Life reset

  • Personal Development

    Reinventing Yourself in Your 30s: Your Complete Checklist

    Ah, the 30s. The age where you feel like you should have your life together but instead, you’re wondering why you still don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re feeling like it’s time for a life reset—welcome! You’re in the right place. Reinventing yourself isn’t about waking up one day as a totally different person.

    Nope.

    It’s a series of small, doable steps that, when strung together, help you become a new person.

    So, if you’re ready to stop dwelling on the past, kick those self-doubts to the curb, and actually feel like you’ve got your life together—let’s go!

    Here’s your complete roadmap and checklist for some solid self-transformation.

    reinventing yourself

    Phase 1: Self-Discovery—Who Are You, Really?

    If you’re anything like I was, you probably spent your 20s a bit all over the place. It’s okay, we all did.

    But now, it’s time to figure out who you are right now, what really matters, and where you want to go.

    Spoiler: This isn’t a quick fix; it’s about getting honest with yourself.

    Step 1: Reflection – Take time to ask yourself the big questions. What do you actually want out of life? Grab your journal (trust me, journaling is magic) and jot down where you are vs. where you want to be.

    Step 2: Values & Goals – What are your personal development goals? Not what society says you should want, but what you truly crave. Make a rough list of your goals ideas and start dreaming big.

    Checklist:

    • Write down 3 things you want to change.
    • Identify your core values.
    • Map out a vision for the next 5 years.

    Phase 2: Let Go of the Past—It’s Not Holding You Back, You Are!

    Look, I’ve been there. I spent years thinking, “I failed at this before, so I’ll probably fail again.”

    Sound familiar? We’ve all got that little voice in our head that loves to replay past failures, but it’s time to shush it.

    Here’s where you start letting go and embracing the power of self-change.

    Step 1: Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mindset – Reinventing yourself isn’t about a full overhaul. It’s a series of small, achievable habits to change your life. Like me swapping Pepsi Max (I had a serious addiction) for water. Not glamorous, but it changed my life.

    Step 2: Stop Dwelling on the Past – That “I failed before, so I’ll fail again” stuff? Let’s bin it. You haven’t failed—you’ve learned. And every small change gets you closer to the life you want.

    Checklist:

    • Write down 3 past failures and reframe them as learning experiences.
    • Create a mantra for letting go, like “I’m always growing.”
    self improvement reinventing yourself

    If you’re like me and have struggled with that ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality, you’ll want to dive deeper into how this mindset can hold you back. Check out my guide on breaking free from all-or-nothing thinking to learn more.

    Phase 3: Build the Habits That Make You

    Let’s talk about the daily grind. Identifying habits to change is the bread and butter of reinventing yourself. And good news—you don’t have to do all of them at once.

    I know, because when I tried to change everything overnight, I’d burn out by week two. Instead, build on one habit at a time.

    Step 1: Start Small, Stay Consistent – Drink more water. Start a morning routine, even if it’s just 15-minute morning yoga. I made the switch from sofa sloth to someone who actually enjoys walking and hiking. It’s about finding what works for you.

    Building good habits is the cornerstone of any successful transformation. If you want to master the art of habit formation, I’ve got a detailed guide on how to change your habits for lasting health.

    Step 2: Create a To-Do Planner – Okay, it doesn’t have to be fancy. But write down your personal progress. Seeing those small wins will keep you going when things get tough.

    Checklist:

    • Pick 3 habits to focus on.
    • Track your habits with a to-do planner. (Psst… my FREE Notion template will be great for this!)

    If you’re ready to build habits that stick and transform your daily life, check out my post on 10 daily habits that will help you boost productivity and find more joy every day.

    Phase 4: Upgrade Your Life—Level Up Time!

    This is where the fun begins—time to upgrade your life! You’ve done the inner work, now let’s turn that into real-world changes.

    It’s about creating a life that aligns with your goals and values.

    Step 1: Make Room for Growth – Get out there! Whether it’s learning something new, picking up a hobby, or just changing up your routine. Reinvention isn’t passive—it’s active! Join that class, try that workout, go for the promotion.

    change your life reinventing yourself

    Step 2: Declutter Your Life – Physically, emotionally, digitally. Clear out the stuff that’s holding you back, from toxic relationships to the clothes you never wear.

    Checklist:

    • Identify one area of life to upgrade this month (health, career, hobbies).
    • Declutter one area of your home or mind.

    Phase 5: Power Through the Tough Bits

    Here’s the reality check: reinventing yourself is hard. The fear of the unknown is real, but if you stick with it, you’ll look back and wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

    We all face setbacks. I’ve had days where the last thing I wanted to do was go for a run or meal prep.

    But you push through, and those moments of doubt become a thing of the past.

    Step 1: Positive Self-Affirmations – If you’re struggling, remind yourself of how far you’ve come. I used self-affirmations daily to get me through tough times, and they worked.

    Step 2: Get Help When You Need It – Whether it’s sleep help, seeing a therapist, or just calling a friend, never be afraid to ask for help. Reinvention doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

    Feeling stuck or unmotivated happens to the best of us. But staying positive can make all the difference. Here’s a post where I talk all about staying motivated during the ups and downs of a fitness journey.

