Growing up is an inevitable occurrence. As the years fly by and you find yourself on the brink of adulthood, transitioning from teenager to an adult can be exhilarating and stressful. Emerging from adolescence is a confusing yet necessary part of your life. This article is dedicated to the young adults who seek to avoid a quarter life crisis.

You've made it this far, how hard can the rest be?

Invest in yourself

Anything that contributes to your quality of life is an investment for your future. Invest in your health and your education. Wake up early to catch that yoga class. Put forth your best effort in your studies. Believe in yourself and your capability. It's the little habits that accumulate to form your personality and will lead you towards success. If you are not willing to invest in yourself, then who is?

Stop Procrastinating

The snowball effect of procrastination is every young adult's kryptonite. We have all been there. It's the night before a big research paper is due and you decide to start a new series on Netflix. Your power bill is two days overdue and you "can't" get out of bed. It is never too early to quit procrastinating. This is the worst habit that we can carry into adulthood. The sooner you start living for today instead of tomorrow, the closer you are to beating the game of procrastination

Overestimate the value of structure

Taking the initiative to set goals leads you closer to actually achieving them. From penciling in your social calendar to creating a five-year plan, scheduling your life is a productive way to feel in control and independent. Being organized decreases stress and promotes productivity. You need to stop "winging it", because your luck may eventually run out.

Stop seeking the approval of others

I wish I could say that the real world is nothing like high school at all. Similar social concepts remain in multiple aspects of life. My advice to you is to stop acting like you are still in high school. Adulthood is more than a popularity contest. There are always going to be people that like you or dislike you. As you come to terms with your inability to completely control others, you will begin to no longer seek approval other than from anyone but yourself.

Push yourself

Ever since we were 12 years old, we dreamt of the day when people would stop telling us what to do.The day when we could finally taste freedom. Flash forward to age 19 and I can not remember the last time someone told me what to do. Along with freedom comes responsibility. This is a blessing and a curse. As you enter adulthood and that protection begins to fade, you are now responsible for yourself and your future. This is more difficult than it seems. Life is full of choices, big and small. Allowing yourself to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone, during this stage of life, is what is going to separate you from mediocracy.

Find Balance

Oscar Wilde once said " Everything in moderation including moderation." Balancing responsibility with spontaneity is essential to finding your personal equilibrium. Practice self awareness in order to push or set limits. Remember that this is primarily for your benefit. Do not rob yourself of happiness but exercise self control while remaining responsible. This will allow you to feel content while remaining productive.

Make time for your passions/ learn how to let go

You are never too old to follow your dreams. Don't lose yourself in the midst of growing up. You might live to regret it.

Learn how to manage your stress

Stress is an inevitable aspect of life. Depending on the severity, every adolescene's experience is different. The only option you have is learning how to constructivley manage it. I may be wrong but I believe stress accumulates over time and we simply just learn how to cope. I must spotlight the importance of forming good habits in order to manage stress. I've seen how quickly destructive behavior can lead to severe issues such as alcoholism and drug dependency. Annually, the highest percentage of people admitted to rehab are between the ages of 18 and 25. Find alternative ways to cope with stress and any other negative emotions you might feel.

Form a positive attitude

Your mindset can either be your greatest obstacle or your greatest motivator. The choice is yours. There are going to be times where life may seem unfair. Whether you decide to dwell on the negativity in your life or move on, the choice is yours.

Learn from your mistakes

Sometimes we lose control and forfeit our ability to recognize right from wrong. If you feel something has impacted you negatively, learning from your mistakes is key to moving on and preventing future imparity. You are going to make so many mistakes. Make them count for something rather than nothing. Actively learning from your mistakes instead of ignoring them builds integrity and shows maturity. Do not punish yourself for making mistakes. Reward yourself for learning from them.

Put Yourself first

These are the years you need to focus on yourself and your future. It is a time for self discovery and independence. You have more important things to do than being in toxic relationships or engaging in attention seeking behavior. Don't make your decisions on a basis of pleasing others. Put aside your fears of being alone and embrace it. Don't lose yourself in someone else. Get lost in your goals and your aspirations. This may be the only time you have to be on your own. This is a luxury you can't afford to lose for someone who may or may not be worth it. It is a chance you shouldn't be willing to take.

Love yourself

Do not let your insecurities control you. You are so much more than what you hate about yourself. Find peace of your mind and body. Life is too short to be at war with yourself. Rid your mind of the superficial nature that your younger self had grown so accustomed to. As cliche as it sounds, physical beauty fades. You do not want to rely on your physicality your entire life, and then one day be left with nothing. May your confidence radiate and self love grow as you live the rest of your life.