When it comes to being an adult, you never stop learning things. As a child, you might think adults know everything but the truth is ‘more’ and ‘everything’ are nowhere near the same.

While I am still learning myself, sometimes sharing the things you have learned with others can help them along their journey as well. Sure, some of these things you may have already learned but they are all things I had to learn the hard way. We tend to trust too quickly and move to fast in this life, slow down and consider things before moving forward. If learning the hard way can be avoided, I promise it will make things a lot easier.

27 Things I’ve Learned The Hard Way (Secrets of Adulthood):

1. We do not have anywhere near as much time as we wish we did.

Time goes by a lot faster than it did when we were children. It’s as if days and weeks all mesh together. With each year that passes, it seems to go by much faster. We just don’t have anywhere near as much time as we would like to have so we need to make the most of it.

2. Things usually get worse before they get better.

Sure, sometimes things get better before they get worse but most of the time you gotta suffer through the peak of the storm to make it out on the other side. Don’t waste your time trying to avoid the ugly things, work through them. Things will get better when the time comes just stay at it.

3. Don’t be afraid to write things down, it comes in handy.

If you are forgetful like me you really need to stop being so stubborn and just write things down. If it’s important, write it down. Stop allowing yourself to fall behind.

4. If you’re having a bad day, don’t hesitate to get something good to eat.

A good meal at the end of a bad day can sometimes be enough to salvage things. Sure, you might think stopping by and getting your favorite dinner is not worth it but once you’ve done it you’ll feel so much better. Food really does help our moods a lot. That being said, don’t overdo it.

5. At least liking the job you have will really help your quality of life overall.

You might not love your job but you should never have to work a job you hate. Working a job you literally hate will ruin your life. It will make you not even want to get out of bed in the mornings.

6. Never take on too much.

Sometimes we take on too much, try to not let this happen. Know your limits. If you need to turn someone down, turn them down.

7. Self-care is not something to neglect.

You should take care of yourself above all else. No matter what make sure you have what you need and are comfortable. Other people come after you not before.

8. No one is responsible for your emotions.

Your emotions are your own. No one is responsible for them. If you want to improve your mood, make it happen. Make the changes you need to make.

9. Just because something matters to you doesn’t mean it matters to others.

Other people are usually cold jerks. They don’t care about the things that matter to you. They are just looking out for themselves.

10. Don’t let people who hurt you stay close to you.

Don’t let people that have hurt you in the past stick around in your close circle. Only keep people close who are going to support you and build you up. You need a proper support group, not assholes who don’t give a crap about you.

11. Perfect does not exist.

There is no such thing as perfect. You will never be perfect and no one else is perfect. Just because they seem great doesn’t mean they are.

12. You have to look out for yourself above all else.

You have to keep your best interests in mind always. If you don’t look out for yourself no one else will. You need to be your own person and take the wheel.

13. Just because someone else likes something doesn’t mean you have to.

Just because everyone else around you likes something doesn’t mean you have to. Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. Just be yourself.

14. Most people are very fake.

Most people are really fake. They only want you around for their benefit and are trying to get something from you. Sure, there are some genuine people in this world but they are far and few.

15. You cannot do everything.

You have to know when to say no. You cannot do everything. Sure, you might want to but wanting isn’t going to make much of a difference in the end.

16. Being an adult sucks.

If I could go back in time and be a kid again I would. Being an adult is not fun. You have to do everything for yourself and deal with the stress of life. Sure, you might not miss being a kid as much as some people do but you need to know that growing up is not all roses and daisies.

17. You will never have everything you want in life.

Face it, no matter how hard you work or what you do there will always be something in life you cannot have. We cannot have everything we want in this world. Sure, we can have a lot depending on how hard we work but a lot is not everything.

18. Sometimes you have to do things you really don’t want to do.

Sometimes we have to do things we do not want to do. This is a part of being an adult. Sure, it sucks but it helps make things better as a whole. Living life is a complicated thing to do.

19. You don’t have to be married to be happy.

Not everyone gets married and you don’t have to if you don’t want to. You can live a happy life without a wife or a husband. While it may be optimal for some, others can lead completely full lives without ever getting married.

20. Popularity does not matter at all.

You don’t have to be popular out in the real world. When it comes to being an adult you will notice there are still popular people but fitting in just isn’t as important. You just don’t care anymore.

21. Only you can make changes in your life.

You are the only person who can make the changes in your life that need to be made. No one can make those changes for you. You have to stand on your own two feet.

22. Having your life together means something different to everyone.

Just because you don’t think you have your life together doesn’t mean someone else isn’t jealous of how put together you are. Sometimes stepping out of your body and looking at things from a different perspective can be very motivating. ‘Together’ is not always the same thing for everyone.

23. You will really get tired of ramen noodles eventually.

Ramen noodles have been a go-to cheap meal for many throughout the years but eventually, you do get tired of them. I know, it sounds crazy but it does happen. I got burned out on them years ago and have not touched them since.

24. Cutting ties with toxic people saves you a lot of pain.

Sometimes you have to know when to let people go. Keeping toxic people around is not doing you any good. Cut ties when ties need to be cut.

25. You have to be willing to forgive yourself when need be.

Being able to forgive yourself is important. If you cannot forgive yourself then how will other people be able to? Forgiveness is all a part of moving forward.

26. Always get the sleep you need.

Sleep is important. If you are not getting enough sleep you are damaging your mind and body. No matter what always make sure you are getting the sleep you need.

27. You don’t always have to win the argument, it’s alright to just walk away.

Knowing when to walk away is crucial. Don’t let your temper get the best of you. Getting the last word in doesn’t matter anymore.