The greatest lesson I’ve learned in my 30s

In my 30s, I had settled down—got married, focused on others more than myself, and grew in many ways. But there was one habit that held me back: procrastinating on the important things and prioritizing the easy, unimportant ones.

We all know what we should be doing to grow—whether it’s in our careers, our personal development, or our health. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to one simple truth: doing what must be done instead of what can wait.

For example:

• Going on a Costco run instead of working on your project.

• Watching YouTube videos about working out instead of actually hitting the gym.

• Getting McDonald’s drive-thru instead of preparing a healthy meal.

Deep down, we all know what needs to be done to level up. The problem? No one is holding us accountable anymore.

When we were younger, our parents set rules and enforced discipline. Now, as adults, it’s easy to let ourselves slide because there are no immediate consequences. No one is there to tell us, “Hey, you didn’t stick to your plan today.”

How to Hold Yourself Accountable

Accountability Journal

The key to breaking the cycle of procrastination? Tracking your progress.

Write down what you need to do every day and check things off as you complete them. It sounds simple, but documenting your efforts keeps you honest. Seeing progress builds self-esteem and confidence, and over time, it turns discipline into a habit. You can find one like this: https://amzn.to/3DeqHhh

Success doesn’t come from knowing what to do—it comes from actually doing it. So, what’s on your list today?