Overcoming the Fear of Adulting

It’s easy for people to joke around and say, “Adulting is hard.” Most of us understand that there are responsibilities attached to being a grown-up that we didn’t have as kids or teenagers.

However, there’s a difference between not wanting to “adult” and fearing tackling those responsibilities. There’s no question that certain aspects of adulting can seem overwhelming and, yes, scary. So, what can you do if you’re struggling with fear and are unsure how to overcome it as you enter adulthood?

Let’s cover a few tips that can help boost your confidence as you go into this next chapter of life. 

Consider the Benefits

It’s far too easy to think about the “cons” of adulting, and the anxiety and fear that comes with it is usually a fear of failure. There’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders when you become an adult, and if that’s all you focus on, it’s all you’ll fear. 

Instead, choose to think about some of the perks of being an adult. You get to set your own rules (within reason, of course). You can decorate your home as you see fit. Your schedule is up to you. These might seem like little things, but if you make them the focus of your day, you’ll see that adulting certainly has its perks.

When you do think about some of the less exciting parts of being an adult, consider what you could do to make them more fun. Cleaning your house? Listen to music and dance! Running “boring” errands? Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink on the way. 

Be Mindful of the Moment

Anxiety often stems from a fear of the unknown. People who are anxious about something tend to wonder “what if” and somehow come up with the worst possible scenarios for any situation. 

You can stop those anxious thoughts by practicing mindfulness. Choose to focus on the present rather than worrying about the future. When you feel those anxious thoughts creeping in, close your eyes and focus on your breathing and how you’re feeling at that very moment. It can be just enough of a pause to stop those worries in their tracks so you can get back to enjoying the present.

Mistakes Are Okay

No one likes to fail, and it’s normal to feel anxious about it, especially when you’re stepping into adulthood for the first time. However, mistakes are a natural part of life that can facilitate necessary growth.

Even the most successful people—like Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, and Oprah Winfrey—faced major setbacks before reaching their goals; what made the difference was their ability to keep going.

Your mistakes can do the same for you. They build resilience, teach valuable lessons, and help you move forward. Instead of fearing failure, see it as a step toward growth.

Adulthood can feel overwhelming but therapy can help shift your perspective to make adulthood feel easier and even enjoyable. At Forward Together Counseling, our therapists specialize in supporting clients in developing skills for navigating life-stage transitions. If you’re considering therapy, the next step is reaching out to our practice to be matched with a therapist.