    Checklist:

    • Write 3 positive self-affirmations to say daily.
    • Reach out to someone who can help you stay on track.

    Staying mentally strong is key to any transformation. Whether it’s weight loss or personal growth, training your mind makes all the difference. You can explore my post on 7 ways to train your mind to help you stay resilient.

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    Conclusion: Keep Going—You’ve Got This!

    The beauty of reinventing yourself is that it’s an ongoing journey. You’re not trying to become someone else—you’re becoming the best version of you.

    Remember, it’s not about perfection.

    It’s about showing up, doing your best, and making small changes every day that bring you closer to the life you want.

    So grab that reinventing yourself checklist, keep moving forward, and trust the process—you’re smashing it already!

    Further Resources

    Studies

    Small, achievable steps for transformation: A study on self-transformation highlights how incremental, small steps, such as replacing undesirable habits with healthier ones, are central to self-reinvention (Nakaoka, 2011).

    Reflection and self-discovery: Research on cancer survivors who underwent life-transforming changes found that self-discovery and pragmatic action, including reflection and evaluating goals, were key to coping with challenges and self-transformation (Skeath et al., 2013).

    Letting go of the past: Studies on self-transformation in individuals with spinal cord injury show that questioning past failures and refocusing on life goals are critical for reinventing one’s identity and purpose (de Miranda et al., 2023).

    Building habits and consistency: Research highlights that small behavioural changes, such as adjusting daily routines and sticking to them consistently, help people achieve lasting transformation and improved well-being, especially in long-term weight management (Råheim et al., 2022).

  • Personal Development, Wellbeing

    The 5 Self-Care Activities you ACTUALLY Need to Reset Your Life!

    You know that moment when you feel like you’re spiralling and you can’t get your life together? Yeah, that feeling is a liar. You can reinvent yourself, you can hit the reset button, and you can drastically change your life. Whether you’re trying to kickstart a life makeover, tackle a 3-month self-improvement plan, or just feel like a functioning human again, self-care activities are a great place to start.

    And no, I’m not talking about a bunch of skincare or candles you need to buy. I’m talking about the real, no-BS self-care that helps you turn your life around.

    You can’t pour from an empty cup, right?

    So, let’s fill that cup up with five self-care activities that’ll help you hit the reset button and get you back on track to becoming the badass you’re meant to be.

    This post is part of my ‘Change Your Life’ series. The first post in this series is “How to Get Your Life Together in 3 Simple Steps” and I highly recommend you check it out!

    Activity 1: Get Enough Sleep

    First things first—sleep. You know you need it. You want to wake up refreshed, energised, and ready to get control of your life.

    Then sleep is non-negotiable.

    If you’re running on fumes, you’re not going to crush your goals.

    Period.

    I’m talking about more than just 7-9 hours. I’m talking about quality sleep—the kind where you wake up without hitting snooze six times.

    That’s where some natural sleep remedies come in. Whether it’s a calming bedtime routine or a bit of herbal tea, setting yourself up for good sleep is going to make everything else feel a little less overwhelming.

    Habits to Practice

    Habit 1: Set a consistent bedtime. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Your body will adjust and reward you with better sleep quality.

    Habit 2: Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Whether it’s dimming the lights, reading a book, or enjoying a cup of herbal tea, signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.

    Habit 3: Limit screen time before bed. Avoid screens 30-60 minutes before sleep to reduce exposure to blue light, which can mess with your circadian rhythm.

    Not-so-fun fact about me: I suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum insomnia after having a baby earlier this year, and sleep became something I truly started to value on a whole new level.

    The sleepless nights hit hard, and I learned the importance of quality sleep the HARD way. It’s now something I prioritise because I know firsthand how much it affects everything else—your mood, your energy, your ability to handle the day.

    Activity 2: Move Your Body Joyfully

    Okay, next up—movement. Before you groan and roll your eyes, hear me out: exercise doesn’t have to suck.

    In fact, joyful movement is where it’s at.

    Find something you love, something that makes you feel alive. Dancing, swimming, yoga, hell—have a one-person dance party in your living room if that’s your jam.

    The point is, moving your body should make you feel good, not like punishment.

    You’re not just moving to hit a life improvement goal like losing 40 pounds—although if that’s on your list, I’m here for it.

    You’re moving because it makes you feel strong, confident, and like you’re the one in control of your body. That’s a game-changer in itself.

    Pick an activity you actually enjoy. The fun stuff sticks, and the more you enjoy it, the more likely it becomes a habit.

    joyful movement move your body self-care

    Habits to Practice

    Habit 1: Schedule movement into your day. Whether it’s a walk, a yoga session, or a quick dance break, adding it to your calendar makes it a priority.

    Habit 2: Keep it short and sweet. Start with just 10-15 minutes if you’re pressed for time. A little bit is better than nothing and still counts as joyful movement!

    Habit 3: Mix it up! Try a new workout or activity each week to keep things fun and exciting, preventing workout boredom.

