1) Aparajita Kohli, finance coach, Wealth Vedas (@Aparajita_Kohli)

“Set up your savings. Follow the 50/30/20 rule. 50 per cent of your income should be used for expenses and liabilities, 30 per cent for your leisure and 20 per cent saved away for contingencies. A good health insurance and tax saving tools should be the first steps to building a healthy financial portfolio.”

2) Nirav Mehta, founder of Broke Bibliophiles Bombay bookclub

“I wish I had known the value of committing to friendships for the long haul rather than expecting quick turnarounds. Cherish the friendships that let you pick up where you left off, no matter how long it’s been.”

3) Rasika Kajaria, Gallerist, Exhibit 320

“Investment isn’t only monetary. I’ve worked with many artists over the last 15 years. You don’t need expensive paints to create a masterpiece; some of the most revered contemporary works today are made from plastic waste, X-rays and textiles. As an artist, use what speaks to you to make a statement.

4) Rahul Bajaj, Asian Games medallist, & founder, Golf Garage

“Being passionate isn’t enough to make it to the finish line. Couple it with long-term vision, break it down into clear, actionable, attainable mini goals. I think of who I want to be in 30-40 years. It helps me plan those mini goals along the way. It also helps me take calculated risks to make the ride more fun. Just remember to wear the helmet!”

5) Niyati Rao, chef (@ChefNiyatiRao)

“One way to grow in your profession is to have interests other than your profession. It makes you return to your work with greater passion. I love to swim, paint and crochet. I also pen down the interesting things I see. This way I am not saturated. My mind is growing every day.”

6) Nisa Shetty, singer (@Nisa_Shetty)

“Don’t turn 30 if you drive in your city and don’t know how to change a car tyre. I know so many people who depend on their chauffeurs for everything. You’ll always find help in India, but you should know what need to be done, and there’s always the that chance you’re stuck somewhere by yourself.”

7) Salomi Shah, founder, Mozaati jewellery

“Be mindful, early on, of relationships that drain your energy. If someone isn’t supportive of your goals, that’s a major red flag. Also, pay attention to how conflicts are handled—if there’s no respect or an unwillingness to compromise, even an old friendship won’t have a future.”

8) Anubhuti Raikwar, communications specialist (@Anubhuti2711)

“Understand your salary break-up, even if you have to ask 100 different people to explain it to you. Start putting away money to invest early on, even if you can save only 1% of your salary.”

9) Riya Jain, fashion influencer (@RiyaJain)

“As a young adult, I wish I had toned down my rebellious nature and been more patient with my parents. Spending more time with them and trying to understand their values would have helped strike a better balance and prevented me from neglecting family time.”

10) Rashee Mehra, urban researcher and activist (@Delhi_Walli)

“Learn how to think beyond yourself. Give back; make donations, no matter how small, to a charity or cause of your choice. And be an active citizen, be aware of the politics of your city and country.”

11) Amrit Pal Singh, visual artist

“Finding the right partner takes time, but it’s hardly the purpose of life. So, when you’re young, learn to spend time with yourself and enjoy it. It’s surprising how you end up finding more people who share your interests. Also, dating apps don’t work. All they do is keep you wondering what else is out there. I gave it up after two years!”

12) Anjali Patel Mehta, founder, designer, Verandah

“Have fun in every relationship. But young people go all-or-nothing right away. If a relationship matters, don’t let go until you’ve made every effort to salvage it.”

13) Arman Sood, co-founder, Sleepy Owl Coffee (@SoodArmanster)

“The best way to build great partnerships is by taking the time to fully understand the other parties’ needs and pain points. It’s only then that you can offer solutions to make their life becomes easier. Add to this a “follow up till you die” attitude, and you have the best path to making things happen.”

14) Sailee Bhiwandkar, motorcylist and fashion designer

“Never become somebody else’s checklist. A partner shouldn’t shape what you eat, what you wear, and how you behave. The first person you fall for may not be the last. Are you going to keep changing yourself for every relationship? On the flip side, don’t imagine that choosing a partner is like ordering a custom-made toy. People are who they are. Hoping to change them will end in disaster.”

15) Anubhuti Raikwar, brand manager

“Don’t be afraid to kiss ass. If sucking up to the boss, showing up early, and being the last to leave is helping your career, or makes office life bearable, don’t worry about what people say. You do you.”

