Having spent many years, I recently created an eight-week course on “Adulting.” Last month, I asked a few people’s to share the three to five most significant lessons they had learned about growing up.
In order to make it equitable, I did the same assignment myself contemplating on what I’ve learned along my own path. Below are the 25 lessons that have formed my perception of adulthood, in no specific order.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Every Love Story Is Unique
- 2 2. Self-Love Comes First
- 3 3. Exercise Your Body Daily
- 4 4. Learn the Art of Letting Go
- 5 5. Keep Yourself Creative Every Day
- 6 6. Discover Something New Every Week
- 7 7. Be Friends From Different Ages
- 8 8. Learn to Cook a Few Great Dishes
- 9 9. Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee
- 10 10. Indulge in Fresh Flowers
- 11 11. Invest in Experiences, Not Items
- 12 12. Master the Art of “No”
- 13 13. Keep Play Alive in Relationships
- 14 14. Go Outside Every Day
- 15 15. Begin Strength Training Early
- 16 16. Learn to Swim
- 17 17. Read What Inspires You
- 18 18. Quality Over Quantity
- 19 19. Do Something You Love Every Day
- 20 20. Use a Calendar
- 21 21. Write Cards by Hand
- 22 22. Learn Basic Life Skills
- 23 23. Start Conversations with Strangers
- 24 24. Have Difficult Conversations Gracefully
- 25 25. Thank the People Who Shaped You
- 26 Final Thought
1. Every Love Story Is Unique
Every love story is different. The most real ones tend to come later in life when you really know yourself.
2. Self-Love Comes First
Prior to giving love or making a worthwhile contribution to the world, you need to respect and appreciate yourself.
3. Exercise Your Body Daily
Walk, stretch, or dance whatever keeps your body in motion. Exercise powers mental acuity and emotional equilibrium.
4. Learn the Art of Letting Go
Letting go is an art. Let go of what no longer benefits you whether it is bad relationships, outdated objectives, or unrealistic deadlines.
5. Keep Yourself Creative Every Day
Creativity is not about art. It’s about applying imagination to everyday life. Experiment with new ideas, reorganize your environment, or prepare something different.
6. Discover Something New Every Week
Challenge your comfort zone weekly. Go somewhere new, experiment with a new hobby, or discover new friends. Growth starts with curiosity.
7. Be Friends From Different Ages
Friends of varying ages bring wisdom, humor, and the perspective. Some of my best friends are decades older or younger than I.
8. Learn to Cook a Few Great Dishes
Cooking is self-care. Master a few signature dishes, they’ll impress guests and make you feel independent.
9. Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee
Even if you don’t drink it, the ability to make wonderful coffee is a life skill that wins hearts.
10. Indulge in Fresh Flowers
Have fresh flowers at home. They lift your mood, bring joy, and encourage you to take care of yourself.
11. Invest in Experiences, Not Items
Concerts and trips are always an investment worth making. Memories far outweigh material possessions.
12. Master the Art of “No”
Saying “no” allows you to say “yes” to what really counts. Guard your time and energy.
13. Keep Play Alive in Relationships
Play and laughter bring love alive. Never be amazed, regardless of age.
14. Go Outside Every Day
Air will cure. Take at least a few minutes outside each day it revives your body and mind.
15. Begin Strength Training Early
Strong muscles equate to a strong mind. Weightlifting or strength training develops long-term confidence and health.
16. Learn to Swim
Swimming is not only exercise, it’s a survival skill and a connection to the outdoors.
17. Read What Inspires You
Pick a genre you enjoy and read profoundly. For me, it’s memoirs and creative nonfiction accounts that remind me we’re all human.
18. Quality Over Quantity
Whether it’s clothing, shoes, or accessories spend money on fewer, higher-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
19. Do Something You Love Every Day
Even ten minutes of joy music, writing, gardening can change your day.
20. Use a Calendar
A basic planner can save you time, make you less stressed, and keep you on track.
21. Write Cards by Hand
A hand-written thank you or birthday card is something we don’t see much anymore and that’s what makes it special.
22. Learn Basic Life Skills
Know how to tie a tie, change a tire, write a check, send mail, or read a map. These small skills build confidence and independence.
23. Start Conversations with Strangers
Be comfortable talking to new people. Communication opens doors to opportunity and connection.
24. Have Difficult Conversations Gracefully
Be honest and respectful even when it’s uncomfortable whether it’s a breakup, disagreement, or apology.
25. Thank the People Who Shaped You
Reach out to a teacher, mentor, or friend who impacted your life. Gratitude benefits both of you.
Final Thought
Adulthood is not perfection, it’s progress.
Learn, forgive, laugh, and begin again. These lessons are not commands; they’re reminders that every step even the messy steps contributes to making your life more meaningful.
