How
can one classify a true adult? Many people directly attribute age to
adulthood. The problem with this methodology becomes evident when you
discuss the topic with various people of different cultural backgrounds.
If you ask each of them what age they believe constitutes the point at which a
person progresses from childhood into adulthood, their answers will always be
different. Why? Because every of the answers are based on
subjective opinions. Adulthood is not based age; it’s based strictly on
emotional maturity. So what constitutes emotional maturity, and thus
adulthood? Here are 20 defining characteristics of a true adult:
can one classify a true adult? Many people directly attribute age to
adulthood. The problem with this methodology becomes evident when you
discuss the topic with various people of different cultural backgrounds.
If you ask each of them what age they believe constitutes the point at which a
person progresses from childhood into adulthood, their answers will always be
different. Why? Because every of the answers are based on
subjective opinions. Adulthood is not based age; it’s based strictly on
emotional maturity. So what constitutes emotional maturity, and thus
adulthood? Here are 20 defining characteristics of a true adult:
1.
Realizing
that maturity is an ongoing process, not a state, and continuously striving for
self improvement.
Realizing
that maturity is an ongoing process, not a state, and continuously striving for
self improvement.
2.
Able to
manage personal jealousy and feelings of envy.
Able to
manage personal jealousy and feelings of envy.
3.
Has the
ability to listen to and evaluate the viewpoints of others.
Has the
ability to listen to and evaluate the viewpoints of others.
4.
Maintains
patience and flexibility on a daily basis.
Maintains
patience and flexibility on a daily basis.
5.
Accepts
the fact that you can’t always win, and learns from mistakes instead of whining
about the outcome.
Accepts
the fact that you can’t always win, and learns from mistakes instead of whining
about the outcome.
6.
Does not
overanalyze negative points, but instead looks for the positive points in the subject
being analyzed.
Does not
overanalyze negative points, but instead looks for the positive points in the subject
being analyzed.
7.
Is able
to differentiate between rational decision making and emotional impulse.
Is able
to differentiate between rational decision making and emotional impulse.
8.
Understands
that no skill or talent can overshadow the act of preparation.
Understands
that no skill or talent can overshadow the act of preparation.
9.
Capable
of managing temper and anger.
Capable
of managing temper and anger.
10.
Keeps
other people’s feeling in mind and limits selfishness.
Keeps
other people’s feeling in mind and limits selfishness.
11.
Being
able to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’.
Being
able to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’.
12.
Shows
confidence without being overly arrogant.
Shows
confidence without being overly arrogant.
13.
Handles
pressure with self composure.
Handles
pressure with self composure.
14.
Takes
ownership and responsibility of personal actions.
Takes
ownership and responsibility of personal actions.
15.
Manages
personal fears.
Manages
personal fears.
16.
Able to
see the various shades of grey between the extremes of black and white in every
situation.
Able to
see the various shades of grey between the extremes of black and white in every
situation.
17.
Accepts
negative feedback as a tool for self improvement.
Accepts
negative feedback as a tool for self improvement.
18.
Aware of
personal insecurities and self-esteem.
Aware of
personal insecurities and self-esteem.
19.
Able to
separate true love from transitory infatuation.
Able to
separate true love from transitory infatuation.
20.
Understanding
that open communication is the key to progression.
Understanding
that open communication is the key to progression.
Above
all, true adults do what they have to do when it is required of them, and they
do what they want when they can. They are able to distinguish between the
two and manage their time and efforts accordingly.
all, true adults do what they have to do when it is required of them, and they
do what they want when they can. They are able to distinguish between the
two and manage their time and efforts accordingly.