16) Dr Tanaya Narendra, author and doctor (@DrCuterus)

“Women, get your pap smears! They’re a super chill gynaecological procedure, in which a doctor takes some cells from your cervix, and studies them for any precancerous changes. This is a good way to catch cancer and infections early on. It’s inexpensive and not painful. You need one every three years. Don’t fear the smear!”

17) Durjoy Datta, novelist

“When you’re in a fight, don’t aim to get creative with the low blows to hurt the other person. My wife and I met in our late 20s. We all have a mean streak, but once you cross that line, it’s hard to go back. Fight the argument, not the person.”

18) Aaina Mahajan, founder, Mellowdrama

“When you find yourself wearing too many hats, make it a game. When we were gearing up to open our first flagship store in Delhi last year, I found myself juggling tasks I had never imagined, from sketching out a retail plan to overseeing the store construction. At one point, I was picking paint shades. Amidst the craziness, I realised that this was a huge DIY party. See the fun side of a challenge. It unlocks your superpowers.

19) Shahin Manan, fashion designer and founder, Shahin Manan

Squeeze in small breaks. In August 2022, work felt like a rollercoaster. There were deadlines everywhere. I decided to take a mini break and go for a hike in Manali. It helped put so much of the madness into perspective and fuelled me for the ride ahead. Don’t wait for two weeks off. Take joy breaks when you can.”

20) Varun Sadana, co-founder, Supertails (@Varun.Sadana)

“Learn to use the calendar better. It will make the next 20 years easier. Calendarise everything, including personal tasks such as workouts and reading outside of office material. In the office, block off personal time on the calendar too. See your productivity double.”

21) Bani Nanda, chef (@ChefBani)

“Goodwill goes a long way in business. Extend it to your customers, your employees and your vendors. Mishaps are a part of life. You will make mistakes and you will upset people. But they will never forget the reserves of kindness that you built up with them.”

22) Deven Parulekar, cofounder, SaffronStays (@Devendra.Parulekar)

“Avoid EMIs as much as you can, be it for a home or a car. Stay thrifty and master the art of patience. If you want to be an entrepreneur, hustle. Choose your partner carefully too. The choice determines your EMIs and your ability to delay gratification.”

23) Ranveer Brar, chef (@Ranveer.Brar)

“Wear a watch! A phone is not a watch and wearing a watch stops you from looking at your phone all the time.”

24) Ruchi Sally, founder, Melissa India (@SallyRuchi)

“By 30, try getting an intimate portrait shot to appreciate the fact that you’re growing older. It is a reminder of self-love and self-appreciation, especially in a world determined to find fault in you. And it’s a visual reminder to love yourself first and the most.”

25) Sarah Todd, entrepreneur and celebrity chef (@SarahTodd)

“If you’re struggling in your career, it’s okay to take a step back, reframe your mindset, and keep pushing forward. Find a skill that calms the mind, even one as simple as learning to control your breathing or how to meditate.”

26) Apoorv Agarwal, founder, The Simple Brew

“Be nice to yourself. Work will get more stressful, the boss will get more insufferable, diets will get harder to follow, people will come and go, and you will fail every now and then. Don’t ignore yourself. You’ll thank yourself once you turn 30.”

27) Karna Timbadia, director, Saj Hotels (@KarnaTimbadia_)

“Don’t alter your dreams to suit your financial planning. Instead, chart out your dreams and explore target-based investments based on those. Review both the dream and the means to make them come true about once a year.”

28) Christina Furtado, illustrator

“Track everything in one place, even if it’s an old-fashioned notebook. When I started out as a freelance artist and content creator, I was all over the place with planning my videos and projects. The Notion app lets you create content buckets to fill in your ideas, organise your upload schedule, manage multiple projects. It gave me the liberty to personalise how I want my workday to unfold. Jobs and life get complicated, and not all of us can afford a personal assistant.”

29) Janice Sequeira, content creator and media strategist (@JaniceSeq85)

“By the time you’re 30, you should be able to understand and handle your own financial affairs. Your money should be making money for you while you sleep. Get those investment ducks lined up in a row.”

30) Khushnaz Ashdin Turner, personal stylist

“Dress well; people are always watching. A well-fitted suit shows you mean business. Showing up to work, day after day, neatly dressed, sends the message that you care about details. Looking sharp makes you appear reliable and capable.”

