How To Be An Amazingly Well-Rounded And Top Notch Adult

How can we be better adults?

We can unanimously agree that being an adult is hard. From difficult job responsibilities to balancing work and family life, to trying to find a job, paying for everything and altogether seeming like you have a clue about where you’re headed in life, it can all be very daunting. But luckily, there are a few things we can do to become brilliant and clued-up adults!

Don’t give up!

Unless you’re on a Netflix binge, it’s very important to never give up, as cliche as it sounds, especially if you’re at the beginning of adulthood, i.e just left education and in pursuit of a job. It’s completely natural to feel disheartened after every rejection and usually very difficult to land that first job opportunity, but once it happens, it does get easier! And unless you’re really lucky, your first job is unlikely to be your dream job, so it’s important to keep your dream aspirations in view. Always work towards that and don’t get comfortable in what was supposed to be temporary.

Time-management/punctuality

Balancing time and being punctual are not exclusive to just one age, but when you’re an adult, these two things make life a lot easier. It’s easy to get lost in all the different priorities you have but be sure to leave time for all your loves ones. Jobs will come and go, but the importance of family and friends are forever. And while it might be okay to be fashionable late sometimes, don't be late to things like job interviews and important family events, show them that you care, turn up on time!

Manners Maketh Man (and woman)

It might seem biblical (I actually got it from Kingsman) but manners go a long way. Whether at home, work, or on public transport, having manners is so crucial to everyday life. And it’s so easy to do. A simple ‘please’ ‘thank you’ or a smile could make someone’s day. And well-mannered people are usually most liked in the office!

Friendliness

As long as you’re not over-stepping your mark, being friendly and approachable will lead to an easier and smoother work and social life. After leaving school/university, this is now the time you will meet the most (different) people in your lives, so be open to talking to everyone. If you find yourself at a new job, a party or gatherings where you don’t know everyone, remember a lot of people are in the same boat as you, no one’s going to tell you off for saying hello!

Make time for yourself

Being in your early 20s, it can feel like there’s a 101 things to do (and there usually is) but we need to remember to have some down time too. Not only is it healthy, it’s refreshing to do something that you enjoy. It’ll boost your mood and most likely, productivity. Whether it’s reading, bike-riding, photography, painting, listening to music or swimming, make sure to take some out for old forgotten hobbies or things where you’re not stressing about life’s responsibilities, hard as that may seem.

And there’s one more thing that goes with these things like chips and ketchup, and that is a positive attitude! Whether you’re unable to manage your time wisely, if you’re having a hard time making friends or generally just having problems (which is known to happen a lot in adulthood) a positive perspective can be a game-changer and reduce stress and anxiety. So give it a go, and here’s hoping adulthood is just as adventurous, uncertain and exciting as kidulthood!