Adulting 101: #Wisdom4Life (Hardcover) – A Complete Guide on Life Planning, Responsibility and Goal Setting, Perfect Gift for High School & College Graduation

by Josh Burnette, Pete Hardesty

Today’s students are hammered with high expectations for their academic studies. Basic life skills are mostly not taught in classrooms, so graduates are on their own to figure out how to live successfully in the everyday world. Without any guidance, where do you start?

Adulting 101 is a clever, compelling, and relevant manual that will show you how to:


Choose your boss, get a job (or at least not lose one) and deal with co-workers


Buy insurance and understand exactly what you need


Begin saving and investing your money


Buy a car


Set goals, prioritize, and get work done


Write a professional email


Navigate sex, dating, and relationships (but not in that order)


Manage your time effectively


Measure success as God sees it


And much more!

This book will give you everything you need to succeed and to make a real impact. It’s a manual of how to change the world, and be the person you were meant to be. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Education, Personal Finance, Leadership

192 pages, Hardcover

Published April 3, 2018

About the author

JOSH BURNETTE is a husband, dad, business owner, and author who currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, he started working for Chick-fil-A as a team member when he was barely old enough to see over the counter. He received his bachelor’s degree in business management from James Madison University in 2009 (Go Dukes!). Throughout college, he served as a Young Life leader for a local high school, and his passion for mentoring young people began. After graduating, he went to work fulltime for a Young Life camp in Buena Vista, Colorado. He decided to come back to Chick-fil-A to combine his loves for business and working with young people. He served as the owner/operator of a mall restaurant for two years and currently leads a free-standing restaurant employing over one hundred people in Little Rock. Josh is a certified speaker with SCORRE workshops and recently enjoyed the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for Verizon Wireless. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, volunteering on several boards in the community, and snowboarding. Josh is married and has two children.

Reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m interested in reading many different types of books, so I was happy to come across Adulting 101. Yes, I am many decades removed from that particular age group, but heck, learning is learning! Ultimately I was very pleased with the material. It isn’t too dry or preachy. I was pleasantly surprised to gain nuggets here and there that enriched my life. Liking the material so much, I ordered Adulting 101 Book Two. I am looking forward to reviewing that book as well. Certainly not required although highly recommended for everyone from teens upwards. Let’s see what I can find in the next one!

[Colette Gaeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me feel excited and hopeful about being in the adult world! I felt like it provided just enough information on each topic to not scare you away but to get you invested in caring about that responsibility. The financial/ time management chapters were particularly helpful. I actually plan to go to my bank this week to put into practice some of the advice given. I liked that this book had a good balance of theoretical advice such as "be the friend you wish you had" and practical advice such as "pay attention to the price per unit when buying groceries." The only aspect of the book that I wasn't able to relate to was the religious parts, but I think that young Christians would really appreciate the advice and wisdom. Additionally my personal beliefs towards intimacy differ from the authors but this didn't at all reduce the overall value of the book for me. I really enjoyed this book and honestly feel like it put me in a mindset that makes me want to go out and start living my life better today. I will be sharing this book with many other people.

[Iamthird]

Never be late.

Dress (above) the part.

p 27 "When you are late, you are communicating to other people that your time is more important than their time. It clearly states that the only person you care about is yourself. YOu're being selfish whether you realize it or not. "

Arrive 5 minutes before it begins - that is on time.
15 min before is early, on time is late.

p31 "In weakness, there is strength. In authenticity, there is strength. In humility, there is strength."

The most important thing you can do in leadership is to lead yourself.
The second most important thing you can do in leadership is to develop other people.

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others."

""You will be like the five people you spend time with. So make them good!""

Be really hungry. Be a raging river. Relentlessly pursue getting better. Never be satisfied but always be celebrating.

Are your words, behaviors, and beliefs consistent?

"What is the wise thing to do?"

p 33 "Based on my past experience, in light of my current situation, and knowing my future hopes and dreams, is this right?"

Give feedback often and candidly, and also ask for it in a safe manner. Be a raving fan pubicly and a thoughtful critic privately.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Be who you needed when you were young.

Be silly successful!
Ask boss how can help them specifically. Set your boss up for success and make their job easier.
Clarify the two or three most important things you can do in your job. Do them excellently. Practice the art of essentialism. Become really good at a few things.

Work hard. I mean really hard. Perseverance. Demonstrate grit.

