By Holly • 9 Comments
As someone who's navigated the choppy waters of independence myself, I can tell you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. But hey, those rainbows do show up, especially after all that effort! Girls striving for personal freedom are often caught in a whirlwind, balancing dreams with the daily grind. And trust me, 2024 hasn't made it any easier.
Let's break it down: The first step towards independence is learning the art of self-belief. No joke. I mean, even Beyoncé had to look into the mirror once and whisper, “You can do this.” Without confidence, it’s like hiking without a compass—you're likely to get super lost. Confidence not only impacts your decisions but also how you present yourself to the world. Dive deeper into self-belief to get those girl-boss vibes.
Now, as you embark on this exciting journey, having a solid support system can make all the difference. Picture your friends, family, or even mentors as the Sherpas guiding you up Mount Everest (because let's face it, sometimes adulting feels that epic). These invaluable allies provide you with tools, advice, and, yes, a shoulder to cry on during the tougher times. Connect with your tribe to foster an unwavering sense of belonging.
Okay, let's spill the tea: Managing finances like a pro should be a priority. I know, it sounds as boring as watching paint dry, but stick with me. Freedom requires some serious budgeting skills, which can sculpt the path to your dreams. Want to splurge on that backpacking trip to Europe? Or invest in a startup? Girl, you better budget that expense! Get your financial ducks in a row with some savvy budgeting tips.
Switching gears, let’s talk about mental and physical well-being. This often takes a backseat when you’re dodging life's curveballs. You’ve got to keep yourself charged up, like a smartphone, because almost everything will fall apart if your battery hits zero. From indulging in your favorite hobbies to maintaining a healthy diet—these activities aren’t just chores; they’re acts of self-love. Bookmark our section on mental and physical well-being for more tips.
Finally, flexible goal-setting is crucial. No, I’m not advising you to write goals in stone and build a monument around them. Life is unpredictable (2024, case in point). Goals should be your roadmap but feel free to take the scenic route! Embrace adaptability as your secret weapon to conquer obstacles and unplanned detours.
So, whether you’re aiming to become the next tech mogul, a world traveler, or simply seeking to run your own life your way, these independence-boosting strategies could become your survival kit. Ready to conquer the world? Let’s do this!
Independent people don't mind spending time alone. If you feel like you're always relying on others to help you through life, then you should spend a day or two with nothing but your own thoughts. Shut off your phone, turn off your laptop, and lock your doors. It's time for you to spend a little time with yourself.
If you own a car and can legally drive it, then you should take a spin around the block. It doesn't matter if you take a quick trip to the mall or just drive around without a destination in mind. Even if you can't drive, then you can always walk to the nearest store. Either way, the realization that you're capable of going wherever you want to go at whatever time you want to go will make you feel more independent.
When you were little, you relied on your parents to make your meals. When you started going to school, you relied on the cafeteria workers to give you food. Now, it's time for you to learn how to cook your own meals. Even if you're a horrible chef, try to make something that doesn't come out of a can.
It's time to make some decisions on your own. If your friend or boyfriend asks you where you want to go out to eat, don't tell them that you don't care. Actually make a decision on your own. Do the same when they ask you what movie you want to see or what time you want to hang out. Most people will be thankful that you're doing the planning for a change.
If you're unemployed, it's time to send out some job applications or apply for an internship. If you already have a job, but it's not in the field that you want to pursue, then you should look around for any opportunities that open up. If you can network by going to an event at a library or by attending a certain party, you should take the initiative and try to get your foot in the door.
Sure, chores are incredibly boring. However, adults have to do them on a daily basis. If you want to feel more mature, then you can clean your room, do your laundry, or wash your dishes. After all, a clean home is a happy home.
Important phone calls are never fun to make. If you usually ask your parents or your partner to make your dentists appointments, it's time for you to call up the business yourself. When it's time to go into the office, go on your own. You're going to have to do so eventually, anyway.
It doesn't matter if you're in your preteens or twenties, because you can do little things to make yourself feel more independent. Do you feel like you're independent or do you wish you had more freedom?