You got the “adult” label slapped on you at age 18, and got pushed out into the world, blinking and confused. You were hardly ready. You turned 19, then 20 — still feeling your way around uni and friendships and romantic interests — without really feeling like you fit into it.

But at 21 there’s no turning back. It’s buckle up and ride the wave, or get absolutely pummelled by it.

No, you might not feel like a proper adult after your 21st birthday either. That’s fine. Many “proper adults” don’t feel like they do either. In fact, they just do the following things and pretend they’re doing OK (which, psssst, is the same thing).

#1 Bundle Your Superannuation Accounts

If you’ve had three jobs since the age of 14, you probably have three super accounts. It doesn’t take long to roll all your accounts into one — do it now before you accumulate any more.

#2 Form A Sense Of Style

Find out what cuts, colours and styles suit you and your personality the most — then stick to them! Stop wasting money on fast fashion and buy quality materials.

#3 Hone Your Values

What matters to you, and what doesn’t? What makes you bubble with anger, and what makes you shrug?

#4 Know Your Core Group

You’ve been kicked out of an Uber at 1am on a Saturday morning, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Who are the people you’d call to come get you?

#5 Figure Out Your Relationship To Money

Are you a saver, or a spender? Rein in your bad habits before they consume you.

#6 Draft Your Next Step

You don’t have to make a lifelong commitment to a career — it’s a draft!– but a vague after-uni plan is nice to have. Heading overseas for a year of work in London? Starting at your grad job? Working part-time to save up for a car? Doesn’t matter, just have a draft.

#7 Dental Hygiene

Go to the dentist once a year. Floss every single day. Buy an electric toothbrush.

#8 Fix Your Social Media Addiction

Putting every second of your life on stories is fun now, but it gets tired when you’re working at a desk and reaching for your phone every two minutes. Learn to live in the world.

#9 Learn How You Really Like To Spend Your Free Time

If you hate music festivals — stay home! If clubs make you anxious, suggest a bar instead. Your time is valuable, so spend it accordingly.

#10 Stop Binge Drinking ‘Til You’re Legless

Vomiting at work on your 7am shift ain’t cute. Know when to call it a night.

#11 Wear Sunscreen

Every! Single! Day!

#12 Keep A Modest Savings Account

Keep a few grand in a rainy day fund. Stay the heck away from credit cards at all costs. Pay for things in cash.

#13 Trust That Icky Feeling You Might Have About Someone

Fuck politeness. Block/report/walk away from anyone who gives you creepy vibes. Apologise later.

#14 Quit The Fake Tan

You’re gonna look back and ask yourself why you used so much. For the love of your white clothes, throw out the Sally Hansen.

#15 Set Up A Proper Exercise Routine

Exercise will make your life 100 per cent better. It’s just facts. Don’t fight it. Join a gym.

#16 Vow To Visit Your Family Regularly

They’re the only one you’ve got. Cherish them. Also, drop them to the airport when they need it.

#17 Be As Generous As You Possibly Can

Not only with your money, but your time. Be a good friend, family member, partner, etc.

#18 Have A Trip Booked

And when it’s over, save to book another. Rest, and repeat.

#19 Let Go Of Your Obsession With Being Happy

As Tim Minchin said, “Happiness is like an orgasm: if you think about it too much, it goes away. Keep busy and aim to make someone else happy, and you might find you get some as a side effect. We didn’t evolve to be constantly content. Contented Australopithecus Afarensis got eaten before passing on their genes.”

#20 Recycle Properly

Being environmentally conscious isn’t trendy — it’s compulsory. As an adult, you’re responsible for the world you live in. Take very good care of it.

#21 Donate To Charity

Even if it’s just throwing a couple of dollars at a homeless person on the street. Most of the time, they need it more than you do.