Many Americans are only considered adults by virtue of age, in my opinion. I will be honest; even at the age of 24, I should not have been considered an “adult.” Sure, I had a four-year degree and a job, but in reality, I had the mentality of a child with the age of an adult. From my own personal experience, here are four significant changes I made in my life that transformed me (in no particular order):
1. Cultivating a Strong Work Ethic
A strong work ethic is a cornerstone of adulthood. It encompasses qualities such as discipline, dedication, reliability, and perseverance. Developing a strong work ethic sets the stage for success in both personal and professional endeavors. Yes, I had a job, and I consistently showed up, but I never gave my employer 100% of my best effort daily. I would say I did just enough to not get fired. Never did I go above and beyond. I wrote a whole blog entitled “The ripple effect” about this topic previously. Go check it out if you want to know more about the day I suddenly decided to flip the switch and start giving it my all at work.
2. Embracing a Daily Routine
I am a firm believer that you cannot be a successful individual without a daily routine. My routine was far more regimented before I became a mom. Each day looked exactly the same, from the time I woke up to which body part I was training at the
gym on that specific day of the week. Everything, right down to making my bed immediately after waking up. Now that I am a mother, my “daily routine” can waver a bit depending on how the day unfolds, but I still make sure all the “boxes” are checked. Can I commit to a set time to work out? Most days, no, but I still make it mandatory that I get my workout in regardless of what time it happens at. Is my bed made the second I wake up? No, but I ensure it gets done before I leave for work. A daily routine nurtures consistency and accountability. When habits become ingrained in a routine, they transform into positive behaviors. This consistency aids in accomplishing long-term goals, whether it’s a successful career or personal aspirations. Adulthood demands the ability to manage time effectively, and a well-crafted routine serves as an invaluable tool for achieving this.
3. Being Financially Responsible
One crucial aspect of adulthood is developing financial responsibility, and boy did I struggle with this. I spent money on things I had no business buying and didn’t save money for a rainy day. Please see the photo of me with my brand new BMW that I had no business buying with my $19,000 a year income at the time. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it’s truly time for you to start evaluating what you’re spending your money on. Take a month’s statement of your bank account and do a self-audit. Determine what is a necessary spend versus a non-necessary spend. Learning to resist the urge to spend money on “things you don’t need” will also help you develop your self-discipline (which is never a bad thing). Learning to live within your means is critical to being a successful adult, and knowing that if you’re not happy with your financial situation, you can always change it.
4. Acquiring Knowledge of Politics
This is something that was instilled in my brain since childhood by my father. “We are proud to be Americans, and it is a privilege to live in a country where you can vote.” If you’re 18 or older and not registered to vote, I implore you to take action today and register. You can do it right online. I have so many people who say, “I’m not into politics, I don’t want to be involved,
I don’t know anything about politics,” or my favorite, “my vote doesn’t matter.” If this is you, it’s time for a change. Being an informed American with the ability to vote is your duty to this country. Understanding politics is crucial for making informed decisions and actively participating in society. Knowledge of politics goes beyond mere awareness of political figures or events; it involves understanding governance structures, policies, and their implications. If all of this seems overwhelming to even consider, just start by registering to vote as an independent. Once you’ve done that, commit one hour a week to learning more about political figures and current events. If you don’t know which party aligns with your views, do some research. You can always change your party along the way!
