Being a teenager can be quite difficult. In all honesty, it’s a contradicting time. As a teen, you’re simultaneously being given numerous freedoms and restrictions. You’re being told to grow up while being reminded you’re just a child. You’re pressured to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life although often told you’re too young to know what you want.
Amid these endless contradictions is advice that actually makes sense, believe me. The thing is, whether you’re a child, teen, or an adult, life can be confusing and scary, but if you can be honest with yourself, you can get through anything.
So, whether you’re just starting your teenage years or quickly coming into adulthood, here is the best life advice for teens.
Be Present
As a teen, you’re constantly reminded to think about your future. But what about today? It’s hard to take some time just to think about your present self, but it’s important.
Being present allows you to do things for yourself now. Hanging out with friends, reading books that interest you, and pursuing hobbies that make you happy are all ways to practice being present.
Not everything you do as a teen has to be in preparation for the future. The best life advice is guidance that you can continue to follow as you grow. Being present is something you can always implement in your life, no matter what age.
Make Connections
As you grow up, you’ll meet people from all walks of life. While it's completely natural to let go of the relationships you form in your youth, it’s still important that you make the most out of those connections while you have the chance.
Teachers, coaches, leaders, and parents genuinely believe in you and will go through great lengths to be there for you. Psychology Today’s Forrest Talley writes about the importance of mentors, stating that these figures will be able to empathize with what you’re going through as they lived it before.
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the life experience your mentors have. The relationships formed during your teenage years don’t have to be long-lasting, but they can be the most impactful when forged securely.
Create Your Own Values and Beliefs
Creating your own personal beliefs and values can be intimidating, but it’s an essential part in developing your sense of self. This piece of advice doesn’t mean challenging everything you’ve been told.
Instead, it is about confirming or opposing it for yourself. Even if you are challenging certain values and beliefs, remind yourself that it's not coming from a place of insecurity or distrust but confidence within yourself.
Having a clear set of values and beliefs will provide you with the faith needed to believe in yourself and your abilities.
Be Honest
As teenagers, we’re constantly reminded about the importance of truth. It’s important to be honest and to build credibility, but while we are taught to practice truth with everyone else, we are seldom told to be honest with ourselves.
Being honest with yourself allows you to really question what you want. If you don’t want to play a certain sport, study a certain subject, or partake in certain activities, be honest with yourself about it.
Pursue goals that you genuinely want to achieve, and do things that make you happy. Honesty is, in fact, the best policy, and it can go a long way when we practice it with ourselves.
Don’t Worry
You have your whole entire life ahead of you to explore and live life. Don’t feel pressured to do everything right now at this moment.
Remember to have fun and make memories that you’ll always cherish. After all, you’re only a teen once.