    Looking for more ways to enjoy movement? Don’t miss my post on ‘7 Joyful Movement Ideas‘ to discover fun, exciting ways to stay active and love every minute of it.

    Activity 3: Nourish Your Body

    You know what’s better than any diet fad? Actually nourishing your body. I’m not talking about a strict plan that leaves you hungry and grumpy by 3 pm.

    I’m talking about giving your body what it needs—whole, nutrient-dense foods that keep you feeling good, focused, and energised.

    Want to change your life?

    It starts with how you fuel your body.

    If you’re on a journey to reinvent yourself, especially through a 3-month challenge or a personal improvement plan, nutrition is your secret weapon.

    Eating well isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling your best so you can crush your goals, whether that’s changing habits, improving your mood, or getting stronger.

    Habits to Practice

    Habit 1: Plan your meals. Take 10 minutes each week to plan out balanced meals and snacks that nourish and satisfy you.

    Habit 2: Add more veggies to each meal. Sneak in an extra serving of greens by adding spinach to smoothies, soups, or sandwiches.

    Habit 3: Stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you and aim for at least 2 litres of water a day to keep your body functioning at its best.

    If nutrition feels overwhelming, I’ve got you covered. Take a look at ‘Simplify Nutrition with These 5 Easy Tips‘ for a no-nonsense approach to fuelling your body without the stress of strict diets

    Activity 4: Practice Mindfulness

    Let’s talk about your mind. If you’re constantly stressed, anxious, or feeling scattered, you’re not going to get anywhere.

    That’s where mindfulness comes in.

    I know to some people “mindfulness” is all woo-woo, but it’s not—it’s actually one of the simplest ways to keep your head in the game, especially if you’re trying to turn your life around.

    Mindfulness, meditation, or even just taking a few minutes to breathe can completely reset your mental state.

    If you’re on a journey to change your life in a year or working through a life change challenge, staying mentally grounded is key.

    yoga self-care activities

    Habits to Practice

    Habit 1: Start a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day to shift your mindset towards positivity.

    Habit 2: Set an alarm for a mindfulness break. Take 5 minutes each day to breathe deeply and be present. Whether it’s during lunch or before bed, this time will help you reset mentally.

    Habit 3: Use mindfulness apps. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through short meditations and help you build a regular mindfulness practice.

    If anxiety is holding you back, mindful practices can make a big difference. For practical techniques, check out my post on ‘3 Simple Ways to Respond to Anxiety‘ to keep your mental game strong.

    Activity 5: Schedule Downtime

    Let’s be real—hustle culture is exhausting. You can’t run on full throttle 24/7 without crashing. That’s why scheduling downtime is so important.

    And no, it’s not lazy.

    It’s necessary.

    Whether it’s bingeing Gilmore Girls (Again), reading, or just taking a nap, downtime is how you recharge so you can keep moving forward.

    When you’re building a personal growth plan, rest is just as important as the hustle. You can’t do everything at once, and if you try, you’ll burn out.

    Downtime helps you reset, refocus, and come back stronger.

    Habits to Practice

    Habit 1: Block out time for relaxation. Schedule downtime in your calendar just like you would for work or appointments, ensuring you take it seriously.

    Habit 2: Pick a ‘wind-down’ activity. Whether it’s reading, painting, or bingeing your favourite show, choose an activity that helps you unwind and do it regularly.

    Habit 3: Set boundaries. Learn to say no to extra commitments that could cut into your rest time. Protecting your downtime is key to maintaining balance.

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    Final Thoughts

    Self-care is the foundation of any successful life transformation. It’s the key to unlocking your potential and setting yourself up for real, lasting change.

    Whether you’re trying to start your life over, completely change your life, or just feel a little more like yourself again, these five self-care activities will help you get there.

    This post is part of my ‘Change Your Life’ series. The next post in this series is “How To Create Habits That Stick”.

    Further Resources

    Studies

    Sleep is a crucial component of self-care, with studies showing that prioritizing sleep can significantly improve mental health, energy levels, and overall functioning. Quality sleep is associated with better mood, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation (Bible et al., 2017).

    Physical activity, particularly when it is enjoyable, can enhance both mental and physical well-being. Exercise not only improves mood but also boosts self-esteem and helps in managing stress and anxiety (Sharma et al., 2022). Regular movement practices, even short sessions, positively impact overall health and help in stress management (Armstrong et al., 2023).

    Proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining both mental and physical health. Eating nutrient-dense foods supports cognitive function, mood regulation, and energy levels. Studies highlight that balanced diets rich in whole foods can improve mood, reduce stress, and support long-term health (Levin & Idler, 1983).

    Mindfulness practices, including meditation and gratitude journaling, have been shown to reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness techniques can also prevent burnout and foster mental resilience, making them key tools for anyone looking for self-care (Rudaz et al., 2017).

    Downtime is essential for mental recovery and prevents burnout. Regular rest and relaxation, such as engaging in hobbies or spending time in nature, are proven methods to reduce stress and support mental health (Richards, 2004).