Life transitions
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Take up social hobbies or get a dog if you are able.
These are alternatives for those lacking work friends in remote jobs.
- if you're able to
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Focus on getting a job by applying as if it were a full-time job, eight hours a day.
You will meet people and might get more fit depending on the job.
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Clean or put away one or two items in your room every day.
This will change you as a person.
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Get an ID card and start a bank account if you lack basic legal and financial identity documents.
Without them, it is like you don't exist.
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Expose yourself to books and philosophy.
It helps change your mind, views, and attitudes.
- Choose wisely.
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Choose objectives that matter to you and put in the effort to reach them.
Stop using screens after 8 PM and listen to audiobooks or podcasts instead.
screen time sucks your life away
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Pursue solo hobbies like hiking or archery if you are short on friends.
They can be done alone.
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Take day-by-day steps toward your goals and do not get discouraged by slow progress.
Progress is inherently slow.
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Explore hobbies further, as they can turn into full-time careers.
One person found their career by turning a hobby into a job.
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Choose objectives that matter to you and put in the effort to reach them.
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Check sites like Meetup, Craigslist, or local news websites to find ways to meet new people.
It is important to get more comfortable talking to people, even though it is scary.
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Learn a new skill such as playing an instrument or a language.
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Say yes to social invitations to come out of your shell.
It helped one person become more socially open.
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Stand in a crowded bar without drinking to build comfort.
It helps you feel comfortable in social environments.
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Stop negative self-talk by refusing to speak to yourself in ways you would never use with a stranger.
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Stop bad habits such as smoking, unhealthy eating, or poor sleep, and replace them with enjoyable activities.
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Choose easy, immediate goals and stick with them; do not criticize yourself for missing one.
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Focus on moving out and becoming self-enough as a short-term goal to avoid being bogged down by despair.
Focusing on this bigger picture goal helps prevent getting stuck in momentary despair.
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Watch videos or listen to Gary Vaynerchuk to help reframe your mindset if you feel you lack time to grow.
One person reported it helped when they had a similar mindset.
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Focus on the habit of starting rather than intensity; spend weeks just putting on workout clothes and stepping outside, then ramp up gradually to stay motivated.
Getting started is the hardest part, and mastering simple steps keeps you firmly in the habit.
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Decide on your actions in advance and carry them out when the moment arrives, rather than waiting for motivation to strike.
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Push against discomfort to expand your options and potential.
Gradually expanding your possibilities requires pushing back each time.
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Identify the character traits you aim to embody, then outline specific steps to get them.
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For careers like web development, focus on building a portfolio and demonstrating soft skills rather than relying solely on a degree.
Employers may not check graduation status but care about resume, portfolio, and interview performance.
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Watch YouTube channels like Natural Hypertrophy to stay motivated for workouts.
They helped one person maintain motivation.
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Write down everything you think is wrong on paper and list out first steps to rectify them.
Volunteer at a nursing home to gain perspective and learn.
It can change your perspective on life and be fun.
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Download Audible and listen to self-improvement books to get your mind straight.
It is described as a game changer for getting your mind straight.
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Figure out life one step at a time, recognizing that you are not racing anyone else.
You will find peace knowing everything falls into place with time.
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Read Stoic philosophers like Aurelius to gain new perspectives on your struggles.
It gave one person new perspectives to attack their struggles.
- Based on one person's experience.
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Write down everything you think is wrong on paper and list out first steps to rectify them.
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Consider joining the military for discipline, benefits, and exposure to different mindsets.
It has been a place of new beginnings for many.
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Watch Jordan Peterson's lectures on YouTube.
One person described it as a game changer.
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Use the gym or running to keep yourself balanced and stable.
It provides stability during life fluctuations.
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Reframe living with parents as a blessing and a normal cultural practice rather than something shameful.
It is considered very normal in many cultures to live with parents until marriage.
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Ignore social media narratives that everyone is settling down; recognize that many people are still figuring things out.
Social media claims that everyone is settling down are false.
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Work on your appearance and character, as things will eventually get better.
things will eventually get better
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Clean your living space first to build momentum for other adult responsibilities.
It is a standard prerequisite for functioning adulthood and helps gain momentum.
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Recognize that the desire to change and shifts in how you perceive a situation count as progress, even if external circumstances haven't fully improved yet.
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Make intentional level ups by deciding to adult better: learn to cook, do dishes and laundry regularly, clean, take out trash, zero out email daily, check mail, create an emergency fund, pay off debt, ask for a raise or title change after training, track passwords, access retirement accounts regularly, learn about investing, and shop around for insurance.
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