31) Samantha Kochhar, MD Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies (@SamKochhar)

“We keep looking for someone who can complete us, but you should be able to be comfortable in your own company. Create a space in your home that’s yours and yours alone, even if it is a little nook. Dress up for a solo dinner. Go to the spa or salon without a social occasion to attend. Take a solo walk or drive.”

32) Sayantan Ghosh, executive editor, Simon & Schuster India

“Switching careers at any age is all right, the earlier the easier it is, but not necessarily better. I quit two lucrative careers to start in publishing when I was 26. With no experience, the hours I had to put in initially were more than those around me but if you’re willing sweat it out a little bit, it’s always good to take a chance on yourself.”

33) Savera Mehta, musician and singer-songwriter (@Savera.Mehta)

“Learn basic domestic maintenance and repairs. Wall-mounting your own TV, fixing a leak, repairing a broken lamp, etc, are skills that are not only fulfilling but also encourage self-reliance.”

34) Mohit Bhatia, co-founder, Malaki

“The world keeps changing, but people remain the same. So, focus on core skills. I’d recommend reading Influence by Robert Cialdini; Never Split the Difference by former FBI agent Chris Voss and Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.”

35) Srishti Kapur, founder of design and décor studio Floral Art

“My advice? Go all out! Try everything, make mistakes, date, travel together, and live your life to the fullest. I met my husband in my 20s. Back then, we had no idea we’d end up married. Now, here we are, welcoming our baby boy into the world. Life’s a wild ride, so embrace every moment and enjoy the journey!”

36) Kamakshi Khanna, singer

“Don’t waste the potential of a passing thought. So many brilliant ones are lost before they reach the point of execution. If you have a killer pitch, break down every boring part of the process and set deadlines for yourself.”

37) Neel Gogia, co-founder IPLIX Media (@NeelGogia)

“Use content creation to build your personal brand outside of who is employing you. Even if it’s just sharing your experiences, tips, and suggestions. It opens gateways for a person, personally and professionally.”

38) Apoorv Mohan Shrivastava, founder, Plush Affairs

“The secret to success is in your daily routine. And to have a day full of small accomplishments, learn to organise your day well. With my wedding photography company, I started making to-do lists early on, prioritising the important tasks. Lean on Google Tasks and Apple Reminders to keep track of everything, even a break, a thank-you note, and a last-minute fact check.”

39) Itchha Talreja, founder, Itchha Talreja Designs

“I often see self-taught designers diving straight into freelancing, missing out on basics and burning out. Consider taking up a job for hands-on training. And learn every aspect of it. In an emergency, you can do it all by yourself, or guide others.”

40) Saahil Goel, CEO and co-founder, ShipRocket (@SaahilBigFoot)

“Know that you can take risks before you turn 30. There is no nagging subconscious voice that magically appears on your birthday.”

41) Aprajita Toor, founder of footwear brand Aprajita Toor

“The person you call your best friend may not necessarily consider you their bestie. I learnt this at age eight. Share only as much information as you can forgive a person for passing on or forgetting.”

42) Zervaan Bunshah, content creator (@Bunshah)

“The thing to understand is that before you hit 30, you have 10 full years of the 20s. For heaven’s sake, explore your sexuality, figure out who you are and how you love. Don’t get into serious relationships before you even know what you’re seeking.”

43) Khushi Govil, co-founder, Click Media (@KhushiGovil)

“As you grow older, you’ll realise that talent isn’t the only asset you need. The most difficult job is managing people. Be empathetic. And choose collaboration over competition.”

44) Jayant Chhabra, founder, Cupcake Productions

“Set yourself goals every six months. Learn a new skill, complete a project, or develop new contacts. Track your progress and aim to beat your previous score. It’s your story, after all!”

45) Prayag Mehta, DJ-producer (@PrayagMehta)

“Learn to use advanced Excel early in your career, no matter which field you’re in. In today’s data-driven world, the ability to interpret statistics is as important as creativity. You’ll have a significant advantage in analysing complex data, streamlining workflows, and making informed decisions.”

46) Aditi Handa, co-founder & head chef, The Baker’s Dozen

“Perfection is the enemy of the good. When we were looking to open in Bandra, Mumbai, in 2013, we were fixated on the ideal store, location, and rent. It never materialised. We set up an average-looking store in a good spot, with reasonable rent. It’s turned out to be our most profitable one.”

