27 Life Lessons to Help You in Adulthood

Hey everyone! I recently celebrated my 27th birthday on June 20th, and I suddenly started thinking of what I have learned these last 27 years. Now, 27 isn’t a typical “milestone” like 16, 18, 21, or 30. But, it was personally significant for me, so I put together these 27 life lessons that have helped me in adulthood because I know it will help you too.

As I began reflecting I realized this last year has taught me more about others, my relationships, and myself more than any other year previously. It feels like I had about 5 years of life lessons rolled into one.

My hope is that you carry this with you – to inspire, encourage, and motivate you to not only be your best version, but your favorite version.

Be kind to yourself and others

Many of us are great at being kind to others, but we forget about ourselves in the process. Treat yourself like a friend

Embrace change and be flexible

Life is ever-changing. I know it’s not easy to let go of that control, but there’s peace that comes with allowing things to be what they are.

Learn to let go of things that don’t serve you

Just because something or someone appears in our lives doesn’t mean it’s meant to stay. Sometimes it may even hurt to hold on. This includes family, friends, work, etc.

Take care of your physical and mental health

Your inside and outside are both important – don’t neglect either one.

Practice gratitude and appreciate what you have

It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but taking a minute to recognize all you have in pretty simple too.

Stay curious and keep learning

No matter how old we get there will always be new things to learn. It’s how we grow, and evolve – embrace not knowing

Take risks and step out of your comfort zone

Playing it safe will only take you so far – With great risk comes great reward.

Be honest and transparent in your relationships

Being honest and vulnerable is one of the strongest qualities there is. It’s honorable to give your authentic self to the people closest to you, not many can.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people

The company you keep impacts your life in a number of ways. Make sure you like their reflection because it will become a part of yours as well.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Comparison is the thief of joy. We’re all doing our own thing, worrying about the next person isn’t going to do you any good. Life is not a competition, its an individual assignment.

Focus on progress, not perfection

Perfection cant be obtained, but you can make progress every single day.

Learn to forgive and move on

My dad first told me this when I was a child forgiveness isn’t for the other person, its for you.

Be patient and trust the process

If your time hasn’t come, it’s coming. I know no one wants to hear that especially if they’ve been going through it, but it’s true. We cant all be in our winning season at the same time, and that’s a hard pill to swallow. This life ebbs and flows, you just have to learn how to move with it.

Keep putting in the work and whatever you got going on will fall into place.

Hold yourself accountable for your words/actions

It’s the noble thing to do. It may not always feel great, but knowing you’re someone who can take accountability feels pretty good. Just watch other adults in your life, I bet at least two of them have a hard time owning up to what they have said or done. A lot of the time its harmless, but it can become detrimental fast.

Practice mindfulness and live in the present moment

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn’t here yet. All we have is right now, so enjoy what’s happening right in front of you.

Listen more than you speak

You cant learn if you never listen. Open your mind, and allow new information, opinions, and ideas in.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Everyone needs help in life. We may come into this world by ourselves (most of us) but that doesn’t mean we’re supposed to go through life that way. Don’t let pride get in the way of asking for or accepting help. It’s okay to need people.

Prioritize your time and energy

Time management is essential when you’re an adult. Life gets way too busy, and you’ll find yourself scheduling time in to use the bathroom. You must prioritize what you’re giving your time and energy to, some things can wait.

Be grateful for criticism and use it to improve

We are all works in progress, so don’t take it too hard if someone gives you constructive criticism. It’s one of the ways we grow and improve.

Don’t hold grudges

Grudges are like poison to your soul. You don’t have to like, associate, or hang out with people you don’t mesh with. Let go of all those negative feelings. What does holding onto it do for you?

The petty, unhealed era is over – move forward, sis.

Believe in yourself and your abilities

You have the power to do anything you want, accomplish whatever goal you set. Believing in yourself is half the battle. Don’t let your imposter syndrome bring you down!

Be open-minded and willing to learn from others

It is no flex to be the same person you were at 15, and you’re 29. Growth is a part of life, and to do that we must be willing to learn from others. Keep an open mind to challenging ideas, different opinions, etc. and see where it takes you.

Follow your passions and pursue your dreams

As Cady said in Mean Girls –

Don’t sell yourself short. I’m sure there are others who have similar passions, and achieved those goals.

If they can, you can.

Take me, for example. One of my passions is to be a writer so I decided to start my own blog. If other people doing the same thing can achieve success, why cant I?

Stick to that positive mindset, don’t give up.

Practice self-care and prioritize your well-being

Self care is whatever helps you decompress. Internal wellness is just as important as external wellness, and it should be prioritized accordingly. Make sure you give yourself that time to do your skincare, wash your hair, or read a few chapters. Recharging our batteries is necessary for quality performance.

Treat others the way you want to be treated

An oldie but goodie.

This tip will never go out of style. Most of us learned this before starting school, and many years later it still holds the same weight.

You deserve kindness, respect, love, grace, etc.

So does everyone else.

Stay true to your values and beliefs

Not only should you stay true to them, you should take pride in them. Our values and beliefs are at the core of who we are as people. Never lose sight of whatever guides, drives, motivates, or inspires you.

Always strive to be your favorite version of yourself

I know most people say the best version of yourself, and I’m not necessarily disagreeing with that. What I believe is there is underlying pressure that comes with striving to be the “best” version of yourself. Personally, I found myself disappointed whenever I felt like I wasn’t at 100%, as if I always had to be operating at that optimal level.

Through learning myself I realized that I’m more invested in my favorite version. Who am I when I’m the most joyous, silliest, loving – who am I around? What am I doing?

My laundry might not folded and put away, or I’m not in bed at a decent hour every night – but I feel the most complete.

Find that person. That’s what life is about.

Finding out what makes you want to live each day, not obsessing over a perfect performance.

Final thoughts

Well, there you have it!

27 life lessons in 27 years.

In some ways I still feel 14 (maybe that’s my childlike spirit.)

So, coming into my late 20’s has its shock factor for sure, but I have also grown and matured in ways I wouldnt have believed 10 years ago.

Every challenging, beautiful, tiring, rewarding moment has been worth it because it led me here. I’m now living my best life with my amazing husband, and our miracle baby boy.

Here’s to love, growth, exploring our passions, and another 70 years of lessons!