Courtesy Lindsey Snow

1. No one feels “ready.” There’s no moment where you suddenly feel like an adult. You just keep doing things slightly scared and call it responsibility.

2. Your energy matters more than your time. Free time means nothing if you’re exhausted. Sleep, boundaries, and saying no are adult superpowers.

3. Money stress is about habits, not income. More money helps, but unmanaged money disappears fast. Small, boring habits beat big financial plans and pains.

4. Consistency beats motivation. You won’t feel motivated most days. The adults who “have it together” just show up anyway, usually imperfectly.

5. Relationships fade without effort. Friendships, family, and partnerships don’t maintain themselves. If not on your calendar, all will eventually die.

BONUS: Everyone else is winging it, too.