Why we must grow up?

Find out why we need to mature and how we can do it in seven steps. Maturity is a natural process of enjoying life-stage at its fullest.

If you believe that growing up is difficult, strenuous, and makes life a bit less joyful, this article is meant to change your mind regarding the processes guarding maturity. 

Human nature is widely diverse, and no single human has the same understanding or level of maturity. The luckiest members of our species grow and mature at the same time. However, most of us are still searching for our life purpose. 

Why would you want to grow up?

From a philosophical stance, self-development should be everyone’s objective in the long run. Becoming mature is a natural process for us to achieve and overcome, to enjoy every life stage at its fullest.  

By postponing our growth stage, we don’t influence the passing of time so that we remain young forever. On the contrary, we create an experience in a loop until we learn the lesson.

The first road blocker that emerges in the process is resistance to change. By opposing change, we fight several opportunities that might stem as a natural consequence. In the words of Nietzsche, “No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life.” We don’t seem to grasp that change is the only constant throughout life, and by opposing it, we only act to our detriment.

Do you remember when you were a child, and all you wished for was to grow up and have your way? Now that you are all grown up, do you follow the path you so desperately wanted as a child?

Since we are all grown up, we cannot continue to blame our parents for our mistakes. So quit blaming third-party entities and start working towards fulfilling your dreams. Because you are now the sole responsibility for making your dreams happen.  

My maturity story:

Looking at myself as the older sister, I was, at an early age, the protector of all younger children. The implied responsibility was high, as I was their role model and counselor. They all came to me for guidance. Maybe because the age gap was smaller than it was in the case of our parents. In their eyes. I was one of them, and we were facing similar problems.  

In the beginning, I was fierce to emulate my parent, but with time, I realized I was only a child. A child that needed to allow himself the time to play, make mistakes, and learn from them. It all makes part of the growing up process. Besides, I also realized that I was a child who felt the need to be looked after. 

My parents often used my middle sister and me to solve their relationship problems. When they were frustrated with each other, they would blame us for displaying similar behavioral characteristics as they did. Even more often, we were accused of being the source of their unhappiness and financial problems. In this sort of predicament, the child suffers immensely. The child is trapped in the divergences between parents. Even though, as children, I loved my parents, the whole situation was highly exhausting.

My AHA growing up moment was when I realized it was not my responsibility to fix their relationship issues. My only responsibility is toward myself. And, I also must let my sister make their decisions too.

Growing up is indeed a strenuous process. But once completed, the process will help you get to a certain peace and life clarity.

Now that you have read this, would you give it a chance to maturity?

The 7 Steps towards Maturity are:

1. Accept yourself and accept maturity as a life process.

You are not a child anymore. You are a fully grown male or female. This does not imply denying other life stages but merely allowing yourself to control your own decisions and life. This is your time to shine!

2. Know your weaknesses.

Once you know those aspects that you are not entirely pleased about, you can start working to make a change. It won’t be easy, but you will start learning when you decide and take responsibility for your life. The process will be gratifying and help you be closer to your ideal self. 

3. Research those topics you believe that you need to improve.

As I have outlined earlier, finding tailor-made solutions won’t be easy. We are unique individuals with special needs and desires. Searching for answers will help you build yourself by exposing yourself. You will enhance your creativity, build resilience, and boost your adaptability and survival rates. I wish Darwin were alive to confirm this :).

4. Learn to reach for help when needed.

Asking for help doesn’t mean you are weak. It only allows you to consider another perspective you have previously not thought of. It also equips you with an alternative solution if your initial one is not working.

5. Let yourself discover your personal goals.

This aspect will help you develop yourself. And it will also help build your motivation and your satisfaction. Soon enough, mornings will be delightful to bear.

6. Accept accountability for your actions.

Once you become accountable for your own needs, you will stop blaming others for your misfortunes. Once you stop blaming others for your troubles, new opportunities will arrive. With higher accountability levels, you will start trusting yourself and have more confidence. This, in turn, will create a positive environment for you to explore even more exciting things. Most often, courage is all it takes to accomplish what you want.

7. You are only responsible for your own decisions.

Becoming accountable can sometimes evolve into an unhealthy or dangerous habit. Sometimes, becoming eager to help others might make you forget your wants and needs. This never helped anyone. Everyone comes to maturity at their own pace. We must allow that person the time and space needed to grow. You will notice that this will improve your relationship and bring more joy.

It was a lot of information to digest, but since we are at the end, I would like to congratulate you for being one step closer to your ideal self. Once you get there, don’t forget to allow yourself to enjoy this life moment. 

Share this article with your friends and relatives so that they can discover how beautiful can be this growth process. 

Photo resource: Freepik.