfold in the next decade of your life?

#40 Plan a ravishing 40th birthday party for yourself.

You definitely deserve it.

Is there something else in your wishlist that I’ve missed out? Maybe you can add it to our comment section below. We’d be glad to know about it.