18 Things 18-Year-Olds Should Start Doing

1. Talk less.

Yes, we want our voices to be heard to show people how we can be young and sensible, but the more we talk the more we eliminate the chance of being listened to. Remember that the words from the silent ones are more valuable than those of the noisy, which is why we should learn to talk only when necessary.

2. Take risks.

Life is too short to allow yourself to get stuck in tradition. It’s always better to make mistakes than to live in uncertainty.

3. Sleep more.

If you’re a magnet to sleepless nights, then sleep in the afternoon, or in the morning, or in between classes in the library. No one will mind.

4. Help without expecting anything in return.

In the earlier years of our teenage life, we rarely help somebody without asking for something back. We rarely let our parents make us do chores or run errands without asking for money or certain favors, because then we thought it was just wise to get back what we gave. But now we should learn that what’s wise is knowing that the best thing we can gain from helping others is not what they can give us back, but the satisfaction from our act of kindness.

5. Read books.

It doesn’t have to be long; it just has to be interesting. Books can take you to places you’ve never been and introduce you to people you only dream of meeting. It’s never too late to start reading.

6. Experiment.

Put creamer in your ritual black coffee, or try honey instead of sugar. Wear those shoes with that shirt you hate. Maybe even order a different burger the next time you go to McDonald’s.

7. Learn how to ride a bike.

You’re never too old to do things you’ve never done before.

8. Find friends. Real friends.

Find friends who sincerely enjoy hanging out with you, not people who don’t even call and tell you they’re back home to visit. Find friends who go out of their way to make you happy, not people who only call you when they need you. Find friends who rejoice in your happiness and mourn in your sadness, not people who delight in both. Most of all, find friends who you can totally be yourself with, not people who make you feel held back and uncomfortable.

9. Spend more time with your family.

If there are people in this world who will always be there for you, it’s your family. Start telling them your problems because they are the only ones who will not judge you and will genuinely care for you. Listen to your parents; they will always know what’s best for you, regardless of what you think about them.

10. Trust your instincts.

If your gut tells you that guy is a jerk, he probably is.

11. Learn to accept change.

It’s inevitable. People will leave, but that’s OK. You may not understand why, but eventually you will. Your life will change, but it will, for sure, go on.

12. Depend on others less and yourself more.

So when everybody leaves, you know you can stand on your own.

13. Set your priorities straight.

You may or may not be in high school, but eventually you’re off to do things that really matter. Each one of us has a different list of priorities but as long as you know your priorities are lined up right, you’re ready to face what’s out there.

14. Conquer your fears.

You don’t have to conquer them all at once. Take slow steps and sooner or later you’ll find yourself enjoying that roller coaster you once swore you’d never set foot in.

15. Appreciate what you have.

You should be mature enough to know that just because you don’t have what others do, it doesn’t mean you don’t have anything.

16. Do more than what you say.

Sure, saying “I love you” is something, but showing it is something more.

17. Forgive others.

Everybody deserves a second chance, even a third. Just forgive those who did you wrong and at the end of the day you’ll feel better.

18. Forgive and love yourself.

Enough said.