Adulting... Making it up, with Confidence!

As a child, I had a crystal-clear vision of adulthood. It was a magical phase where everything fell into place: adults "know everything" and can "do anything." I eagerly anticipated the day I would transform into one of these all-knowing, capable beings, confident in every decision and ready to conquer life. Fast forward to today, and here I am, an adult who is… well, just making it up as I go.

The Reality of Adulthood Adulthood is a mixed bag of moments where you feel like you’re crushing it and others where you’re sure someone is about to call you out for not having a clue. Imposter syndrome can creep in, whispering, "What if everyone realizes you're just winging it?" But here's the truth I’ve discovered: most adults feel the same way. We’re all waking up each day, putting one foot in front of the other, and figuring it out as we go.

Life doesn’t come with a manual—even though, as kids, we might have believed it did. There are no guarantees, no perfectly mapped-out plans, and certainly no "one size fits all" solutions. Yet somehow, the bills get paid, the kids make it to school (most days), and we continue showing up for ourselves and our loved ones. That’s the magic of adulting: it’s not about knowing everything; it’s about learning as you go and having confidence in your ability to adapt.

How to Embrace the Art of Making It Up If you’ve ever felt the weight of trying to have it all together, let me remind you: you don’t have to. Here’s how I’ve learned to embrace the art of making it up with confidence:

1. Celebrate the Small Wins Did you meal prep this week? Answer a tough email? Get the kids out the door on time? High five yourself! Adulting is made up of countless small victories, and they’re worth celebrating.

   
   

2. Own Your Imperfections Perfection isn’t the goal; progress is. Embracing your flaws and mistakes not only lightens your load but also makes you relatable to others. People connect with authenticity, not perfection.

   
   

3. Lean on Your Community You’re not in this alone. Friends, family, coworkers, and even the occasional stranger can offer advice, support, and perspective. Asking for help isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of resourcefulness and strength.

   
   

4. Stay Curious Adulting is a never-ending learning process. Be curious, ask questions, and try new things. Whether it’s learning how to fix a leaky faucet or navigating a new job, every experience adds to your toolkit.

   
   

5. Trust Yourself You’ve made it this far...give yourself credit! Trust that you have the resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity to handle whatever comes next.

   
   

A Shared Journey The beauty of adulthood is that it’s a shared journey. Behind the curated social media posts and polished LinkedIn profiles, most people are figuring it out just like you. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we not only lighten our own load but also inspire others to do the same.

So, the next time imposter syndrome whispers doubts into your ear, remember this: nobody has it all figured out, and that’s okay. Life is about showing up, doing your best, and learning along the way. You’re not just "making it up as you go... With Confidence!" You’re writing your own unique story, one step at a time. And that, my friend, is something to be proud of.

~ Dr. Abi