There are certain habits that we naturally pick up on the path to adulthood. However, it is easy to get lost in the transition from teenager to young adult. Here are 10 tips every young adult should know when navigating through life (in no particular order):

1. Learn How to Prepare a Meal

In simpler terms, learn how to cook! If you don’t know how you better learn. Microwaveable meals don’t count.

You have to become a culinary expert, but you should be able to put together a simple dish composed of the four basic food groups.

It’s understandable if you don’t know your way around the kitchen, but with the growing popularity of meal delivery services, cooking has become more of an experience than a daunting task.

Not to mention, cooking is a desirable trait, so do yourself a favor and add at least three to four signature dishes to your repertoire. If not for anyone else, do it for yourself. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, never depend on anyone else to provide meals for you. Keep it simple and you’ll be well on your way.

2. Prioritize Your Health & Fitness

You have to be a bodybuilder or a fitness freak to implement a wellness routine into your daily life. If you’re just starting out, 15 to 20 minutes of basic calisthenics or walking is all you need.

For those a little more advanced and too busy with work/family or just struggling to get back on track, I recommend any form of cardio and/or high-intensity interval training.

For the overachievers, there’s obviously strength training in the traditional sense. But if the gym isn’t for you, activities like cycling, jogging, hiking, or any outdoor/indoor sport will get you headed in the right direction.

3. Lean How to Manage Your Money

Learn how to budget your monthly expenses, become debt-free, build an emergency account, and start saving immediately!

Also, invest in a 401k Retirement Plan. The earlier you start investing the better. Retiring at 35 sounds a lot better than retiring at 70. If you don’t have access to a 401k, open a free checking and savings account and start investing in yourself today!

Also, learning how to “live within your means” is priceless. There’s nothing wrong with ballin’ on a budget (I do it all the time), but learning the difference between “need” and “want” will pay its dividends later on in life.

4. Change Your Environment

Do other things around the house besides NetFlix and Chill. Doing laundry, washing dishes, taking out the trash, sweeping floors, plus sanitizing bathrooms may all seem like childhood chores; but doing so will give you structure and will help you become a more responsible adult.

5. Commit With a Purpose

Remember, love comes in all shapes and sizes. Personality, chemistry, and compatibility can go a long way! Take your time to find a partner that compliments you, not one that defines you.

6. Be Yourself

There’s nothing wrong with being a nice person, but no one likes to be taken advantage of either. Be yourself! If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re sarcastic, be sarcastic.

As I stated earlier, find someone that compliments you, rather than someone who contradicts you. If you find a clash in lifestyles, remember time is money. Pull the ripcord and move on.

7. Embrace Positivity

Keep your circle tight! Surround yourself with positive energy. Let go of any friendships, relationships, and/or acquaintances that may have a negative influence on your life. Stay connected to those you love and remember you’re only as good as the company you keep.

8. Slow Down

Self-care is vital. With the bustle and hustle of the rat race, very often, we forget to take time out for ourselves. Enjoy the occasional night on the town with friends, or keep things simple with a self-care ritual at home. Whatever you do, remember life is short and we only get one shot. If you’re not willing to designate time for yourself, no one else will.

9. Invest in Yourself

Take time to invest in yourself. We all come from different walks of life, and each one of us has a unique story to tell. God blessed us all with talents, but it’s up to us to take action and utilize those talents.

Taking care of yourself and exploring who you are, not only helps build confidence and character, but it also can help provide clarity for those suffering from low self-esteem.

10. Acknowledge Your Maker

Despite this list being in no particular order, if there is anything to take away from this read is this…

Establish a relationship with God. Find a way to better yourself by opening the lines of communication with the Lord.

Whether you were raised in a church, or just finding religion; take a few moments a day to talk with our Lord and Savior. Rest assured, having a spiritual connection with the Lord will work wonders in your life beyond measure.