47) Mehak Shahani, co-founder, WedMeGood

“Long before you turn 30, you’ll realise that 70% of all work is boring. Only if you do the grunt work can you get to the 30% that’s truly exciting. Be open to different kinds of work so you find your Aha! moment earlier. Don’t turn down opportunities because they don’t fit into your ideal “role”. It’s naïve to assume that you know what you want at 23.

48) Dhruv Visvanath, musician

“I use a service called DISCO to make private playlists of my musical ideas, according to theme, specific sound and purpose, and share them with people I’m working with. It’s a more professional tool for musical collaboration than Google Drive. People love to work with someone who shares ideas in a way that’s easy to digest. As a musician, I picked the least creative thing, but it’s true.”

49) Rahul Akerkar, creative and culinary director, Ode Dining

“I remember arguing with my daughter, Amalia, one night over a school presentation. She was 15 then. We both had different opinions on how it should be done. The next morning, we found out that she’d had a stroke. She survived. I learnt too late that I should be able to agree to disagree and cherish my time with the people I love most.

50) Niketa Sharma, CEO and director, SP Motels and Keish Hospitality

“I’ve found five things that make a relationship endure: Consistency in keeping the connection alive, noticing their small habits, reciprocating acts of love, being grateful, and being kind – to yourself and your partner.”

51) Devangi Nishar Parekh, director, Aza Fashions

“By the time you turn 30, you should have learnt to lift your head up from the screen and focus on the real life and love around you. Be present, be vulnerable rather than hiding behind the phone.”

52) Rohan Ganguli, music producer (@RohanGanguli)

“Everyone has talent; only those with a good work ethic succeed. Build a disciplined work life. Build a life outside of work: Exercise, sports, being social, reading, eating out, movies, anything that keeps you physically and mentally fit.”

53) Kabeer Kathpalia, musician (@OaffMusic)

“Learn to run a house all by yourself. Young adults in India often live with their families and rely on the support of the people around them. Being responsible for a home is invaluable even if you live with a partner or with your family.”

54) Dharan Shah, founder, Tradonomy

“In every field, there’s sub-domain expertise you can pick up. For me, as an investor, technical and algo research was a sub-domain that helped me create greater value for myself. Identify what expertise you can capture and go deep into it; that’s how you become irreplaceable.”

55) Amrita Tripathi, author and founder, The Health Collective. (@AmritaT)

“Learn how not to internalise feedback. It’s just a data point. Don’t stew in self-judgement, even if you’ve made a mistake. It’s a long race. Everyone is trying to make the best of it, just like you.”

56) Vandana Jagwani, founder of jewellery brand Vandals

“The relationships you have when you’re young will endure only when you forgive people without waiting for them to apologise. My best friend is my father, and we are like Tom and Jerry. We upset each other a lot. But, we make up or make changes.”

57) Nikhil Sharma, content creator and entrepreneur

“When I was younger, I used to get upset about the little things. I convinced myself that my parents didn’t get me, and I distanced myself from them. They always loved me. I wish I could’ve travelled more with them, especially my father, who loved travelling. Make good memories with your parents as an adult. This shapes your life later on.”

58) Ashish Dev Kapur, hospitality industrialist (@AshishKapur09)

“Learn how to order wine like a pro. The French never write the grape varietal on the wine bottle. Each region in France only grows specific varietals anyway. So, a white Burgundy is always a Chardonnay and a red Burgundy is always a Pinot Noir.”

59) Arpita Mukherjee, content creator (@IKabir_Yadav)

“Whenever you get a chance, say I love you, not just to a romantic partner. Say it to your parents, to your friends, to your partner, your kids. We do this as a family of four. It’s helped our kids, Kabir and Khia, to express themselves. The world is heartless, tough, competitive, fast and busy enough.”

60) Anand Bhaskar, musician

“Switching careers is okay. Switching back is also okay. There’s no one-size-fits-all. When I wanted to switch from advertising to music, I made a list of clients and individuals whom I could offer my skills to. I did this in my notice period. Start investing, so when you pivot, there are savings to fall back on.”

