Achiever40 Things to Do Before You Turn 40
A 40-before-40 list hits different than the twenties version: less proving, more building. These 40 milestones are pulled from Achiever's catalog and lean into what your thirties are actually about: financial footing, career moves that compound, health that lasts, and trips you finally have the budget for.
Check off what you've already done (you'll be surprised), then pick what's left and put a year on each.
The 40-before-40 list
- ❤️Charitable GivingDonate a percentage of your income to a charity or cause you genuinely care about.20 pts
- 🎒Go-Bag ReadyPack a 72-hour emergency kit: documents, water, first aid, flashlight, cash.20 pts
- ☂️The Insurance AuditReview your insurance needs (health, home, life) and close the gaps that could wipe you out.25 pts
- 🩺The General CheckupAttend your annual physical exam with a general practitioner. Baseline health recorded.25 pts
- 🔬Skin CheckGet your moles and skin checked by a dermatologist. Early detection wins.25 pts
- 🧪The Blood PanelComplete a comprehensive blood test and actually review the results with a doctor.30 pts
- 🥧The Budget BlueprintBuild a monthly budget using any system (50/30/20, zero-based, envelopes) and actually follow it for one month.30 pts
- 🍖Smoke MasterHost a successful BBQ and master the art of grilling for family and friends.30 pts
- 🏦The Pension PlayOpen a retirement or tax-advantaged investment account and make your first contribution.40 pts
- 🌳The GenealogistOfficially design and document your family tree based on verified historical data.40 pts
- 🎄Tradition FounderSuccessfully initiate a new recurring activity or tradition for your family group.40 pts
- 🦃Grand Feast CoordinatorSuccessfully prepare a multi-course holiday dinner for 6+ guests.45 pts
- 🦁SafariGo on a wildlife safari and see large animals in their natural habitat.45 pts
- 📜The TestamentWrite a will or officially set the beneficiaries on your accounts. Endgame paperwork, handled.50 pts
- 🧑🏫Career GuideTake a junior employee under your wing and actively help them advance their career.50 pts
- 🎙️Speaker PanelBe invited to speak on a panel or give a presentation at a major industry event.50 pts
- 🛠️The RenovationRenovate or fully repaint one room with your own hands, from prep to cleanup.50 pts
- 🤿Scuba CertifiedComplete your official certification and dive in open water with full gear.50 pts
- 👫The Global GuidePlan and lead a group of family or friends on an international trip where you are the primary navigator.50 pts
- 🩺First Aid CertifiedComplete a certified first aid and CPR course.50 pts
- 🗿UNESCO ChaserHave visited at least 10 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites.55 pts
- 📅Date Night ConsistencyMaintain a weekly 'Date Night' for 12 consecutive weeks.55 pts
- 🛒The Planned PurchaseResearch and save the full cash value for a major purchase instead of using credit.60 pts
- 📋The Certification GrindStudy for and pass a major industry-specific certification exam (e.g., PMP, CPA, AWS, CompTIA).60 pts
- 🚴The Metric CenturyComplete a 100-kilometer bicycle ride in a single day.60 pts
- 🥂The Anniversary Grand SlamPull off a surprise 50th or 60th anniversary celebration for your own parents.60 pts
- ✈️The SabbaticalTake an extended, multi-month leave of absence from your career to travel, rest, or learn, and successfully return to the workforce.65 pts
- 🏅Five-Time DonorDonate blood 5 times. The blood bank staff know your name by now.65 pts
- 🗺️Regional CompletionistVisit every state, province, or primary territory in your home country.65 pts
- 📈The Profit MarginRun your own business or side hustle into the green, making a provable, taxable net profit for the year.70 pts
- 📅Year of the AthleteLog at least one workout per week for 12 consecutive months.70 pts
- ⚖️Target Weight ReachedDefine a healthy target weight with your doctor or coach, reach it, and hold it for 3 months.70 pts
- 🚶The PilgrimageComplete a multi-day walking pilgrimage or historic trail (e.g., Camino de Santiago, Kumano Kodo).70 pts
- 🌎Quarter-Century TravelerExpand your global experience by visiting 25 different countries.70 pts
- 🛡️The Safety NetAccumulate enough liquid savings to cover 3-6 months of essential living expenses.75 pts
- 👼The Legacy BondBe the godparent or 'honorary aunt/uncle' to a friend's child, accepting the duty of guardianship.75 pts
- 👥The LeaderBe officially promoted to a role where you manage a team of other employees.80 pts
- 🏃The MarathonComplete a full 42.2-kilometer marathon. A legendary endurance feat.85 pts
- 🪑The Board MemberBe appointed or elected to a board of directors for a company or major non-profit.90 pts
- 🏘️Real Estate InvestorPurchase a property specifically to generate rental income or capital gains.95 pts
Start your 40 before 40
Track these milestones, see how many you've already hit, and compare with friends. Free.
Get started freeFrequently asked questions
What goes on a 40 before 40 list?
The strongest 40-before-40 lists balance four things: money milestones (an emergency fund, a debt paid off), career and skill moves that still compound at 40, health markers you'll thank yourself for at 60, and the experiences your twenties couldn't afford. Vague entries like 'travel more' don't belong; concrete, finishable milestones do.
I'm 37. Is it too late to start?
Three years is plenty. Keep the list honest: check off what you've already done, cut what no longer fits the life you actually want, and aim for one milestone a month. Finishing 30 of 40 by the deadline beats never starting.