Have you ever noticed how society’s expectations shift dramatically once you hit a certain age? Bernard O'Shea’s witty take on what you should have accomplished by 50 got me thinking—and laughing—about the absurdity of it all. Personally, I think the pressure to have your life neatly tied up by mid-century is not just unrealistic but downright soul-crushing. What makes this particularly fascinating is how we’ve internalized these arbitrary milestones, from mortgages to pensions, as markers of success. But if you take a step back and think about it, isn’t life more about the messy, human moments than the checkboxes we tick off?
One thing that immediately stands out is how O'Shea flips the script. Instead of listing financial achievements or fitness goals, he celebrates the small, relatable absurdities of everyday life. Who hasn’t apologized to a door they walked into or felt a strange sense of triumph after canceling plans? What this really suggests is that our worth isn’t measured by productivity or perfection but by our ability to find humor and grace in the chaos.
From my perspective, the traditional lists of ‘what you should have by 50’ are a reflection of societal anxiety more than anything else. They imply that life is a race to the finish line, with success defined by external markers. But what many people don’t realize is that these milestones often ignore the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of aging. For instance, developing strong views on bins or becoming emotionally attached to a parking space might seem trivial, but they’re part of what makes us human.
A detail that I find especially interesting is O'Shea’s emphasis on self-acceptance. His list isn’t about self-improvement in the traditional sense; it’s about embracing the quirks and inconsistencies that make life rich. This raises a deeper question: Why do we feel the need to justify our existence through achievements? Isn’t simply surviving—and occasionally thriving—enough?
If you’ve ever wondered if everyone else got a handbook for adulthood that you missed, you’re not alone. The truth is, we’re all winging it. And that’s okay. In my opinion, the most profound insight here is that life isn’t about reaching a destination but about savoring the journey—even when it involves arguing with a fitted sheet or researching steel frying pans for hours.
What this conversation really highlights is the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. We’re bombarded with messages about what we should be doing, but rarely encouraged to reflect on what truly matters to us. Personally, I think the most radical act of self-care is rejecting these external pressures and redefining success on our own terms.
So, the next time you feel like you’re falling short of some arbitrary milestone, remember O'Shea’s list. It’s a reminder that life is messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious. And if, by 50, you’ve paid some bills, laughed at yourself, and still believe that next Monday could be the start of something great—well, that’s not failure. That’s a life well-lived.
In the end, maybe the only thing we should strive to accomplish by 50—or any age, for that matter—is to look at our lives and think: Do you know what? Considering the carry-on, I’m actually doing grand.