61) Varun Duggirala, author and founder, Plot Device Entertainment (@VarunDuggi)

“How you start and end your day drives what you do all day. My 20s were a mad rush in the morning and an adrenaline filled crash at night. I’ve come to realise that a warmup and a wind-down ritual is crucial to perform at your best.”

62) Gautam Soni, MD, House of MBJ (@Gautam_Soni_)

“By 30, you should have an emergency fund set up, and how to avoid high-interest debt. If you aren’t financially savvy, hire a planner to advise you on money decisions; someone who understands what you want your money to do for you.”

63) Sonalee Kumar, Director, TCC (@SonaleeKumar)

“Learn yoga, or adopt a self-care practice that works for you, and integrate it into your lifestyle. Bonus points if it’s an activity that you master, because then you get to feel good about feeling good.”

64) Aili Seghetti, dating, relationship and intimacy coach

“Keep enough distance from a loved one to miss them and maintain individuality. This distance isn’t about creating gaps, but about giving each other room to breathe, grow, and know who they are, especially for younger people.”

65) Prateek Sethi, founder, Trip Creative Services (@ThePrateekSethi)

“Take five minutes off and declutter your mind after every 25 minutes of solid work or activity. This will keep you refreshed and ready to take on the world.”

66) Rajiv Talreja, founder of Quantum Leap Learning Solutions

“It sounds bizarre but this is really useful: You can either be right, or you can be kind. In a relationship, if you’re busy being right, you’ll only get stuck in the trap of correcting your loved ones. And correction disconnects people. By your 30s, you should have figured out that people matter more than things. Your house help may break a glass. They matter more than crockery.”

67) Gagandeep Makker, co-founder, Pilgrim

“LinkedIn is just one piece of the networking puzzle. When Anurag Kedia, my co-founder, approached me with the idea for a beauty and wellness brand, we didn’t rely only on virtual connections. The real magic happened through our offline relationships, our shared experiences at IIT Bombay. Our makeup-line was born out of direct customer feedback calls. Some things you can’t do virtually.”

68) Mallika Parekh, founder of Physique 57 India; co-founder, CEO, Fluent Health (@MTap0906)

“Your 20s teach you how to manage work within a timeframe. Use that for your relationships. Add family and friend visits to your calendar the way you log a meeting. Both are crucial. And time with loved ones is limited.”

69) Veena Ashiya, CEO-founder, Monrow Shoes

“I wish I had acknowledged the pain I was carrying from my parents’ relationship. Had I talked about it within my close circles, my loved ones might have understood why I behaved in a certain way. One of the biggest lessons I learned in my 20s is that relationships are more about understanding oneself than about the other person. Tap into this knowledge.”

70) Vishal Punjabi, founder, The Wedding Filmer (@TheWeddingFilmer)

“Never stop believing in love. My own parents got divorced, married other people, only to find out they wanted to be with each other! They are now married to each other, again. I have seen couples fighting for their love to succeed, sometimes for more than a decade. I have seen couples fade into happily ever after. Love is the most important feeling in the world. Don’t let go of it.”

71) Analee Cerejo, mimicry artist and content creator (@AnaleeCerejo)

“Don’t wait until you’re 30 to curate your circle of trust. Cherish friends who inspire you to be your best self and be a good friend to them in return. You don’t need a big group. Examine friendships early, so there’s less resentment later.”

72) Krisha Seth, co-founder, Dots & Doodles. (@Krisha1)

“Give journaling a shot. It doesn’t matter what your art teacher said about your skills in school. Sketch pitches, jot down goals, record thoughts: It’s how the formless ideas in your head take their first steps towards existing in the real world. Plus, your old journals? They’re like time capsules, reminding you how far you’ve come and sparking new flames of inspiration for the future.”

73) Gaurav Tandon, managing director, Limited Edt

“A lot of people get caught up in the superficial stuff when looking for a partner. Focus on what really matters: shared values and genuine connection. It’s important to take time and truly get to know someone.”

74) Ishan Saluja, restauranteur, Baby Dragon, Noida

“Let go of the assumption that working for family is less glamorous than working as a corporate employee. I thought working for family would mean compromising my own ambitions. It took a decade of stumbling around to realise my error.”

75) Pratichee Mohapatra, singer (@PraticheeMohapatra)

“Travel like a grown-up. Learn a few essential phrases to have better conversations with locals. Save up and see more of the world than you planned to. A good holiday is as much about who you’re with as where you go.”

