Today we are talking about Adulting. I am currently a junior and graduation is soon approaching. You might say that I still have a lot of time, but I should start applying for grad school next semester and apply for internships. Next semester is very important to my future. I know that I could use some tips and tricks. I assume you all feel the same. We all can use some adulting lessons, couldn't we?. This is not saying that I am good at adulting but I do think I have something to offer. And by writing this article, I can comb through all the things I know and organize them in my mind. Therefore, I know at least have an idea what to do for my own sanity.

1. Be Organized

For me, I can’t have a clear head if I don’t have a clean and organized room. The clutter of my room is like the clutter in my mind. I need to clear my table before I can sit done and do my work. In my room, there is a place for everything. Not everyone thinks like I do. Not everyone organizes the same way. No matter how you do it, just make sure you are organized in your own way and know where your things are. That just makes thinking much more efficient. Get some bins, baskets even buckets and you can throw things in there. It is one of the lazy ways of organizing. They can be as messy as they want inside but on the outside can still look very neat.

2. Get a planner

Whether you have a paper one or an app on your phone, using a planner really help you keep track of things efficiently. Yes, adulting is all about efficiency. It is all about doing things faster but just as well. Google calendar has been proven useful for my friends, but I prefer a paper one. You can call me old-fashioned, but I like the special connection you have with a pen and paper. You can get a small one or a big one if you have a lot to write. It’s funny how my roommate and I bought the planner in the same pattern, but she has the biggest size that is as large as a notebook and mine the smallest size that is almost as small as note cards. I have to say that my favorite is the medium sized one but the smaller it is, the cheaper it is. You can also make your own if you are up for the challenge. I have a few friends who bullet journals. They serve the same purpose, but you have to put in slightly more work.

3. Color code

I am not as crazy of a color coder as my roommate. But with the amount of color coding I do, I found it incredibly helpful. I separate all my classes by colors. I use the same color for notebook, binder and I write in the color of assignments of the class. It does take a little more mental space, memorizing the colors but it saves a lot of writing space.

4. Planning

Everyone needs a little planning in their life, without planning, there is no direction. The amount of planning is entirely dependent on you. I am a small step kind of girl, I need to take it a little at a time. In other words, short-term planning. I have never been a long-term planner because life always surprises me with the good and the bad. So, I take thing a little at a time, so I feel accomplished and ready for the opportunity or the curveball that life throw at me without stressing too much. But do you anyway, do however little or much planning you want but you got to have a plan. You can always change your plan but you have to have one.

5. Make appointments

I know this sounds dumb, but it is surprising how many people don’t think of it. It is the respectful thing to do. It shows that you respect other people's time. Is it completely necessary? Probably not, but what is so good about it is that there is a kind of assurance, if you show up at that time, you will get what you need (or what you want, rather). No matter it is the doctors, restaurant or even meeting your friends. There is this neat little trick that you can make an appointment with your friend on their google calendar. A classic example of technology changing lives.

6. Manage money

Managing your money is also very important. Money tracking apps can help very much. But aside from that, I don’t have more tips because that is indeed one of the areas that I am not good at. I am working on it. If you are a shopper like me, try to shop when things are on sale. I found online shopping a good method because to me, I can never be sure if I want things when it is online. Also, I am too lazy to put my credit card information in. What can I say?

7. Get membership cards

I know it can be annoying, getting so many cards, but if you are going to spend money, you might as well get the most out of it, right? Just get cards where you know you will always go. So it doesn’t become a hazard.

8. Treat yourself

No matter what you do for adulting, remember to always treat yourself! It is important to take care of yourself in all the ways possible, whether it is eating unhealthily once in awhile or buying nice things: a gym membership if you like working out or getting a massage. Whatever you want.

9. Believe in yourself

I know adulting is hard. It is really, really, really hard. But that is what you get for growing up. And as much as we all hate it, it does have its moments. You can’t depend on your parents for the rest of your life, so might as well start as early as possible. The main ingredient of adulting is responsibility, with some fillings of respect and a sprinkle of some efficiency, you will do just fine. Be there for yourself, don’t ever lose faith in yourself. You can do anything.