Being a grown-up is hard. Like, really hard. One minute you’re crushing beers with your buddies, and the next, you’re Googling “how to unclog a garbage disposal” at 2 a.m. because you thought it could handle an entire lasagna. (Spoiler: It can’t.) Adulthood hits you like a freight train, and suddenly you’re expected to know things like “what’s a 401(k)” and “how to fold a fitted sheet.” It’s a scam, honestly. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to be perfect at this whole how to adult thing.
You just have to be better than the guy who still uses his mom’s Netflix password. And lucky for you, I’ve been faking my way through adulthood long enough to give you some solid adulting tips. So grab a beer (or a kale smoothie if you’re one of those guys), and let’s talk about how to survive, and maybe even thrive, in this chaotic mess we call life.
Table of Contents
1. Master the Art of Faking It Until You Make It
Let’s start with the golden rule of how to adult: Nobody knows what they’re doing. Seriously. That guy at work who seems like he has his life together? He’s probably Googling “how to iron a shirt” on his lunch break. The key is to act like you’ve got it all figured out, even when you’re one missed paycheck away from eating ramen for a month.
Here’s how to fake it like a pro:
- Dress the part. You don’t need a closet full of designer clothes, but invest in a few key pieces that make you look like you’ve got your life together. A well-fitted blazer, a pair of shoes that aren’t falling apart, and a watch that doesn’t say “Hello Kitty” can work wonders.
- Learn some buzzwords. Whether you’re at work or a party, dropping phrases like “synergy,” “low-hanging fruit,” or “circle back” will make people think you’re smarter than you are. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll sound like a corporate robot.
- Nod and smile. When in doubt, just nod like you know what’s going on. Bonus points if you throw in a thoughtful “Hmm, interesting” for good measure.
2. Get Your Finances in Order (Without Crying)
Money is the root of all stress, but it doesn’t have to be. Sure, you’re not going to be Warren Buffett overnight, but you can at least stop living paycheck to paycheck. Here’s the lowdown on how to manage money like a pro:
- Budget like a boss. Yeah, I know, budgeting sounds about as fun as watching paint dry. But trust me, it’s worth it. Start by tracking your spending for a month (yes, even the $12 you dropped on tacos at 2 a.m.). Then, use an app like Mint or YNAB to create a budget that doesn’t make you want to cry.
- Save for emergencies. Life has a way of kicking you in the nuts when you least expect it. Your car will break down, your dog will eat something it shouldn’t, and your boss will decide you don’t need that bonus after all. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of expenses.
- Invest like you mean it. If you’re not already investing, start now. Even if it’s just $50 a month, throw it into an index fund or a Roth IRA. Your future self will thank you when you’re sipping margaritas on a beach instead of eating cat food in a studio apartment.
3. Relationships: How to Not Screw Them Up
Ah, relationships. The one area of life where even the smartest guys turn into complete idiots. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, here’s how to not mess it up:
- Communicate like an adult. I know, talking about your feelings is about as comfortable as wearing wet socks. But here’s the thing: Your partner isn’t a mind reader. If something’s bothering you, say it. And if they’re upset, listen. It’s not rocket science, but it’s amazing how many guys fail at this.
- Date night isn’t optional. If you’re in a long-term relationship, don’t let things get stale. Plan a date night at least once a month. And no, sitting on the couch watching Netflix doesn’t count. Put in some effort, it’ll pay off.
- Don’t be a jerk to your single friends. If you’re married or in a relationship, don’t ghost your single buddies. They need you more than ever, even if they won’t admit it. Invite them out, introduce them to people, and remind them that being single isn’t the end of the world.
4. Take Care of Your Body (Because It’s the Only One You’ve Got)
Let’s be real: Your body isn’t what it used to be. You can’t eat an entire pizza and wash it down with a six-pack without feeling like death the next day. But that doesn’t mean you have to turn into a gym bro who lives on protein shakes and kale. Here’s how to stay in shape without losing your sanity:
- Find a workout you actually enjoy. If running feels like torture, don’t do it. Try lifting weights, swimming, or even martial arts. The key is to find something you’ll stick with.
- Eat like an adult. You don’t have to give up burgers and fries entirely, but try to balance it out with some veggies and lean protein. And for the love of God, stop skipping breakfast.
