Why do we freak out at 30?
Well, I think it's safe to say that most people don't like turning 30. For one reason or another, turning 30 is a time when people reflect on thier lives negatively. The focus on what they haven't achieved, where they aren't yet in their lives, what they haven't done, etc. They then choose some difficult task (e.g. triathlon, climbing a mountain, etc) and often time injure themselves or simply give up.
Fifty years ago, perhaps this was appropriate as it coincided with the "mid-life crisis"; however, in today's society where a) more people are starting their lives much later after living life early due to affluent parents bestowing early inheritances on them to avoid the taxman and b) people are doing much more than their conterparts a decade or two ago due to technology and early inheritances and c) people are living well into their 70's and 80's, I think there really isn't much of a reason for the 30-year freak out other than habit and public expectation.
Because society expects it of us and with me turning 30, I am taking the opportunity to do my part. Although my version of freaking out is to generally bottle things up and when I am about to burst choose a mega task that I advertise to all my friends. Some would say I am setting myself up for a fall; however, avoiding bruised pride and the disappointment of all of my friends is one of the greatest motivators I know.
However, a word of warning as you really only have two choices when taking this approach, 1) a downward spiral of depression or 2) success! Being generally very positive in disposition, I usually get away with the latter. Before applying this approach yourself, make sure you are sure which way your emotions tend.
All in all, it will be intersting to see how my mega-challenge, the New York Marathon, turns out. With my 30th birthday in October and the Marathon in November, it'll be anyone's guess (still a lot of training required). But with about $5000 of money donated by friends and family, there will be plenty of bruised pride and disappointment if I fail.
Watch this space and I'll let my know how it goes...