Over the years (and by years, I mean the last five years I’ve been considered “an adult”), I’ve realized that very few of us actually know how to be adults. And it’s not to say that we are immature or anything. We just lack the knowledge when it comes to things we should already know how to do.

And who’s to blame for this? Your parents, your teachers, your friends? Maybe all of the above? Regardless, now that we’re adults, it’s your turn to take the torch. Investing in yourself is the foundation for becoming a wise, well-functioning adult.

Considering that I’m probably no more of an adult than you are, I’ve recruited some help. Some of the “adultiest” adults I know shared some ideas of what they thought were most important when it comes to being an adult. I’ve decided to share these things with you, in hopes that we can all grow up together.

As an adult, you should:

1. Be able to hold a job.
2. Know how to pay bills, and handle your priorities.
3. Be able to take care of yourself.
4. Have your own possessions (car, phone, place of residence, etc.).
5. Know how to solve your own problems.
6. Know how to manage your money, including building the habit of saving money.
7. Have emotional maturity.
8. Continue to grow and learn despite being out of school.
9. Have S.M.A.R.T. goals.
   • S – Specific
   • M – Measurable
   • A – Achievable
   • R – Realistic
   • T – Time-bound
10. Know how to maintain relationships (both professional and personal), learning to add/multiply, not subtract/divide.
11. Maintain your reputation.
12. Be able to learn from your mistakes.
13. Take the time to travel or explore new lifestyles.

I hope this list inspires someone out there. And if you have any more ideas, please share in the comment section below! Thanks for reading! 🙂