I get it. No one actually wants to grow up and consequently give up all of the fun, young, fearless things we did in our previous years. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but by your 22nd birthday, there are certain things that are just no longer socially acceptable for you to be doing. Here are my top 22.
1. Taking mirror pics and/or selfies. I mean, seriously, does this even require further explanation? The answer is no, no it does not.
2. Over-drafting your bank account. I know this isn't as simple as it may seem, trust me when I tell you that I am not here to preach about this because I have committed this crime one too many times. But it's time to start keeping up with your online banking daily.
3. Avoiding the gym. Gaining weight is only going to become easier over time and losing it will become increasingly difficult. Now is the time to start exercising regularly.
4. Knowingly skipping commitments. Skipping classes, club meetings, and things of that nature may or may not have harsh consequences but skipping a real person job or business meeting is a totally different story. You're not a freshman anymore. Don't start and end your college career with the same bad habits.
5. Living solely by the phrase "YOLO."It is good to take occasional chances and not to live in a paranoid bubble. However, things such as reckless driving and other illegal activities need to be put behind you. "Only the good die young" may be a fun song, but dying young is no joke.
6. Neglecting your health. Whether it's going downtown when you have bronchitis, or not going to the dentist every six months, you're not doing your body any favors.
7. Taking inappropriate pictures that are/could end up on social media. This should be one of the most obvious ones on the list- hello, um, future job employers? But some people still aren't getting it. Save the pics of you and your friends doing shots for the cute picture frames in your apartment, not your most recent Facebook album.
8. Being glued to your phone at times deemed unnecessary. Meaning, at dinner with your parents, on a first date, etc. It's actually really rude and I promise you can survive without it for an hour or two.
9. Saying the word "like" WAY too many times in conversation. I know this is a hard habit to break and I'm just as guilty as the rest of us 20-something girls. But it's not cute and it's not funny and it is extremely unprofessional in terms of job interviews or in any general professional setting.
10. Sleeping in super late on weekdays. Whether you were out on the town 'til closing time or you were up 'til the wee hours of the night binging on your new favorite Netflix series, it doesn't really matter. The 9am-5pm inevitable and quickly approaching grind is going to hit you like a ton of bricks in just a few short months. Get in a regular sleep schedule as soon as you can.
11. Getting new piercings/tattoos. If you haven't gotten them by now, you no longer reserve the right to attribute them to simply being young and stupid when you regret them later in life. If something happens in your life that holds sincere sentimental value, still think twice or maybe ever three or four or five times before permanently inking it on your body.
12. Driving your car around while it's running on mere fumes of gasoline. I really used to do this entirely too frequently until I realized something kind of unsettling: what if I get a job, move to a brand new city, and don't know anyone there and my car runs out of gas...well, I'd be SOL because I don't know anybody. What a bummer that would be.
13. Not fully utilizing any and all networking opportunities. Nowadays it's often times more about who you know rather than what you know. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
14. Ignoring your savings account. It's never too early to start saving. Any amount, no matter how small, you can put in each month is worth it. You never know when you might need some extra cash in the future.
15. Disregarding the idea of creating a 5-year and 10-year plan for your life. While "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" seems like nothing more than a cliche question on a job application, it actually is important. Put some serious thought into this question. If you have no direction, then you have no goals to reach and no future improvement to strive for, most likely ending up at a miserable, dead-end job that you despise. Harsh, yes, and it's okay to not have every detail of your life figured out; none of us do. But, you also have to start somewhere.
16. Spending money you don't exactly have on things that you really don't need. Your problem may be blowing way too many precious dollars buying drinks for everyone and their brother, going out to eat more times a week than you should, or worse, not even being quite sure where your money goes. Whatever it is, you're being irresponsible.
17. Continuing to date people you know you have absolutely no future with. If you go one a date with someone and you aren't feeling it, don't waste your time or theirs on a second date. Side note: meeting for drinks at a bar or going to a party together is NOT considered a "date" anymore. You're an adult. You deserve to be wined and dined. No exceptions. Don't lower your standards for anyone.
18. Calling adults that you meet by their last names. Now, I'm going to be honest, this is a tricky one. We've been discussing this in my friend group lately and it is most definitely a fine line. Basically, if someone introduces themselves to you with their first name, then that is what you should call them. Parents of friends or significant others can be weird if you have known them before it was time to make the "Mr. Clark" to "Steve"transition. You just have to feel out those situations. If the person in question is considered a doctor of some sort, it is, out of respect, appropriate to call them "Dr. (last name)." If future or current employers tell you to call them by their first name, don't hesitate and just do it. If you don't, you may seem young or immature.
19. Having an unprofessional appearance. While this obviously varies based on your specific career field, you should know what is considered professional or not. While neon-colored hair could be perfect and edgy for an aspiring hair stylist, it may or may not exactly scream investment banker. Neither does a wrinkly ensemble or hoop earrings that are big enough they could be bangles. Details matter and are more memorable to those interviewing you than one may think.
20. Not promptly sending hand-written thank you notes when applicable (i.e. post Christmas, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and job interviews). Manners are timeless and greatly appreciated. Order yourself some nice personalized stationary as soon as you get a chance.
21. Expecting people to come to you. This goes for keeping in touch with friends, following up on emails and interviews, and things such as that. This is a two-way street and sometimes you must be the one to make the first move.
22. Refusing to listen to your parents' advice. They really do know what's best. Take the time to listen to them, I promise it'll be worth your while in more ways than one.
Working on all of these (and then some) is definitely a daily struggle for me. However, I know I am getting better each day and that's all that matters. Practice makes perfect.
Happy Tuesday! To those specifically in Tiger Town, have fun at TDs while I slave away in Club Cooper,
XOXO
Lex
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