Growing up is tough. That age-old saying of having “growing pains” is something that certainly is not too far off from the truth.

The older we get, the more responsible we have to become and the more tough situations we need to learn to deal with.

But for many of us, even though we are officially the age of , it can feel as if we are still really just kids. However, you may not even realize that you are entering the real world as an and already doing a great job at officially growing up.

There are many signs to look out for when it comes to being a functioning in society. From being able to say “no” to certain situations to cooking for yourself and ordering meal delivery services rather than settling for takeouts nightly, these skills are something that is essential for real-world survival.

Even if you do not yet recognize it, you have probably already developed a loong range of behaviors and skills that are getting you off to a great start when it comes to officially “”. While you will not be getting a diploma for this as you did in high school or college, being an is something you should be very proud of.

HiSo to help you celebrate and realize that you are indeed a high-performing in society, we have rounded up the top signs that indicate you have the necessary skills to be a real

1. You are Not Defensive to Feedback

As kids, all we wanted to do was please our parents, please our teachers, and please our friends. While these are still things we’ll want to achieve as , the main difference in growth is that we are much more receptive to feedback. Rather than come home crying because your teacher told you that you needed to listen better, you are now in a mindset that you would take on this feedback gracefully and try to improve.

The skill of not being triggered emotionally from making a mistake or getting called out by someone in authority is a true sign you are on the right track to growth. This means that in the workplace, the feedback your boss gives you will only inspire you to work harder, be better and not come home crying.

2. You Have Learned the Art of Apologizing

As kids and teenagers, many of us really only said sorry because someone of authority told us we had to. But the ability to actually apologize genuinely in a way that does not come off as defensive is truly a great sign of you maturing and becoming an . This is no easy feat and there is a whole list of strategies that many people follow. But the most successful way to genuinely apologize is to confront the issue quickly face to the person, explain your side of the situation, provide a solution and offer a way to make it up to them.

3. You Have a Routine that Works

Procrastination is something that is tempting no matter how old we are. But the true sign of mastering is the ability to manage your time wisely. This means having a routine down that allows you to juggle both your personal and professional priorities. You have carved out time in your day to workout, do hobbies you enjoy, get the work tasks completed, cook for yourself, and to relax.

4. You Do Not Succumb to Peer Pressure

As kids, peer pressure is so real and so tempting. As , the temptation is still there but you have mastered the art of saying “no” and actually looking after yourself. You know how to gracefully get yourself out of situations you do not want to be in without ruining friendships or getting yourself into uncomfortable predicaments. The ability to put yourself first is something that we should all strive to do and saying “no” is one of the most empowering things you can do as an

5. You Feed Yourself Nourishing Food

The older we get, the more we need to be conscious of what we feed our bodies. While it is okay to splurge and eat out every now and then, the more nutritious meals we can make for ourselves at home means the happier our bodies and our bank account will be. Cooking for yourself is not really as hard as you may have originally thought either, with meal delivery services making meal planning and shopping easier than ever.

6. You Value Quality Friends

The older you get, the more you will realize that it is more about the quality of friends versus the number of friends. It is not about being the most popular, but instead, surrounding yourself with people that make you better in general.

Conclusion

Chances are, you are way more into than you are probably giving yourself credit for!