Have you ever felt like you’re going through life without the instruction manual? Like you’re playing the game, but you don’t know the rules? Like everyone else is in on some secret you missed? I believe most people feel that way at least some of the time. From winning the consolation prize at a preschool art competition, to being a clueless and socially-awkward teen, to working myself to exhaustion just so I can mismanage my finances… I’ve clearly missed the point a few times myself.

I’ve always been interested in writing—and reading, a lot. Research has always been my favorite problem-solving tool. So, it’s a good thing I live in the age of information overload. I consider myself inquisitive and quite creative. But, when poorly managed, this type of curiosity often leads to distraction or procrastination (shiny object syndrome? Beagle brain?). If I can learn to sustain focus, I know I can achieve great things.

I’ve become interested in personal development to take full responsibility for my life and my actions, as well as my relationship with my family. To be a better father, husband, son, brother, friend, etc. I need to be a well-rounded person (in my own eyes).

Have you reached that point in your life where you need to get your act together and take charge of… ehm, stuff? Contrary to social conditioning and your best judgement, I dare you to admit it: some of us are just a little slower getting the message. And that’s OK.

Complacency, procrastination, and poorly defined goals have provided mediocre results, but you don’t want to be a mediocre person. You’d rather be brilliant (I know I would). So, exactly how do you grow up? I’m writing all this as my own guide to effective adulthood (I’ve always considered myself to be my own personal lab rat: I like to try stuff out and see what happens). Hopefully, along the way, I’ll become the human being I always wanted to be. Really though, my hope is for it to become the tool I would have needed most when I was starting out in my adult life, available to whoever’s interested. Join me on this voyage of self-discovery. Together, we might just learn a thing or two.