I just turned 30 years old. As many of my friends and colleagues are much older than me, I’ve gotten a lot of input about how I’d “feel” after turning 30. Some say I’d start “feeling the effects” of getting older while others claimed I’d start worrying about my age.

So, how did turning 30 affect me?

30 is Just a Number

I’ve never been one to get hung up on age. Part of that is because I started my first real business at 19, and saw age discrimination first-hand. I had friends, family, bankers, and vendors treat it as if it were just a big joke. I didn’t act young, but I was and had too much of a baby face to pass for much older than early twenties.

Now that business, 2BigFeet.com, is over 10 years old and still going strong. A lot of people told me it would never work and that I should get a good education and a good, “stable job.” I strongly feel if I was 30 or 40 when I started that business I would’ve gotten a very different reaction from people.

I never really liked being “young.” It was always a challenge for me, because I am a very “driven” person and it seemed like my age and youthful appearance often cast a first impression on people about me. It took a long time to prove otherwise — time I feel could have been better spent, honestly.

After spending the better part of my twenties being asked “So, how old are you?” I’m honestly looking forward to my 30’s. I look much older than I did when I turned 20… but it doesn’t bother me. I’m just glad that I don’t get asked “How old are you?” every time I meet someone and tell them I’m an entrepreneur, published author, or professional speaker.

My Life So Far

I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. I’ve been working for 15 years now. In that time I have started several businesses, some of which have been very successful. I have taught myself web development and online marketing, built a career and a name for myself in this industry, and even published a book on the subject. I’ve traveled all over the country and abroad speaking professionally about my industry.

I also fell in love, got married, and had two amazing children who are growing up faster than I can keep up with. I went to college, became a Kappa Sigma Brother, and made friendships I am sure will last my entire lifetime.

I can’t express in words how fortunate I feel to be where I am right now. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life.

My Next 30 Years

I heard a song by Tim McGraw the other day – “My Next 30 Years.” It is a very moving song and struck a chord with me. It starts:

I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here

Those words really resonated with me… about my life and how I want to spend it. In 30 more years, I’ll be 60. In all reality, I’ll be in my final act by then.

I figure I have 30 good years left (maybe more). The next 30 years are quite possibly the most important years of my life.

What do I want to do? What kind of person do I want to be? How do I want to leave my mark on this world? I don’t have all the answers — nobody does — but I know that every day that passes is an opportunity.

I plan to make the best of my next 30 years…