Thought Catalog Agency

The Lesson Each Zodiac Needs To Learn Before They Turn 30

Here is what each zodiac needs to hear before their 30th birthday.

Aries (March 21st to April 19th)

You are not in competition with anyone else but your former self.

Aries, you have a bit of a competitive streak, don’t you? You want to be on top when it comes to everything and anything. As you approach age 30 and the rat race tightens, you’re going to notice your need to win become even stronger and more pressing. Here’s the thing though, Aries: trying to outrun everyone else will not only leave you out of breath, it will also take away the joy of the journey. You’re going to miss out on valuable lessons and growth in your attempts to make everything a victory. Take your 30s to slow down a bit and remember that the only competition you truly have is with your former self. Because it’s when you focus at the ground at your own feet instead of everyone else’s that you will truly feel whole (and that’s true success).

Taurus (April 20th to May 21st)

The little things are the big things.

Taurus, you get a little caught up in materialism. And let’s make something clear: you have excellent taste. You love nice things and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, sometimes this need for decadence clouds your judgement and you lose yourself chasing the material. As you approach the age of 30, you may notice this urge become stronger as you settle down more. You’ll want the expensive couch and the good dishes and the delicate glassware. However, you need to remember that a home is still a home without fancy things. It’s not about the items that live within its walls. Home is about the people and feelings and memories created there. Don’t forget that the little things are the big things in the end.

Gemini (May 22nd to June 21st)

Your social circle is going to get smaller.

Gemini, you’re sociable and deeply curious. You obtain great pleasure by engaging in invigorating conversations with others. Your social battery is truly limitless. Throughout your 20s, you were never without plans on a Friday night. However, as your 30th birthday approaches, you need to prepare for the inevitable: your social circle is going to become smaller. You are going to have quieter weekends spent solo. You’re going to see your friends less as everyone begins to settle into their own lives. Don’t let this scare you, though. Because even though you will have a shorter list of people you can make plans with at any given moment, the people you do have in your life will make you feel more like yourself than you ever have. It really is quality over quantity, Gemini, and you will learn this quickly in your 30s.

Cancer (June 22nd to July 22nd)

This is going to be your decade.

Cancer, you are a homebody to your very core. For you, your home life is your life. You love hosting, you love creating a feeling of coziness and safety for yourself and the people you hold closest. And in your 30s, your tendency to create safe spaces is going to serve you well. Because life is going to get busier for everyone, with piling responsibilities, events, and chores. But you’ll take this fact in stride and make sure everyone else in your life stays afloat as well. Your 30s are going to be the decade of self-care and you’re going to absolutely thrive.

Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd)

The only approval that matters is your own.

Leo, it’s well-known that you crave attention and approval from everyone around you. And while you deserve recognition for all the very wonderful things that you are and have accomplished, you will find as your 30th birthday approaches that the applause may become quieter and the critics may get louder. Because it’s in your 30s that society has a number of ideas about where someone should be. Many believe you should be settled down, have a bustling career, be married, have kids, etc. And then, on top of that, society puts even more pressure about how you should be navigating marriage, parenthood, and your career. And if you dare fall short, trust that there will always be someone to let you know. However, the truth of the matter is this, Leo: no one’s opinion on your life matters but your own. You’re the one living your life, not anyone else. Someone is always going to disagree with your choices. Let them. Because if you’re happy and approving of your decisions, that’s all that matters.

Virgo (August 23rd to September 22nd)

You can’t do everything you want to do but you can prioritize what is most important to you.

Virgo, to put it plain, you like to take care of shit. This includes the things going on in your own life, your friends’ lives, your family’s lives, and your partner’s life, too. You’re also driven when it comes to your career, not to mention you have a million different passion projects going on at any given moment. In other words, you’re busy all the time and it can get overwhelming if you’re being honest. But you need to know that you can’t be everything and you can’t do everything either. And in your 30s, life is only going to get busier and more overwhelming in some ways. All of that said, you can always prioritize and make time for what’s most important. And, yes, you can make a spreadsheet to help.

Libra (September 23rd to October 22nd)

Life gets more beautiful with age.

Libra, you are the ultimate free spirit. You have a beautiful way of looking at the world around you and truly do appreciate everything this planet has to offer. And in your 30s, you are going to find that life is only going to become even more meaningful and colorful. Because as you age, you really do become wiser. You begin to understand yourself, others, and the world around you on a deeper level. In time, you’re going to realize more and more how lovely it is to simply exist. And while you always knew this, it’s only going to become more profound in your 30s. Embrace this decade.

Scorpio (October 23rd to November 22nd)

You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Scorpio, you have a tendency to compare yourself to others. Constantly. You’re always trying to see how you measure up to others in every aspect of your life, from romance to family to career to looks to finances. You want to make sure you’re at least on par with everyone around you and not falling behind. And as your 30th birthday approaches, your fear of not being good enough may rise to the surface. But here’s the thing, Scorpio: please know that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Stop using others’ paths as a guidepost and instead look at the ground beneath your own two feet. Where you are makes sense given where you’ve been thus far. Trust your own journey. You’re going to make it to where you need to be. After all, you already are where you’re meant to be right now.

Sagittarius (November 23rd to December 21st)

Settling down doesn’t have to mean settling.

Sagittarius, you have a wild spirit and the heart of an explorer. You are almost always on the go, bouncing from activity to adventure to social outing without taking a second to rest. And this was fine and good in your 20s and your preferred way of living. But as your 30s approach, whether you like it or not, responsibilities are going to increase. Your stamina is going to decrease. You’re going to need to settle down a bit. But this doesn’t mean settling, remember. In fact, learning who you are when the world goes a little more quiet may become your greatest adventure of all if you allow it to be so.

Capricorn (December 22nd to January 20th)

There is more to life than your career.

Capricorn, your work ethic is something to be admired for sure. However, sometimes this drive to succeed clouds your judgment about what is most important in life. As you reach age 30 and your career starts to progress more and more, remember to take time for the little things, too. For your family. For your friends. For your relationship. When you die, people won’t be listing your work accomplishments; they’ll be reminiscing about the impact you made on others and the world around you. Keep this in mind the next time you’re answering 17 emails at 8 PM.

Aquarius (January 21st to February 18th)

You are allowed to carve your own path in life.

Aquarius, you have a unique outlook on the world and how you want to live your one life. Of course, this often means going against the status quo and what is considered to be “normal” and “right” to others. Here’s the thing, though: this is your life. No one else’s. Yours. And, frankly, you never owe anyone else an explanation for your choices because what you do with your time here doesn’t impact anyone but you. So, go ahead and live the life you want. You’re allowed to without any shame.

Pisces (February 19th to March 20th)

There is still so much time to do the things you want to do.

Pisces, you have big dreams and have every intention of making those dreams happen. However, the big 3-0 approaching is making you feel very cagey and anxious. While turning 30 is definitely a milestone, the age of 30 is not old and not an indicator that time is running out. At all. You still have more than enough time to accomplish the things you have on your dream list. In fact, it is in your 30s that you may find more wisdom and stability that will make your hopes easier to transform into reality. Embrace this birthday, Pisces. Good things are on their way.