How to Grow Up and Finally Act Like an Adult
Even though age is just a number, getting older is inevitable. At some point, everyone must accept that they can no longer act like a teenager without accountability. Even though growing up can be complex, it’s part of life everyone goes through.
Personal growth is a journey that looks different for everyone. That’s why it’s important not to compare yours to anyone else’s. So instead, in this post, we’ll look at some of the most important aspects of personal growth so that you can use them in your journey.
Self-Control
Self-control is a funny thing. Even though we know we should always have it, it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and do things that aren’t good for us. For example, maybe you’ve spent your entire paycheck on the weekends going out with friends.
This may work when you’re 18, but it’s another story when you hit 28 or 38. In fact, by the time you’re headed to 30, you should have a pretty good idea of who you are and where you want to go. Of course, that’s not to say you must have life all figured out; however, being unable to save dime warrants immediate intervention.
Accountability
Another significant component of growth is accountability. Maybe your partner or a family member needs help paying for college. You’re making being financially responsible a priority, so when you’re asked to cosign a loan, you must ask yourself whether it’s the right thing to do. As a cosigner, you must understand the implications and what can happen if the loan isn’t paid on time. Paying the loan in full will fall on your shoulders, even if you’re only the cosigner.
Self-Awareness
When you’re self-aware, you are more in tune with your needs. You’ve taken the time to look inside and determine your strengths, weaknesses, and what ultimately makes you tick. You’re also aware of the mistakes you’ve made in the past and are to avoid making them again. But when you’re just starting your journey, you may wonder how to get to this point.
It all begins with setting goals for yourself and working towards them. Think about the things you like about yourself as well as things you would like to improve. Create a timeline of how long you’d like to work on these things. Be realistic and honest with yourself. Setting unrealistic goals will only lead to disappointment and, ultimately, failure.
Be Open to Change
Complacency is one of the unique signs of stress that many often overlook. Change is also a part of life, even if it’s not something you thought you needed to do. Use your list of strengths and weaknesses to determine what you’d like to change. Then, think about how you could make those changes.
For example, maybe you have a terrible habit of talking over people in conversation. How could you correct this behavior? You could make a mental note to take at least a 2-second pause before you speak to ensure the other person has completed their thought. Recognizing your need to change is the first step, regardless of what’s needed.
