#Adulting will never be easy. It’s a transition that we all have to go through – some earlier than others. Although it’s not always fun, it can be made easier if you heed to these keys.

1. Save yourself some money.

Steve Madden shoes are uncomfortable anyways. If you put the same amount of money you’d spend on 5 pairs of Steve Madden’s into your savings account, you will thank me later.

2. Own your professional confidence and network.

One way to build confidence in your abilities is to network. You can start off by reaching out to two people you want to have coffee with a week and before you know it, those people will suggest for you to meet their colleagues. Knowing the people in your workplace will make you more confident to share your ideas and make you stand out in your workplace.

3. Find out who your true friends are.

Discover a community that supports you, makes you better and intentionally reaches out to you.

4. Create a budget.

There are simple Excel templates online that will help you break down your rent, loans, electric bills, groceries and even your coffee intake.

5. Write down your short-term and long-term goals.

A five-year plan is simply not necessary. Instead make some specific goals that you want to reach by a reasonable deadline and some general goals for your future. Share these goals with people who will keep you accountable.

6. Read books for pleasure AND personal development. 

Nicholas Sparks is great for a rainy day, but “Lean In: For Graduates“ by Sheryl Sandberg or “The Goal” by Eliyahu Goldratt are examples of good reads to expand your professional knowledge and develop personally.

7. Start your day off by having some quiet time to get your head straight. 

Quiet time has so many different forms. If you need a few ideas for your quiet time, take a look at this post.

8. Take the time to call and reach out to your family.

Family is probably the most constant source of support that you’ll find. Although this #adulting stage of your life can be confusing and difficult, make sure that you do not neglect those closest to you.

9. Draw your circle of action. 

In the midst of all the new to-do items that now concern you, take a step back and draw a circle around the few things that you can immediately control. That will be your “circle of action.” The “circle of action” gives you breathing room so you do not feel like everything is your responsibility.

10. Keep a notebook by your bed.

A bedside notebook would be helpful just in case you remember something from earlier or get an idea in the middle of the night. We don’t want the next million-dollar-idea to be lost into oblivion, now do we?

11. Always have a stash of thank you, congratulatory and birthday cards.

You just never know when they will come in handy.

12. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Even in public spaces. Not as many people are watching you when you reserve a table-for-one as you think.

13. Sometimes you have to look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a pep talk.

Because why not? You’re pretty darn awesome and deserve some encouragement.

14. Make Pinterest your new best friend.

I’m sure there are other great apps out there, but if you use Pinterest correctly, you will have an organized method of collecting cheap yet doable recipes, home decorations, and other life hacks in no time!

15. Read “Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps“ by Kelly Williams Brown.

This book has provided me with the most in-depth crash course on #adulting. From getting the right pots and pans for an apartment to figuring out whether it’s okay to decline a calendar invite,  Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps  has it all!

There may not be a rubric to #adulting successfully, but these 14 steps should at least give you a head start. Good luck!