How To Be A Grownup In 10 Steps (revised)

Kelly Williams Brown’s book Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps is reportedly “the most helpful guide to becoming a successful adult you’ll ever find.”

Publisher’s Weekly recently offered ten steps from her book to get you started.

I decided to create my own list, and after some reader feedback, I have revised my original list, eliminating items, revising others and adding new items. 

I received many suggestions for additions and changes to this list, and my apologies if your suggestion didn’t make the cut. If I was writing a book with 468 steps, all of your  suggestions would be on my list. Instead, I chose to keep my list to an even ten.

How To Be A Grownup in 10 Steps According to Matthew Dicks

1. Never speak poorly of a person’s physical appearance. This includes references to a person’s weight and choice of clothing.

2. Make every effort to arrive on time for all things.

3. Drive safely at all times. Many lives depend upon it. 

4. Never judge a person based upon the quality (or absence) of their gift.

5. Spend more time reading than watching television.

6. Let go of the expectation that life should be fair and equitable.

7. Seek to identify and acknowledge your weaknesses and faults.

8. Regardless of your circumstances, be an outstanding role model whenever you are in the presence of children.

9. Doubt all things. Avoid blind acceptance at all costs.   

10. Remember that there not everyone’s brain is like yours. Others may be geniuses, impaired, chemically unstable or damaged. Assume nothing and be gentle with your words and actions.