Volunteer for difficult projects. Perform way beyond expectations. Serve the people around you. Genuinely help your coworkers and your boss. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit. Get to know your people and care for them in the way they prefer.

Bring out the best in people. Find out what they have to offer and what motivates them, and help them get it. Help people operate in their areas of strength.

Organize meals and activities outside work. It's okay if no one shows up.

Write lots and lots of handwritten notes. Thank-you notes, appreciation notes, notes after meetings.

Serve with integrity. Leaders develop leaders.

pg 39 "Getting to know your coworkers and working well with them are life skills that will be crucial to your long-term success."

Emotional Intelligence is defined as, "the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically." Basically, it's connecting with people. Having competency in a field is incredible, but without chemistry it won't get you very far.

1. Listen twice as much as you talk.
2. Respond rather than react.
3. Put yourself in the other person's shoes.
4. Apologize directly if you are at fault.
5. Don't interrupt others or change the subject.
6. Be vulnerable.
7. Empathize with others.
8. Create a positive environment.
9. Ask, don't tell.
10. Praise more.

People will not care how much you know until they know how much you care!

Write down what you care about, such as what you prioritize in life and what you plan around.

Natural encourager - "he cared for his peers in a way that has left a permanent impression on me and the team. He constantly looked for opportunities to serve others...humble team player."

p 42 Encourage. Everyone wants to be around an encourager. If you can hardwire yourself to genuinely encourage others, you'll draw people to you and be well-liked.

Get to know the stories of those around you.

Remain humble. An opportunity to love, serve, honor, and have fun with someone.

p62 Gratitude unlocks this attitude of abundance.

p64 "don't compare. Think about money the right way. It's not really yours. You're just a temporary steward of it."

p67 Give generously. Reap what you sow. Sow good seeds. Invest seeds in what you want to see have fruit.

SWAT Team Retail Division - Go in. Take care of business. Get out.
USE Things until they fall apart! Make it a game to see how long you can make it last!
Tip generously, you reap what you sow!
Start saving and investing NOW!

p84 The sooner you figure out you are a temporary steward, the more freedom you'll experience. As a temporary manager - let's try to do the most good for the most people. And have some fun along the way!

When in doubt, use an S&P 500 index fund (SPY), a US total stock market index fund, and an international total stock market index fund for diversification in investing.

p97 Decide on the car, year, and price you are willing to spend. Then email all the dealers in 50 miles and give them the make, model, and year. Have them bid on your business. They need you. You don't need them.

I asked for the invoice they paid for the car.

p124 "1. What is the most important thing I have to do today? What are the things that only I can do? Can anyone else do anything on my to-do list 80% as well as I can? If the answer is yes, delegate them."

p125 "Don't prioritize your schedule; schedule your priorities."

What is the most important thing I should do today? Then go after it with everything you have. Right away.

Meetings should always have an end time.

Know your priorities.

Sunday night - 10 minutes of planning saves an hour of time. It gives purpose and direction for your day.

Be early everywhere! This will show your coworkers and employees that you take yourself seriously, and that you take their time seriously.

If something takes less than 3 minutes, do it immediately. Build momentum.

"I am sorry, I already have a commitment."

p133 Daffodil Principle, "One action done repeatedly and faithfully can make a tremendous difference. Little things done over and over can become big things."
p139
Be the friend you wish you had.
Be the employee you wish you had.
Be the boss you wish you had.
Be the coworker you wish you had.
Be the family member you wish you had.
Be the leader you wish you had.
Be the support you wish you had.

What you think about God is the most important thing about you.

p144 "The problem with the world is me."

We want you to step into who you were meant to be and make a huge difference in our world. You were made for this.

p146 Marriage - ask IF you should get married, not who you should marry. Your mate complements you but never completes you. Don't look for fulfillment in someone else, that isn't their job. Soul mates are created, not found. Marriage is a discipline, a commitment; it's much more than a feeling.

Mental - do hard things. Start the habit of reading. Leaders are learners and leaders are readers. You can spend time with anyone in the world by reading their books. Read stuff you want to read fast while standing up! Meditate and think more. Reflect more. Howard Hendricks said of every hour reading, forty minutes should be reading and twenty minutes should be reflecting. You will be like the 5 people you spend the most time with. Have a mindset dedicated to growing yourself. Hang around really smart people. Dream big. Take big swings at things. Do one extraordinary thing every day. Don't pull all-nighters; it never works.

Leadership. Delegation is key to being a leader. It is an art. Write compliments down, share criticism
verbally. Availability, ability, attitude: look for these in employees.

