When does the time of entering adulthood arrive? Is it when you graduate college? This is tied more closely to education. But we never stop learning. So, you quickly gain a counter position to argue with. Do you grow up once you get your first job? When you can finally pay all your checks by yourself? Is it when you don’t need anyone to take your hand and guide you through life anymore? Maybe that becomes a lonely time in your life. You tell me!

I am almost certain of one thing: everyone struggles with something. And there are days when just getting by feels like a full-time job.

Maybe that’s not a case for you. But for me, I know that things don’t always go smoothly. My apartment is never as tidy as I would like it to be. I always have work things open—when it comes to paperwork it always takes me a long time to sort things out. But the calmer I am about those things, the more efficiently I can work with the things that I feel passionately about.

Define independence for me? Because I don’t think we ever are. Sure, certain areas more than in others. But we co-exist and keeping good company along the way is not a bad feeling either.

No offense to anyone who had to figure it all out by themselves from an early age. I respect you so much because I certainly wasn’t able to do that. I understand that it often doesn’t come by chance and you have no other choice but to become an adult.

Did you know that the prefrontal cortex in your brain is responsible for noting change? It is also where all your decisions are made. Neurons communicate with other parts of your brain, playing a major role in weighing in on choices, impacting your emotional responses, and perceptions. By the time we reach our mid-20s, this particular part of our brain undergoes many changes that impact our behavior.

With growing up comes experience and our paths cross various types of characters from interaction with which we learn. So, I dare to share the next lessons I have learned on my path with you.

• Stick to your long-term goals. Short-term wins are great for boosting your ego and earning something extra. But you should always weigh in whether they are contributing to your future and how.
• Take good care of your mentors. They have learned a thing or two from the business you’re in before you. So, take note and always strive to improve from where you are now.
• Be attentive to the signals that the universe sends your way. Don’t try to force yourself into business, partnerships, or relationships that don’t feel right.
• Don’t rush into things and try to see immediate success. Things normally get better and grow with time. So, give them the time that they need. Know when it is a good time to pursue something. Also, be gentle and patient with the process.
• Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. If you’re still a little lost right now, that’s perfectly OK. Keep strong on your path and success will follow.