76) Sumukhi Suresh, comedian and writer (@SumukhiSuresh)

“Oiling your hair really helps. Your mom was right. If you find it icky, just picture your hair thinning earlier than you planned.”

77) Arjun Siva, digital head, LoveDepot.com

“Men, don’t get intimidated or offended if your partner has a vibrator in their bedside drawer. See toys as an ally, not competition. Think of them as backup dancers –they’re just here to add some extra flair and make sure the show is a smash hit.”

78) Oscar Pereira, founder, CodeSkin

“A good tip for those starting out, or holding on to relationships is to focus on the quirks and everyday moments. It’s not the grand gestures that keep the spark alive, but the small stuff— laughing at the same joke. Love is being OK that your partner forgets their purse (again), knowing you are both growing old together.”

79) Vedika Chamria, founder of Alyssa Fine Jewellery

“I’ve learned two lessons the hard way. Firstly, brutal honesty can sometimes be misinterpreted, so empathy is crucial. And, always being available can lead to burnout and losing oneself. Use your 20s to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and maintain a sense of identity outside of your relationships.”

80) Sanaea Bubber, musician and content creator (@SanaeaBubber)

“To have truly grown is to have learnt to identify and set boundaries with the people we want in our lives. Many young people compromise their autonomy within their own families. Learn to express discomfort before you turn 30. It will redefine how you are viewed by people who thus far saw you as a kid.”

81) Joseph Radhik, photographer and entrepreneur

“Reach out to parents and siblings to talk to them about things beyond your day. I grew up with two siblings, which meant I always had a pair of best friends, even though we changed a lot of schools. As we hit our 20s, travel and work kept us apart. But staying in touch means we are still the same friends.”

82) Akshay Sharma, lawyer

“Either work out or meditate 10-15 minutes each morning. Anything to let off steam. The better you manage your emotions, the easier it will be for you to manage the emotions of others.”

83) Mohona Bhattacharjee, recruiter

“Everything is a job platform if you want a job. Matched with someone on Tinder who works in a great company? Don’t leave that date without scoring an HR email ID or phone number.”

84) Sanjana Chatlani, founder, The Bombay Lettering Company (@SChatlani)

“Make sure you have three types of income: Active, passive and portfolio. It’s something I wished I’d learned early on.”

85) Varun Rana, fashion consultant (@VarunRana16)

“It may not always make sense, especially in times when life is hard, but beauty and wonder are among the many fundamentals of existence. No matter how old you are, surround yourself with as much beauty and inspiration as possible. Art, books, plants and flowers, colours, textiles, interesting knick-knacks, pictures, prints, a flute you can’t play, or even an interesting rock you found. Anything that causes you to soften your gaze and smile. In the hustle and bustle of life, learn to make beauty a habit.”

86) Vasuki Punj, lawyer turned actor and entrepreneur (@VasukiPunj)

“Relationships will evolve. There is no reason to feel guilty about it. It’s okay to grow out of people and find your tribe as you grow older. This does not mean that you purposefully eliminate people from your life, but it’s okay to find new people who share your values and develop stronger bonds with them.”

87) Niyati Singh, communications associate, Migration and Asylum Project

“Finding a fulfilling job can be overwhelming, especially when there’s so much pressure, both externally and internally. I recommend making a F**K It list, checking off the things you’ve found you don’t want to do, after you’ve given them a shot. You’ll eventually narrow it down.”

88) Shubhashree Banerjee, media professional

“Get your hands dirty. You never know which new skill you unexpectedly learn. Something as simple as ordering food for the crew might seem beneath you, but when you have to do it on a budget, on deadline, and keeping people’s choices in mind, you learn time, money and people management.”

89) Siddhant Goenka, musician

“Everything is temporary. Looks, yes, but also the initial passion, the hours on the phone, the cute gestures. By 30 you should be able to identify what’s at the core of the person you love. How do they react when one of you is in a bad mood?”

90) Deeba Rajpal, author, food blogger (@PassionateAboutBaking)

“Always invest in quality appliances, even if it means spending a little extra. Ask around, read reviews, research. A good appliance promises a lifetime of joy.”