TRUE success is when those closest to you and most important to you love you and respect you the most!

[Virginia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book tells you that you can't get a job if you have purple hair (false: I got a promotion with purple hair). It also promotes toxic purity culture and shames people for not knowing things they don't know. We all don't know things. There's no shame in that.

If you're trying to learn something, I'd suggest you start at your library. Lots of libraries offer free classes on all sorts of things and librarians are trained in research--their job is literally to help you find stuff...including information on how to do things you don't know how to do.

[Skye512 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was awful. Typically I always force myself to finish a bad book, but I couldn't even do that with this one. Your narrators are 2 middle aged white men that judge teens for not being able to write checks and judge people for showing up to job interviews with purple hair. MIND YOU, this book was published in 2018. Personally, I never use checks. I've never needed to. Literally never. The only interactions I've had with checks have been presents for birthdays, holidays, etc. (And with apps like venmo now in existences those experiences are even less).

I'm not a big fan of judging people for how they look and a lot of what I've read from this book is judging people for how they look or for a lack of knowledge. There's a lot of reasons teens might not know how to write a check. There could be a traumatic childhood, there could be parents that didn't care about their children and therefore didn't care to inform them, etc.

Personally just not a fan. And this comes from someone that does in fact know how to write a check.

[Toyin Spades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adulting 101 is such an insightful book and I know it would be most helpful to Young Adults who need to prepare for adulthood. Everyone says 'Adulting is hard' but this book teaches you how to avoid the most common errors many adults make.

The book breakdown 'adulting' in small manageable chunks that almost make you feel comfortable about going into this thing called adulthood. It sets the tone for how you can be prepared for real life...or how you can prepare the younger ones around you for real life.

The most interesting chapter to me was the one about Money management. It provides a practical foundation to wise money management.

[Abby Epplett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as a (joke?) gift from my parents, possibly because I was managing a church at the time. The book is so weird and random. It alternates between altar calls and send-ups to Chick-fil-A. I guess there is an audience for this book, but I'm not it.

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY high school senior should read this "life manual" before heading off into the after-graduation sunset. The authors present tips and tricks to mastering essential life skills for success and changing the world.



The book is divided into seven section, and the chapters within those sections are thematically grouped. I'm a sucker for a good list and an inspirational quote/anecdote. This book really delivers on all parts.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn't entirely sure if I should even count this as read because I skimmed probably more than half the book.

In terms of the book itself, a big part of why I didn't like it was because I am ~not~ the target audience. I was given this book a few months ago because i just graduated college, got married, and moved into my first non college apt. I think the basics could be good for someone who is starting with no information at all, but there wasn't any new information for me.

I mostly started skimming starting in the financial section. If any of your advice includes mentioning cutting down on regular coffee/other small purchases, you're assuming I have a lot more money than I do. Also there was no advice on dealing with unexpected expenses.

[Aliza Yaillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It really broke down goals for how to "adult" and how to start saving. Super helpful! The only part I didn't love, and was surprised by at the end was that it started talking about Jesus, which I was very much not expecting. It's awesome that they are religious Christians, I just wish there had been a warning, or an option to keep that out of the book. Besides that, definitely a perfect read after graduating college!

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is extremely elementary, but provides a decent basis for a broad spectrum of issues dealing with becoming an adult. I skipped over chapters I wasn’t particularly interested in, and skimmed over many others. Still there is some benefit to reading this book. It was well written, just very elementary.

[Set · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's some good life experience and advice to be found in this book but it's lacking a very important life fact. Something that they even teach you in Business Administration at College/University and that is: It doesn't matter how prepared you are in life, it's more important what you look like and who you know.

Something that I've experienced for myself. For example, when I want a job, I make sure to give the application in person to the manager so that they can see what I look like because I've never received a call back by turning it in electronically due to my name being French and last name Spanish. Three times I was told in the job interview that I got the job because they liked my image for their company. One time, the Indian boss (from India) told me that he gave me the job because I'm white... At that same office, he would tell me to lie to the job interviewees and tell them that he was out of the office due to unforeseen circumstances and he would call them back for another interview. The people he would turn away were ingenious Spanish speakers and Black people.

On another note, I got a temp job once when I was 18 and it was great until the manager changed and it went from a white lady to an indigenous Spanish speaker that would tell me all the time to not think I was white; something I've heard various times in my life from mixed Spanish speakers. She made it a point to never give me the days off that I requested and put me in the worst positions and work schedule.

