I just turned 18 and I feel like I've done everything wrong so far. I never met my father or had any male role models growing up, and I've never learned how to socialize or hold a job. I've kind of been stuck in this overprotected environment and now I feel lost, overweight, and generally unprepared for adulthood. I don't want to be that guy living in his mom's basement at 30. How do I start over and improve my life?
3 Answers
Hey there! First off, don’t stress too much about being 18. Everyone's journey is different, and it’s totally okay to not have it all figured out yet. Growth takes time, and even if you feel behind, you have plenty of opportunities ahead of you. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. **Stop the Blame Game**: It's easy to blame your upbringing for where you are now, but that won't help you move forward. Acknowledge your feelings but focus on what you can control now.
2. **Seek Positive Role Models**: There are lots of great figures in fiction and history to look up to, like Ron Swanson or Captain Picard. Look for qualities you admire and try to emulate those.
3. **Take Care of Yourself**: Basic things like eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself.
4. **Find Your Passion**: Explore different activities to find out what you're good at. There are tons of resources online to help you discover new hobbies or potential career paths.
5. **Financial Smarts**: Start learning about managing money early! Avoid debt wherever you can and try to save a little from any job you find. Money won't solve everything, but it sure helps!
6. **Get Social**: Being interesting is key. Try meeting new people through clubs or community events. Small talk can be scary, but it's about being genuine and curious about others.
7. **Stay Open to Learning**: Never stop expanding your knowledge. It can be anything from documentaries to books or even new skills online.
It won’t happen overnight, but taking small steps every day can lead to big changes. Good luck!
To truly transform your life, focus on practical actions:
- **Start Exerting Yourself**: Hit the gym, even if it’s just a walk around the block. You’ll feel better physically and mentally.
- **Stay Consistent**: Making a habit of small tasks, like workout routines or new hobbies, will help reshape your mindset. It’s about gradual improvement!
- **Embrace Effort**: You’ll probably fail at first, and that’s okay. Each mistake is a step toward learning. Find hobbies or groups where you can experience that—don't shy away from hard things!
You’re young and have time on your side, so take advantage of it by trying new things!
Totally agree with the first responder! It starts with small changes:
- **Get a job**: Even a part-time job can help you learn valuable skills and start saving money. Don’t worry about it being ‘perfect’—just get experience!
- **Think Broadly**: Your education isn’t just what school taught you. Explore what interests you at community colleges or local clubs that focus on your hobbies.
- **Socialize**: Join meetups or volunteer. Meeting people with similar interests is one of the best ways to build connections.
- **Be Kind to Yourself**: It’s okay to feel lost. Use these feelings as motivation rather than letting them drag you down.
Keep it moving! Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but the first step is just getting started.