How to Be a Grownup and Get Shit Done
T-Shirt: Missguided Shorts: Blank NYC Sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar here) Shoes: Converse Bracelets: Shashi
Ahh growing up. It’s a double edged sword. You’re allowed to do whatever you want, but that also means you’re responsible for everything.
Even though I had a full time job at 16 and moved out at 17, there’s something a lot different about being in your 20s. It’s kind of like you have a realization that you have to get your shit together. In your mid and late 20s, you start scrambling because you realize you don’t have it together and look around and wonder how everyone else seems so composed.
Yes, I can just go drive to the store and buy a birthday cake and eat it whenever I want. BUT, I don’t. Why? Because I know I can and that’s kind of the best part of growing up. Not necessarily doing a bunch of stupid stuff – but knowing you totally could if you wanted to.
To be honest, the closer I get to the big 3-0, the younger I feel. That doesn’t mean I don’t stress out about student loans and what the F I’m doing with my life. But I definitely don’t feel like I’m trying to appear like I have it all figured out.
So today, I’m focusing on a little bit of wisdom.
How to be a Grownup and Get Shit Done
Also known as, how to be a functioning adult (but still have fun). I’m not an expert. I have student loans still and I cry on a regular basis because I don’t know if I’m making the right “grownup decisions”. But I like to think I’ve “got my shit straight” to some degree and still enjoy the ride.
Here are my tips on growing up, staying young & gettin’ shit done!
Stop Eating Crap
Ok, ok, I know how this sounds. I post about Mini Ice Cream Waffles & Epic Nachos all the time. BUT, the trick is… eating food that isn’t healthy in moderation. I’m not trying to tell you that you need to go on a raw food diet and only eat kale. But, maybe stop living by the “treat yo self” motto every day. Your body is not a garbage can. If you want to be a badass grownup, you’ve gotta take care of yourself. Sure a Double Double is amazing, but you know what else is great? Cooking up a homemade burger sans all of the grease and sauce. Not only does it make you feel better, it makes your brain feel better. When I eat well, it puts my brain in a good space and keeps me motivated.
Define Your Goals
Your goals don’t need to be crazy. I’m not trying to pay off my student loans in 6 months. I’m realistic. BUT, one of my goals is to save a chunk of money to put a down payment on a car next year. One of the main reasons people don’t accomplish things is because they’re not specific enough. Maybe you want to finish college. Don’t just say “I want to finish school”. Say, I want to finish school by Spring 2018. If you set vague goals for yourself, it’s more overwhelming. If you have a specific date/end goal, it’s easier to figure out how to get there.
Use A Calendar
You want to know where I’m at on the ahdulting-o-meter? I have 2 calendars. One on my phone that syncs up to my computer. And one physical agenda that I write everything out in. Schedule your life out, I stg it’s the best feeling ever. Not only will it help you get an idea of what you’ve got going on & what you have time for, it will keep you on track and help you prioritize.
Hustle
Don’t ever tell me “you can’t get a job” or “there are no jobs”. I call bullshit. That’s 100% false. You’ve gotta hustle. If you’re looking for a job, you need to be on your A game. Looking at job boards, craigslist, networking & filling out as many applications as you can. Make sure you’ve got a resume and always dress professionally. Don’t just apply to your dream jobs. Worst case scenario? You get a less than optimal job – that not only looks good on your resume (hello experience), but also gives you $$ to live on. You can keep looking for a different, better fitting job while you still have a job. Just remember: never quit before you’ve locked in another offer.
HALLLP!
Do you know how many times a week I call my boyfriend or my dad looking for advice? I can’t even count it on my two hands. Divide and conquer is my motto. I’m not a psychic and I don’t always have the answers to my problems. Sometimes, asking for help with a problem or asking for advice is the best bet. No one will ever judge you for asking for help or wanting to talk through some of your stress.
Set Social Media Ground Rules
So, you’re an adult. It’s time to shape up our social media game. That means: don’t post embarrassing twitter rants, drunk party pics on Instagram or anything else incriminating. If you’re trying to get a job or be taken seriously at a new job, it’s probably best not to call in sick and then post an IG story about how much fun you’re having with your friends in Vegas. That also means we have to become more disciplined with our social media schedule. Unless it’s your job, try to only check social media a few times a day. That way it “enhances” your life instead of taking up a bunch of your time – that could be spent being productive.
No Means No
My favorite word! What lesson did we learn form “Yes Man”? Sometimes it’s important to say no. Whether it’s opting out of happy hour to recharge and get some sleep, or having to say no to taking on more work. Time is limited, sometimes it’s more important to focus on the things you already have on your plate instead of getting overwhelmed after the fact.
Shit Happens
For real. Being an adult has it’s “sucky” moments. Flat tires, overdrafted bank accounts, running out of toilet paper.. The trick is not to let it get to you (too much). Try not to let the little shit make you angry or feel defeated. The calmer you are, the more rationally you can approach the situation and find a solution. Like: I’ll just drive to the store and pick up some more toilet paper! While I’m there, I’ll treat myself to a magazine!
Stop Obsessing Over Others
What’s that old saying? Comparison is the thief of joy? I think my dad says that? But it’s true. No one is perfect. The more you compare yourself to what other people have, the less you’re focusing on improving yourself and achieving your own goals. No one’s lives are “as great as they appear”. We all deal with our “shit” – it’s how we deal with it and keep moving forward that makes the difference.
Be Nice
For some reason, this seems like it’s the hardest task for a lot of people. Awesome Adults are not Assholes. If you want to be a badass bitch, drop the bitch. There’s nothing worse than people who think they’re better than everyone else. Recognize people around you and recognize the mutual struggle. Being a successful adult isn’t just about making a bunch of money and doing better than everyone else. It’s important not to lose yourself in your ‘adulating’. There are tons of shitty, self involved people out there. And sometimes, nice people are shitty. Being nice to people and taking other people’s struggles into consideration is my biggest piece of advice. Why would you want to be successful if you couldn’t share it with the people around you and enjoy life together?
** Like my choker shirt? Check out the DIY I posted for it. All you need is a T-shirt and some scissors!
** Want to see my other pics from Belmont Park? Check out my Solo Date post!
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