The Uncharted Waters of Adulthood: Navigating the Challenges
Becoming an adult is a rite of passage filled with both excitement and trepidation. It’s a journey that promises newfound independence, but it also introduces a host of challenges. The struggles of growing up into an adult are an inevitable part of the process, shaping who we become in the end.
I remember when I first imagined myself as someone who would get happily married, buy a house… and then have kids and watch them become adults. Funny enough, at the time of me writing this article: I am single, no kids, and currently living at my childhood home.
Am I ashamed of it? Absolutely not. Because life, as I have found out quickly, doesn’t always work the way we anticipate. Sometimes, LIFE has a way of hitting us with unexpected turns and twists along the way. Let’s talk a little bit about what “adulting” means
1. Financial Independence: The transition to adulthood often brings the weight of financial responsibilities. Budgeting, bills, and saving for the future can be daunting. Learning to manage your finances is a crucial aspect of adulting that can be both empowering and overwhelming.
For me, this continues to be a big journey. I have not achieved the FINANCIAL strength quite yet, due to some decisions I solely made – in trusting someone who was a “friend” who in reality didn’t end up being so. Instead, this person was simply someone who took advantage of my kindness and benefited from it as much as they could.
However, I am on track to investing in vehicles that will give me the greatest return. Goal is to invest in multiple businesses to create cashflow so that I do not have to worry.
2. Career and Ambitions: Choosing a career path and pursuing your ambitions is a multifaceted challenge. The pressure to make the right choices can be stressful, and the journey towards professional success can be filled with setbacks. Finding your true vocation is a process that often takes time.
It is something that for me, I have had a big process in looking at. Finding what is most important is tough sometimes. Because I have been through some seminars, offered some businesses, etc. that did not lead me to much. And then when it comes to fulltime job/careers… I have been in the liquor industry for the past ten years. Including the times when I was a bartender at 19/20 years old.
So, finding a vocation isn’t much about “how much money you can earn” , for me instead , it has left me to consider, “what does GOD want me to move into? What is HIS purpose so that I can consider my purpose being in alignment with His.”
3. Relationships: Navigating adult relationships is a complex endeavor. From forming new friendships to nurturing romantic partnerships, adult life presents a series of emotional challenges. Maintaining healthy connections while respecting your own boundaries can be a constant balancing act.
Again, trusting the wrong person is something I did, but will be much more intelligent the next time around. But relationships ROMANTICALLY is something totally different. Being open to having those relationships, due to my high ambition, is going to be a hurdle. i have always considered it difficult for me to justify spending some time away from my responsibilities. But have been more and more open to working on this when I can.
4. Time Management: With the independence of adulthood comes the need for efficient time management. Balancing work, personal life, and self-care can be a constant struggle. Learning to prioritize and allocate time wisely is an ongoing challenge.
Calendars? YES , calendars. Many of them.
But the great thing is that FOCUS is most important. I cannot speak from someone who perhaps “has it all figured out”, but what I can say is that its so crucial for us to have priorities straight – and that we can know that what we are doing CURRENTLY, isn’t as important as something we can do to triple our results.
I read in a book by MICHAEL HYATT, “Free to Focus” – that productivity isn’t about doing more things in less time… it is about doing the right things.
5. Self-Identity: Adulthood often brings a quest for self-identity and purpose. Who are you? What do you stand for? These questions may take years to answer, and the journey can be filled with introspection, doubt, and self-discovery.
I know they do for me, like I said… my industry has been liquor. But now that I am on the outside looking in, I would not want to be back in that space. But this newfound clarity has led to some confusion in other areas of my life – leaving me wondering, “what now?”.
6. Coping with Adversity: Life’s challenges are unavoidable, and how we cope with adversity is a defining aspect of adulthood. Learning to face setbacks, loss, and unexpected difficulties with resilience and determination is a continuous struggle.
In the midst of these challenges, it’s essential to remember that the struggles of growing up into an adult are part of a transformative journey. Each obstacle and setback is an opportunity for personal growth and learning. As adults, we must embrace these difficulties as opportunities to develop strength, resilience, and wisdom.
Ultimately, my journey into adulthood is a unique and individual experience. While it may be challenging, it’s also a time of self-discovery, personal growth, and the opportunity to shape my own path. I must embrace the struggles, for they are the building blocks of the adult I am becoming.
Jonathan Echavarria 