When I turned 30, I thought I had things figured out.
I had expectations of what life should look like, but reality had different plans. Now, I realize growth and success don’t look like the highlight reels we see on social media.
They’re messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. If I could go back and give my younger self advice, here’s what I’d say about growth and success.
1. Success is Not a Destination, It’s a Journey
In my 20s, I was obsessed with reaching milestones—getting a stable job, saving money, and building a future.
But the truth is, success isn’t a single point you arrive at; it’s an ongoing process.
The more I chased a perfect outcome, the more I felt like I was never truly succeeding. Now, I’ve learned to measure success by my daily progress, not by some far-off goal. It will also hurt your mental health so always try to slow it down.
2. Growth is Uncomfortable But Necessary
Real growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
In my 30s, I’ve had to face uncomfortable truths about myself, let go of limiting beliefs, and embrace change.
It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Growth doesn’t happen when you’re coasting; it happens when you challenge yourself, fail, and learn from it.
3. Failure is Not the End—It’s a Lesson
I used to see failure as a sign that I wasn’t good enough.
Now, I see it as an opportunity to learn. Every setback I’ve experienced has taught me something valuable, whether it’s about business, relationships, or personal growth.
The key is to shift your mindset: instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?”
4. Mental Health Matters More Than Hustle
In my 20s, I believed success came from working hard non-stop. ~ sigh ~
But in my 30s, I’ve realized that mental health is just as important—if not more—than hustle.
Burnout is real, and if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to sustain your growth. Prioritizing rest, mindfulness, and self-care has made me more productive, not less.
5. Your Circle Affects Your Growth
The people you surround yourself with can either lift you up or hold you back.
I’ve learned to be intentional about who I spend time with.
I seek out people who inspire me, challenge me, and support my growth. Energy is contagious, and being around the right people can make all the difference. I cannot stress this enought.
Energy is contagious.
6. Perfection is a Trap
Perfectionism held me back for years.
I hesitated to start projects like a youtube channel because I wanted everything to be “just right.”
The truth is, waiting for perfection is the fastest way to stay stuck. Done is better than perfect.
Once I let go of the need to be flawless, I started making real progress in both my personal and professional life. I also started a youtube channel for Grow with Pia!
7. Investing in Yourself is the Best Investment
Whether it’s learning a new skill, reading books, or prioritizing health, investing in yourself pays the highest returns.
I used to think spending money on courses, coaching, or self-improvement was unnecessary, but now I see it as a way to fast-track my growth.
The more I learn, the more opportunities open up.
8. Money is a Tool, Not a Measure of Success
I used to believe that making a certain amount of money would make me feel successful.
But now, I understand that money is just a tool—it gives you freedom, but it doesn’t define success.
True success is having control over your time, doing work you love, and living a life that aligns with your values.
9. Confidence Comes From Action, Not Waiting
I spent a lot of time in my 20s waiting to feel “ready” before taking action.
But the truth is, confidence is built through action.
The more you do something, the more comfortable you become. If you’re waiting for confidence before you start, you’ll be waiting forever.
10. You Define Your Own Success
Society will try to tell you what success should look like—a high-paying job, a big house, a certain lifestyle.
But success is personal.
For me, success is about having peace, spending time with my family, and creating meaningful work.
Define what success means to you and pursue that, not someone else’s version of it.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30s, it’s that growth and success aren’t about following a perfect blueprint.
They’re about embracing the journey, learning from mistakes, and creating a life that feels fulfilling to you.
If you’re in your 20s (or even your 30s, 40s, or beyond), I hope this serves as a reminder that you are exactly where you need to be. Keep growing, keep learning, and trust that your path is unfolding exactly as it should.
