Are you in your twenties or thirties, staring at your phone and wondering what on earth you’re supposed to learn next?
Grab a snack and let’s break it down—because, yes, there are some key skills that’ll help you thrive, not just survive.
No eye rolls required! Some of these might not sound exciting, but your life will be better off by obtaining these skills, trust me.
Here’s your unofficial guide to being a fully-functioning adult who knows a thing or two.
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Budgeting and Money Smarts
Money can feel like a wildly overwhelming topic.
Not anymore!
Learning how to track what comes in (and, let’s be honest, what zooms out) helps you keep your wallet in check.
Start by writing down what you spend for a week.
Was that third coffee worth it? Up to you!
Saving, investing, and spotting deals are all skills you can pick up, you just need to become conscious of your habits and open to learning new things.
With money on your side, you’ll always be able to call the shots.
Basic Home Repairs
No, you don’t need a chest full of tools. You just need to know the basics.
Fixing a dripping faucet or patching a wall feels a bit like a magic trick—and it saves you from texting your landlord (again).
Learn how to use a screwdriver, how to swap out a lightbulb, and maybe what to do if your toilet starts bubbling like a witch’s cauldron.
Little wins, big energy.
Clear Communication
If you can explain where you want to eat or why you’re mad, you’re already ahead.
Good communication is about listening, looking people in the eye, and saying what you mean without sounding like a robot—or a jerk.
Practice listening more than you talk, use body language, and keep it real.
It’s a skill you’ll use everywhere, from chats with friends to email battles at work, to landing your dream job.
Self-Care and Mental Health
Self-care isn’t about bubble baths (okay, sometimes it is). It’s about knowing when you need a break, what things make you happy, and how to say no without feeling guilty.
Moving your body, getting enough sleep, and calling out of plans when you feel drained are not crimes—they’re power moves.
Take care of your brain and your heart; you’ll thank yourself later.
Thinking Differently
Ever feel like you’re stuck thinking in a straight line? Twist it up.
New ideas don’t fall from the sky—you pull them out by asking, “What if?”
Try adding something wild to your routine.
Look for fresh angles. Surprise yourself.
Creative thinking makes life more interesting, and it helps you fix problems no one saw coming.
Skill of Focus
The world’s full of shiny things (and endless scrolling).
Get good at choosing what gets your attention and what doesn’t.
Turn off notifications, make a list, and set a timer if you need to.
Simple, not fancy—and suddenly you’ve got enough time to do the stuff that matters.
Cleaning Like a Pro
Cleaning isn’t just for neat freaks.
A tidy space makes your brain chill out.
Learn how to actually clean a bathroom (really, it takes ten minutes), how to avoid moldy leftovers, and how to make your place smell good enough that you want to invite people over.
One corner at a time. It counts.
Basic Cooking Skills
Ordering takeout is nice until your bank account begs for mercy.
Cooking at home is cheaper, healthier, and feels like a flex. Start with eggs, pasta, or anything you can throw in a pan.
Try new spices or watch recipe videos.
Suddenly, you’re making food that tastes exactly how you want it to.
Online Safety
Lock down your accounts like a pro. Use passwords that aren’t “password123,” sign up for two-step logins, and keep your info to yourself when strangers ask weird questions.
Know how to spot scams and avoid sketchy links.
Think of it as setting booby traps for bad guys.
Manners and Social Moves
Nobody’s asking you to wear a monocle. But please and thank-you go a long way.
Learn how to introduce yourself, hold a fork, and not stare at your phone during dinner.
Treat people how you’d want to be treated (even if they forget your name).
These small things stick.
Time Management
We all get the same 24 hours. Make yours count.
Write down your to-dos, break big chores into baby steps, and don’t be afraid to say, “I’ll get back to you.”
Find a planner you’ll actually use (paper or digital, no judgment).
Figure out what works and roll with it.
Reading the Room (aka Emotional Intelligence)
Emotions aren’t always logical, but you can still understand them.
Notice how you feel and why.
Ask how others are doing and actually listen.
Stay calm when things heat up.
Good vibes are contagious, and knowing what to say (or not say) is pure magic.
First Aid Basics
Weird things happen: someone falls, cuts themselves, or passes out from standing up too fast.
Taking a basic first aid class gives you the know-how to help, not freeze.
Keep a kit (bandages, pain meds, snacks for drama), and you’ll be everyone’s hero in a pinch.
Problem-Solving
Life likes to throw curveballs.
When something breaks or plans flop, don’t panic.
Break the problem into pieces, weigh your options, and pick a fix—even if it feels like a wild guess.
Each time you solve something, you get a little braver.
Always Be Learning
Nobody graduates from “life” school. Read, listen, try new things. Join online courses and off-line workshops.
Ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. Every new skill sparks a little lightbulb in your brain.
Keep going. It keeps you sharp.
Plus, you’ll always have interesting stories to tell!
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