No one gives you a handbook when you hit adulthood.
Most of us are just googling things as we go —
how to write a resume, how to lodge a tax return, how to not lose your mind during Centrelink applications.
That’s why one of the most practical tools you can create is your own:
A “How-To-Life” Notebook.
It’s not about having it all figured out — it’s about building something that helps you feel more prepared, capable, and confident.
📓 What Is It?
It’s a personalised guide to your life — a place to store everything you’re learning, figuring out, or wish you didn’t have to google again.
Think of it as your own adulting manual, written by you, for you.
🧠 Why It’s So Helpful
- Keeps your hard-earned knowledge in one place
- Reduces stress and decision fatigue
- Makes adult life feel less overwhelming
- Builds self-trust as you grow your toolkit
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about knowing where to start when life feels confusing.
✍️ What to Include in Your “How-To-Life” Notebook
Start simple. Add what’s helpful for you.
🔹 Money & Admin
- Budget templates
- How to pay bills, apply for support, or set up accounts
- Logins, deadlines, and key contacts
🔹 Work & Study
- Resume tips
- Job search checklist
- Interview reflections
- Study routines that work for you
🔹 Wellbeing
- Self-care ideas
- What helps when you’re anxious or low
- Coping strategies from therapy, coaching, or lived experience
🔹 Everyday Life
- Cleaning hacks
- Grocery basics
- How to move house or set up a new space
🛠 Want Help Getting Started?
I created a digital toolkit to help with this exact thing:
✨ Foundations: A Starter Kit for Adulthood
It’s a simple, practical resource packed with tools, prompts, and templates to help you figure out the basics of adult life — from routines and self-awareness to job readiness and life admin.
👉 Download the kit here
(Or head to the “Digital Products” section of my website)
✅ How to Start Your Notebook Today
- Choose a notebook, folder, or digital space
- Add ONE thing you’ve recently figured out (even if it feels small)
- Keep building from there — one page, one tool, one step at a time
- Use Foundations to guide your setup if you’re feeling stuck
💬 Final Thought
You’re not behind — you’re learning.
And building your own “How-To-Life” Notebook is one of the most empowering ways to own that journey.
With the right tools (and a little guidance), adulting can feel less like a guessing game — and more like something you’re actually equipped to handle.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back. 🤍
📚 This is the final post in the series: Small Habits, Big Shifts.
Want the full toolkit to support your journey?
👉 Get the Starter Kit
Vanessa Nahas Coaching 
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