91) Akanksha Bhandari, singer

“Bravado won’t get you anywhere. Showing up to work is important, but not at the expense of your well-being. Reach out to workmates if you’re overwhelmed or struggling with your health. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

92) Navni Kumar, writer and editor

“When working from home, set boundaries so work and life goals are met. Wake up an hour before that morning meeting. Don’t work from bed. Have a rough to-do list. Reward yourself with snacks only when you check a significant task off it.”

93) Naina Redhu, luxury photographer at Naina.Co

“Document your work. Being able to look at your work over the years will show you how far you’ve come and give you a sense of accomplishment. If it’s available to view publicly, it’s easy marketing too.”

94) Sayani Gupta, actor (@SayaniGupta)

“Stop considering all the options, all the time. By 30 you should know what feels right instinctively and own your decision, good or bad. Avoid gossip. Drink plenty of water. Mingle. Stay curious. Keep your heart open. Enjoy sunshine and rain. And enter a room with dignity, not desperation.”

95) Ankit Gautam, Founder, Fitness Xpress (@Ankit.Fit)

“Work out three days a week, not just for your physical health but also your mental health. Explore things out of your comfort zone. You never know what you’ll fall in love with and enjoy.”

96) Stuti Dhanuka, managing director and founder, khadi brand Terra Luna

“By the time you’re 30, you should have figured out how to communicate with grace. Don’t correct or criticise any person in public, not just a loved one. Don’t have important conversations over WhatsApp or SMS – that’s just childish. When there’s a disagreement, hold your ground, but aim to have your say, rather than trying to win that battle.”

97) Harkunwar Singh, CEO and co-founder, Novatr (@Harkunwarr)

“Let your creativity drive your passion. For me it is building Lego sets and crafting architectural models for important presentations. Believe me, these cherished pursuits have been the secret sauce to delivering disruptive ideas!”

98) Laksheeta Govil, founder, Fizzy Goblet (@Laksheeta)

“Invest in a pair of white shoes that are not sneakers. By 30, there will be enough events that call for sophisticated dressing. Don’t fear white. It’s timeless and chic. And shows that you have enough control over your life to keep them pristine.”

99) Parul Vadehra, director, Vadehra Art Gallery (@ParulVadehra)

“Educate yourself about Indian art and culture. Visit a museum, a monument. Watch a play or musical performance, seek out art, culture and heritage events in your city. We tend to overlook what’s in our backyard. But the more you see, the more you will enjoy it, the more you grow.”

100) Bina Punjani, art director, Bina Punjani Hair Studio, Academy and Bridals (@BinaPunjani)

“A good haircut can give you the boost you need when you’re moving up or moving to a new field. A good hairstylist will be an essential element in your makeover. ”

101) Rishi Virmani, writer (@TheWriteInsaan)

“Travel alone at least once before you’re 30. Spend a few days in your company. You have no idea how much you can surprise yourself. You’re probably more fun than you think. Or you’ll come to terms with how boring you are! It will also teach you how to be fully responsible for yourself. One solo trip to an unfamiliar place, and you will never get lost in life.”

102) Jatin Mallick, chef and co-founder, Tres (@Jatin_Mallick)

“Whether you’re in a kitchen or any other workplace, learn to be a sponge in your initial years. Work for knowledge, not money. Wealth will come only if you’re willing to invest in yourself first. It will show you where your actual interest lies.”

103) Elnaaz Norouzi, actor (@IAmElnaaz)

“Learn new languages. Learn as many languages as possible. I’m saying this as someone who has lived in different countries and knows seven languages. Experiencing life through a different culture has been the best thing so far.”

104) Sabina Bhanpurawala, CEO & MD, Foam Home, India (@The.Dream.Merchant)

“By 30, you should be sleeping on a large bed, on the best mattress you can afford. Don’t clutter your bed with bags and clothes. This is where you recharge, respect it. And prioritise sleep – don’t steal from rest hours to binge watch anything.”

105) Nimit Jain, AGM, Sony India

“Whatever field you’re in, there are probably no more than 10-15 common interview questions. Figure out what interviewers expect from each and you’ll never bomb an interview ever again.”

106) Manpreet Singh, former captain, Indian Hockey Team (@ManpreetSingh07)

“As you leave your 20s, learn to actively make time for family and loved ones, even during a busy time. I make it a point to connect with my family for an hour every day. It keeps me grounded and rejuvenated.”

