By the time you hit 35, life tends to get a little more complex.
You’ve likely been through some ups and downs, learned a few hard lessons, and hopefully, have started to find your footing.
But how do you really know if you’re on the right track? How can you measure your progress against where you want to be in life?
The truth is, while everyone’s journey is different, there are certain milestones that can help you gauge how far you’ve come.
If you’ve checked off these seven key achievements by the time you’re 35, chances are you’re not just on track—you’re ahead of the game.
In this article, we’ll explore these seven accomplishments that serve as strong indicators of success and fulfillment by your mid-thirties. Whether you’ve reached these milestones already or are striving toward them, recognizing these signs can provide a sense of direction and confidence as you continue to grow.
So, let’s dive in and see where you stand on this journey. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that you’re doing better than you thought!
1) Financial independence
If you’ve achieved financial independence by 35, give yourself a pat on the back.
Financial independence doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a millionaire. It’s about having control over your finances, rather than letting them control you.
It means you’ve got a handle on your debts, have a decent savings buffer, and can comfortably meet your living expenses without constantly worrying about the next paycheck.
Achieving this by 35 is a notable accomplishment, demonstrating your ability to manage your money wisely and live within your means. It sets a solid foundation for your future financial health and stability.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a little less stress about money in their life?
2) A strong network
I can’t overemphasize the importance of having a strong network in both your personal and professional life.
Back in my early 30s, I was laid off from a job I loved. It was a tough blow, but it was my network that helped me bounce back quickly. A friend of mine heard about an opening in his company and referred me for the position. If it weren’t for my network, I would have struggled a lot longer to find a new job.
If you have a strong network by 35 it means you’ve spent some time building meaningful relationships. It means you’ve got people who can offer advice, lend a helping hand, or provide emotional support when needed.
3) Self-care routine
By 35, if you’ve established a self-care routine that works for you, consider yourself ahead.
Self-care means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This could be through regular exercise, a balanced diet, meditation, or even something as simple as getting enough sleep.
Interestingly, the World Health Organization recognizes self-care as a vital strategy for public health. It’s seen as a way to reduce healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes.
Establishing a self-care routine by 35 shows an understanding of the importance of looking after your health and wellbeing. It’s an achievement that sets you up for a healthier and happier future.
4) Embracing failure
If by 35, you’ve experienced failure and learned to embrace it, you’re certainly ahead of the curve.
Failure, though often feared, is an integral part of life. It’s through our failures that we learn, grow and become more resilient.
The ability to accept failure as a stepping stone towards success reflects a mature mindset. It shows you understand that life isn’t about always winning, but learning from the losses.
So if you’ve had your share of failures and have used them as opportunities for growth, you’re definitely on the right track.
5) Contentment with the present
I spent a lot of my 20s chasing after things – the perfect job, the right partner, a certain lifestyle.
I thought that achieving these things would bring ultimate happiness. But by my mid-30s, I realized that true happiness wasn’t in the pursuit of more, but in being content with what I had.
If you’ve learned to be content with your present by 35, you’re truly ahead. Of course, it’s great to continue striving for growth, but appreciating what you have right now and understanding that happiness is the key to a fulfilled life is essential.
6) Prioritizing mental health
If you’ve learned to prioritize your mental health by 35, you’re definitely ahead.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s about how we think, feel, and behave. And just like physical health, it needs to be taken care of.
Prioritizing mental health could mean setting boundaries, seeking therapy when needed, or taking time off when things get overwhelming.
Recognizing the importance of mental health and taking steps to nurture it is a major achievement. It shows an understanding of the holistic nature of health and the importance of balance in life.
7) Knowing yourself
By 35, if you’ve truly come to know and understand yourself, you’ve achieved something remarkable.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and fears, and your values and beliefs is no easy feat. If you’ve reached this point, you’re able to acknowledge your flaws and love yourself despite them.
This self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. It guides your decisions, shapes your goals, and influences your relationships.
Final thoughts
What it truly means to be “ahead” by the age of 35, or at any age for that matter, is a deeply personal concept.
It’s not about checking off a list of societal expectations or keeping up with your peers. It’s about the choices you make, the priorities you set, and the values you live by.
Achievements, milestones, and success – these are all part of the journey of life. But they are not the journey itself. The journey is about growth, learning, and becoming the best version of yourself.
If you’ve achieved these 7 things by 35, take a moment to reflect on your journey so far.
Celebrate your achievements and appreciate your growth.