- Get enough sleep. I know, sleep is for the weak. But trust me, nothing will screw up your life faster than being chronically tired. Aim for seven to eight hours a night, and stop scrolling through your phone at 2 a.m.
5. Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
Here’s the hard truth: Social media is a lie. That guy from high school who’s always posting about his “amazing” life? He’s probably drowning in debt and faking it harder than you are. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and focus on your own journey.
- Celebrate small wins. Did you finally fix that leaky faucet? Hell yeah, that’s a win. Did you resist the urge to text your ex after a few beers? Double win. Life is made up of small victories, so celebrate them.
- Set realistic goals. You’re not going to be a millionaire by next Tuesday, and that’s okay. Set small, achievable goals and work toward them. Whether it’s saving $1,000, losing 10 pounds, or finally cleaning out your garage, every step counts.
- Remember: You’re doing better than you think. Seriously. You’re reading an article about self-improvement for men, which means you’re already ahead of the game. Give yourself some credit.
6. Embrace the Chaos
At the end of the day, life is messy. You’re going to make mistakes, screw up, and have days where you feel like a complete failure. And that’s okay. The key is to keep going, even when it feels like the world is against you.
- Laugh at yourself. When you inevitably do something stupid (and you will), don’t take it too seriously. Laugh it off, learn from it, and move on.
- Lean on your friends. Life is better when you’ve got a solid crew to back you up. Whether it’s your buddies from college or your coworkers, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
- Keep things in perspective. Bad days happen to everyone. But as long as you’re trying, you’re doing better than most. So take a deep breath, crack open a beer, and remember: You’ve got this.
FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions About How to Adult
Let’s face it: Adulthood comes with a lot of questions, and Google can only do so much. Here are some of the most common ones I’ve heard (and asked myself) about how to adult, along with some brutally honest answers.
1. What Are the Steps to Adulting?
Adulting isn’t a straight path, it’s more like a chaotic obstacle course where the hurdles include laundry, taxes, and not crying when your Wi-Fi goes out. But here’s a basic roadmap:
- Get your finances in order. Budget, save, and invest like your future depends on it (because it does).
- Take care of your body. Eat better, move more, and stop pretending hangovers don’t count as a health issue.
- Nail the basics. Learn how to cook, clean, and fix things around the house. YouTube is your best friend here.
- Build strong relationships. Communicate, show up for people, and don’t ghost your friends just because you’re in a relationship.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. Focus on your own journey, celebrate small wins, and remember: Everyone’s faking it.
2. Why Do I Feel Like I Can’t Adult?
Because adulting is hard, and no one actually prepares you for it. You spend 18+ years learning algebra and the capital of Wyoming, but no one teaches you how to file taxes or deal with a broken dishwasher. Plus, social media makes it look like everyone else has their life together (spoiler: they don’t).
The truth is, feeling like you can’t adult is totally normal. It’s called “imposter syndrome,” and even CEOs and billionaires deal with it. The key is to keep going, even when you feel like you’re failing. And hey, if all else fails, just remember: You’re doing better than the guy who still uses his mom’s Netflix password.
3. How Do I Teach Myself to Be an Adult?
The same way you teach yourself anything else: Trial, error, and a lot of Googling. Here’s how to get started:
- Learn by doing. You’re not going to magically know how to change a tire or negotiate a salary. Start small, make mistakes, and figure it out as you go.
- Ask for help. Whether it’s your dad, a friend, or Reddit, don’t be afraid to lean on others for advice.
- Embrace the mess. Adulthood is messy, and that’s okay. The more you embrace the chaos, the easier it gets.
4. How to Deal with Being an Adult?
First, accept that it’s not always going to be fun. Bills, responsibilities, and existential dread are part of the package. But here’s how to deal:
- Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who get it and can laugh with you when life gets ridiculous.
- Take breaks. You don’t have to be “on” 24/7. Schedule time to relax, unwind, and do things you actually enjoy.
- Laugh at yourself. When you inevitably screw up (and you will), don’t take it too seriously. Life’s too short to stress over every little mistake.
Final Thoughts
Adulting is hard, but it’s not impossible. With a little effort, a lot of humor, and a willingness to fake it until you make it, you can survive, and maybe even thrive, in this crazy world. So go out there, make some mistakes, and remember: You’re not alone. We’re all just winging it.
At the end of the day, how to adult is less about having all the answers and more about figuring it out as you go. So cut yourself some slack, keep learning, and remember: You’re not alone in this.
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