6 Life-Changing Things When I Grew Up As An Adult
It is hard and challenging. Everyone is fighting to adapt and be their best version, including me.
Growing up as an adult changes my mindset about life, family, friends, health and wealth forever. Moreover, this pandemic changes everything instantly. I have to think deeper and wisely about every single aspect of life, which is not easy. So, what are those things?
1. Smaller groups of friends
When I was in high school, my mission is to make as many friends as possible. I became sad when one of my friends left me.
Nowadays, I prefer to have a smaller community of friends that can support each other. I realise that not all of my friends have the same interest and career pathways. Therefore, most of my friends right now are the one that shares the same interests and goals. I don’t get upset when one friend goes, because I know that they have their own pathways.
Nevertheless, it doesn't mean that I don’t want to have more friends. I still network with a lot of people, since that is the key for me to grow. I believe that networking and friendship are a completely different thing. They are similar in some ways, but in friendships, it allows me to be more personal with them.
2. Financially independent
I can’t remember how many times I asked my parents for extra pocket money when I was in high school. Now everything’s changed when I reached my adulthood.
As much as I can, I don’t want to rely on my parents in terms of financial support. I understand that they are always willing to help me, but I want to be independent. I stop asking my parents for extra financial support after I reached my income goals. In addition, I saved some for my future plans too, which brings us to the third point.
3. Saving money and investing
When I received my first income, I was very happy and grateful. I wrote my expenses and calculate how much I can save. By saving money, it allows me to plan ahead for my future goals, such as investing it. As my parents always encourage me to do, I always wanted to invest something in my life. I take risks sometimes and I’m not afraid if I fail. Failure is part of the learning process and there’s always a chance to step up and do it all over again.
Just like what I did now in Medium. Even my first monthly income didn’t reach a single dollar digit, but I had nothing to lose. As long as I keep learning and writing, I will reach my goal.
4. Controlling temptation
As I earned more, I had the temptation to spend more. For instance, I am a huge fan of technology and I always wanted to keep up my gadgets with the latest one. I realised that if I want to keep up with the trend, I will have to spend more money.
Spending and saving money wisely is crucial. I usually think if it’s necessary to spend a huge amount of money on an item. I learnt to buy what I needed, instead what I wanted. Needs and wants are completely different. I prioritise my spending on my needs and use the extra savings to buy what I want.
5. Being productive and think ahead
In the past, I am a lazy person. Weekends are my favourite days since I know that I can chill at home.
Nowadays, I like being busy. I always try to think productively and taking every single available opportunity. Especially throughout this period, I kept myself busy writing stories and researching, even it’s just from my home. It allows me to think ahead and prepare myself in the future. Of course, I still love chilling to keep my work-life balance.
6. Taking care body and soul
As I grew up, I realised how important is to take care of myself. Maintaining my body by exercising, eating adequate and nutritious food is vital. I always wanted to live longer in a healthy condition, since there are many things to explore in this world.
Not just body, but my soul and mind too. Every morning, I took time to say grace to keep myself positive. And before bedtime, I reflect on what things I did today and what can I improve for the next day.
As an adult is always hard and challenging, nothing is easy about it. Everyone is fighting to adapt and be their best version, including me. I learnt and fight like a warrior to survive. I keep trying if it doesn’t work or look for other suitable alternatives. In the end, I can reach what I desire to be and be the best version of me. I never look back and I keep moving forward. It was a fun experience in childhood, but it’s time for me to move on and be a true adult.
Let me conclude it with a quote from Albert Einstein:
“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value”. — Albert Einstein
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Christopher Reno Budiman is a writer, explorer and entrepreneur-minded person. He received Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management) and Bachelor of International Hospitality Management with Swiss Hotel Association accreditation. He’s on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn if you would like to know more about him.