So yes, company culture and professionalism is important but what is more important is what you look like and not so much a degree; most places start you from the bottom up anyway.

[Trevor Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read part of the book and skimmed a decent bit. There’s a lot of really good wisdom in here. Depending on your upbringing, you may have already heard a lot of it. But I also know there are a lot of people who haven’t heard these types of things and they need to hear it from someone! This book would be perfect for those wrapping up high school or who have recently entered college. And better yet, those who are mature enough to want to build a solid foundation.

I’ll be honest, most of the information here seems to be compiled from simple Google searches (like when referencing “addicted2success.com” lol), but also includes good stories and insights from people who have lived full lives. With it all compiled together in one place, it’s worth it to have the resource instead of blindly shooting off Google searches looking for help.

Personally, I’d give the book three stars. These aren’t professional writers, I believe they could have easily cut the length and still got the message across, and there were a few stories in there where I felt like they were ragging on the core audience of the book (I don’t think that was their intention, but they chose words/phrases poorly). BUT…

…overall, I’ll give it four stars because I do think there is a lot of good that can come from someone reading this book and I don’t want to drive down the average rating that might scare people away.

[Pasquale DeSanto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book after graduating high school and just read it now, in my senior year of college. First off, there are some insights that I gained from this book. For example, I did not consider that if you are not going to be in a house for more than five years(ish) than you should rent. I like the take on pornography in this book; how it disforms the growing brain's perception of sex. This book is written by 2 religious people, and even if you aren't religious, they're additional perspective can help you better contemplate and understand your own beliefs.

However, THIS BOOK IS PREACHY. This book has a portion called "The Top Button". The point of this chapter is as follows: If you incorrectly button the top button of your shirt, the rest of the buttons are misaligned. They make the analogy that Jesus is this top button (Your main belief system), and that if you don't believe in Jesus, everything else in your life will cess to come together.

With that said, I would HIGHLY recommend this to new graduates who are trying to form an understanding of their place in the greater world. For those skeptical (or have an implicit, not explicit belief) of religion, have an open mind.

[Nikki Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m currently a college senior and received this book as gift since I’m about to enter the adult world. I think this book should have been marketed more towards high school/college freshman aged people. Most of the information was things I’ve already learned about. With that being said I could see how this book would be beneficial to somebody just starting the journey of learning about topics like finance, goal setting, relationships, etc. While the book fails to go in great depth on any particular topic, I do think it could be useful as an introduction or refresher. I found it to be a quick and easy read, which is always nice when dealing with such serious topics.

The book does include some references to Christianity and it’s beliefs when discussing relationships and an overall outlook on life. However, this is only a very small portion of the book and I don’t see why it would turn a non-Christian away from the book.

Overall, I gave it a 4/5. While most of the information was just a refresher for me, I think it would have been really useful if I read it in high school.

[Daniel Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredibly practical and motivating guide to success through the later high school years, college, and the first years fresh out of school.
I'd recommend it to anyone—it's overflowing with advice on finance, work ethic, business and other relationships, and more. The whole novel is arranged very systematically, but it doesn't lack personality either.
Some people have left very negative reviews, and I notice that it's primarily because of people disagreeing with certain aspects Adulting 101 covered.
Obviously not everything is applicable. I might not work in an office, I might not invest in stocks, or buy my own house—but that's the point! The whole point is to give advice that covers as much as possible in a way that is helpful and not overwhelming.
You might also notice that the book doesn't have a whole lot of reviews on GoodReads... probably because it's not a book readers might read. The reviews on Amazon are five times as much and the ratings are way higher.
It's also not that expensive, so I do strongly recommend getting it.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall most of the advice is sound, but a few things seem outdated. However, I feel that the 8760 hours guide by Alex Vermeer (and his collection on life-hacking) is much better. There is also the very valuable 80.000 hours website / guide. Although both these resources do not contain all of the advice covered in this book (e.g. how to buy a car, what to look out for, which insurance to have, building credit).

Also: some parts of this book exclusively apply to US citizens (credit, health insurance, 401k).

Some statements from the book:
- on dating: "When sex occurs outside of marriage, especially over and over again, it actually burns those who practice it."
- on dating: "Lights on, clothes on, stay upright. [...] Kissing, hugging, and holding hands, and that may be too far for some."
- directed at people not believing in god: "[...] I'm sorry, but your life has no meaning, purpose, or significance." (this is a crazy statement)
- "the recipe for success in this life is following Jesus"

[Joe Nealis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like the epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover (or its title either, frankly haha). I really enjoyed reading this book.