107) Akshay Verma, co-founder, Fitpass

“A quote from my favourite book, The Little Prince, reads: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” This is a reminder to spend quiet time with yourself and cultivate a steadfast connection with your intuition. It’s the compass guiding you through the unseen essentials of your journey.”

108) Sam Dalrymple, author and co-founder, Project Dastaan (@TravelsOfSamWise)

“Go exploring. It doesn’t have to be a big trip to another city. It could just be another part of town. Just walk down streets that you’ve never been down before and see what you discover. You’ll never regret it.”

109) Sunaina Roshan, co-producer

“By your 30s you’ve probably realised how important it is to communicate well. But it’s essential to know how timing plays a part too. Wait until the other person is calm and open to conversation. There’s less chance of them getting defensive, and misunderstanding you.”

110) Tarun Sharma, co-founder & CEO, mCaffeine (@TarunSharma88)

“If something scares you and excites you at the same time, it’s a sign you’re on the edge of growth. Step into the unknown, be it a startup, a new city. It’s the build-up before an epic show.”

111) Abhay Sharma, musician (@Sax.Abhay)

“Being a good hang gets you more gigs than being talented does. What I mean is, even if someone is incredibly gifted, people won’t put up with their attitude. The nicer musicians get more gigs and more work than others, in the long run. That’s how it works in the outside world as well. Learn how to be nice. It’ll take you further.”

112) Arushi Verma, co-founder, Fitpass

“Pay attention; observation is a powerful skill. It’s something I learnt from The Face on the Wall, a short story by EV Lucas we read in school. It’s about a man who searched tirelessly for a person whose face matched the face of a damp patch on his wall. It showed me how much one can observe if they start looking, and how one can uncover opportunities if they continuously seek them.”

113) Smriti Khanna, content creator (@Smriti_Khanna)

“Take the social approach even if you can afford not to. Stay in hostels when you travel, join a group class, sign up for trekking/hiking/mediation camps, mingle more at public gatherings, join an art-gallery walk, volunteer for causes you care about. You’ll learn from like-minded people as much as from the activity.”

114) Onir, filmmaker (@IAmOnir)

“Even if you’re not a parent, learn about good touch and bad touch, so you can teach the children in your family how to protect themselves from abuse. Learn how to do it if you care enough to empower them to be safe.”

115) Tanuj Virwani, actor (@TanujVirwani)

“Have a backup plan. I am an actor. But entertainment is an inconsistent and unpredictable industry. I have a diploma in advertising, plus a family business to fall back to. So, no matter what happens, I know I will not be unemployed. As you enter your 30s, you start wanting to settle down, have kids and all of that. There’s less room for wishful thinking and pipe dreams. Give your dreams your 100%. But set up an insurance policy against it too.”

116) Ankur Tewari, singer (@AnkurTewari)

“Learn how to say No. We tend to be cautious in our career and what the world thinks of us in our 20s. We end up saying yes to things we should have refused. The trauma from those calls takes time to leave. Follow your gut instinct and set up boundaries.”

117) Tarang Arora, creative director and CEO, Amrapali Jewels (@Tarang_Arora)

“You’ll understand the world best if you see it on your own terms. Live in a different city, study abroad if you have the option. It broadens the horizons of your mind and shape your personality in a way exams and textbooks cannot.”

118) Siddharth Sharma, founder, House on the Clouds (@TotalSiddharth)

“Spend time reflecting upon your actions each day before bed. Think about everything you did, work and personal. It will help you prep better for tomorrow and the day after.”

119) Anushka Gupta, co-founder, MyMuse India

“Your 20s are when you discover your preferences and learn to communicate them. Indian women aren’t taught to have open conversations about our sexual desires. We struggle to reconcile tradition with our need for pleasure. So, before you turn 30, get talking about your needs.”

120) Malika Budhiraj, co-founder of Baarique, vegan (@VegansNRoses)

“Make deadlifts a habit. Every time we bend and lift something from the floor – a bag, a suitcase, a box, a dog, a book or even a child – we are deadlifting. When we lift things, we engage our back muscles instead of engaging our core and legs, which eventually leads to injuries. By 30 you should have figured out the right form and posture of deadlifts and know how to lift items the right way. So, when you’re helping a friend move into their new home, warm up and get into the right deadlift posture. You’ll be doing a solid workout instead of hurting your back.”

Read Also: Study reveals recognising employees' good work is key to better retention rate