Young adulthood is often a challenging time filled with big decisions, greater expectations, and major responsibilities. The pressures to succeed and be a positive influence can be intimidating but also deeply rewarding.

In Adulting 101 Book 2, authors Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty offer life skills and practical advice to launch twentysomethings into healthy, successful adulthood. Burnette and Hardesty have a shared passion to guide emerging adults into becoming happy, fulfilled adults.

Adulting 101 Book 2 is divided into two sections. Section one lays out expectations, skills, and resources about self-awareness, leadership, and responsible consumption of social media. Section two discusses mental health issues and offers solutions regarding anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Burnette and Hardesty also discuss the importance of knowing God and the ways in which your faith influences your life.

As a follow-up to their popular Adulting 101, the authors offer personal examples, valuable insight, and applicable questions to help readers: • Boost Your Self-Awareness: The more self-aware you become, the better leader you will become. You will grow as you develop your listening skills, utilize personality and strength assessments, identify your reaction patterns, and understand annoying behaviours in others.

• Develop Your Emotional Maturity: A healthy adult works at improving their emotional intelligence and the way they relate to others. Maturity happens through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management (developing positive self-talk, practicing gratitude, and learning your “buttons”).

• Expand Your Cultural Quotient: It is important to be able to relate to culturally diverse people and situations. Be aware of your own culture. Be humble and learn to listen and reflect. Make time to learn about other cultures.

• Become an Authentic Leader: In order to make great advancements, a leader must learn to take ownership, possess competency, communicate effectively, exemplify respect to others, continuously strive to improve and embrace constructive criticism.

• Become Indistractable: Time management is useless without learning attention management. Control your communication expectations when it comes to emails and texts. Take rest days. Distinguish your “maker” and “manager” days. Designate tech-free zones.

• Manage Anxiety, Depression & Loneliness: We can learn how to cope with and overcome mental health issues. When we bravely discuss our challenges, it releases the stigmas attached to these health issues. Remember to practice self-care (sleep, rest, exercise, nutrition, and detox). Learn to pursue lasting, meaningful friendships rather than those on social media. Consider professional options and seek guidance on supporting others who may be struggling with similar issues.

Both authors have worked closely with and counselled young adults throughout their careers. Burnette is the owner and operator of a Chick-fil-A and Hardesty serves as a college coordinator for Young Life. Throughout Adulting 101: Book 2, readers are encouraged to remember that becoming a healthy adult is a process that takes time. Adulthood is a journey with countless turning points and hardships, but the victories, knowledge, and accomplishments you acquire can lead you to greatness and success.

Today on Connections, Josh shares with us the inspiration behind the book and the steps to becoming a successful godly young adult.