This book felt like sitting down with your mentor and listening to them read off a list of all their life lessons they wanted to give you as you enter adulthood. Or if it’s helpful, it’s almost like reading a book of advice your parents perhaps forgot to tell you on how to successfully steward the life you’ve been given.

About 40% of this book was a bullet pointed list regarding various advice on topics like: finance, cars, buying housing, leadership, and just various life skills, all while not making you feel like you’re behind the pack and hopeless.

Highly recommend. And take lots of notes when you read it.

[MythicalDarkness · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire book holds a lot of wisdom but shouldn't have made God such an important topic considering there are so many religions out there and those just feel he doesn't exist nor should marriage be a "goal" in this day and age. Getting married legally rather than just calling someone your life partner seems wrong. Another way for the government to make money off people, and you shouldn't need to legally tie someone to yourself to say "I love you" but that's just my opinion. I wish the entire 6 pages of this book speaking solely on 'God' also wasnt a part of this book, and honestly I barely skimmed over it as I am not of such religious belief.

[Titus Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book on the basics of life. The title’s pretty cheesy and I’m not a fan, but otherwise the book is practical and to the point. Everything from budgeting to time management to relationships to leadership is in this book. Both of the authors know what they’re talking about and don’t come across haughty or judgmental. They just want to help. It also has a good Christian perspective that isn’t prominent, but it does have a good influence on the book. Must read for young adults getting out into the real world!

[Tiffany Rios · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it is a practical and engaging guide filled with valuable advice on finances, career planning, and personal growth. Its clear, actionable tips make life feel more manageable even reading it at the age of 27. However, while the guidance is solid, the religious undertones did not appeal to me very much. A more neutral approach like the second book, could have made it even more universally accessible. Still, it’s a helpful and encouraging read for anyone looking to navigate adulthood with confidence.

[Terence O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adulting 101 is Not Just for Students

I was invited as a guest speaker for Career Day at a local high school. In the classroom, the English teacher shared with me this book she has her students reading. This book is a blessing to not only students but every adult needs to read this book. From chapter one to the last chapter, the authors speak relevant, life-changing, self-awareness truths. Get this book RIGHT NOW!.

[Josh Grubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great life lessons from a great guy. You will never have all the knowledge you need in life you this is a great jumping off point for young people. I had the personal privilege of growing up with Josh and seeing him learn these lessons himself experiences and strong mentors. This is a collection of wisdom that took him years to find, but can be yours in about an hour.

[Katie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick and easy read – a helpful perspective on doing things with excellence and preparing wisely for the future, as Christ calls us to do. Many topics I already knew and/or felt comfortable with (interviewing, study habits, and professionalism), but I learned a lot from topics such as insurance, investing, budgeting, time management, and leadership!

[Summer Newbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEEDED. This book is necessary. Not only very enlightening and informative, but the comedic elements throughout make it an entertaining read. I HIGHLY recommend for all graduating high school seniors, College students, and any other new adult who's struggling with adulting. 5 out of 5 stars. I have no complaints with this book. I'm looking forward to reading book 2.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really awesome and it had a lot of really great information for young people just going into college or leaving College. Most of the advice was things that I wish I was told at that age and made a lot of sense. I wasn't a huge fan of the religious aspect of this book. Overall lots of good information well written well paced and a good guide to being an adult.

[Diane Hidey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A primer for any teen or young adult. Practical tips for surviving and thriving in college and the work place. Pete and Josh share engaging stories that help to illustrate their point. It's an easy read and a handbook you may pull out again and again. Plus it has a bookmark...what? Win!!

[Devin Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely outstanding and informative book for late teens and young adults. Providing first and foremost, an opportunity to think through many practical necessities for adulthood in America. I will be recommending this read for years to come.

[Hoang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sách mang tính khái quát rất nhiều vấn đề
Tổng hợp lại của nhiều chủ đề nhỏ
Tài chính, học tập, lên kế hạch....
Bản thân thấy sách tạm ổn
Nếu muốn chủ đề nào thì cần tự đọc sách chuyên sâu về chủ đề đó hơn.
Trịch 7.2.2023

[Mercedes Siebolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked book one. Book one covers alot of adult “tasks”. it teaches about basic adult responsibilities that they don’t really teach in school. It’s good for a high school book grad, but could still highly benefit a college student like myself.