In 2018, the song "Shallow" was made popular by the movie A Star is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The song takes human form on-screen, and a complex love story with all the dignity and depravity our humanity can endure draws the viewer in. As with all songs that have this effect on me, I end up googling the lyrics to know the song more intimately, to understand why the piece resonates with me, and to appreciate its spark and depth. At times, I contemplate whether a part of it is applicable to my own life.
"Shallow" is about diving into love, into relationship, and into life—all with reckless abandon. There’s a sense of predictability when diving into the deep end of a pool; you know it’s safe to do. You’re also simultaneously aware of the shallow end, and you consciously avoid diving into it. Imagine for a moment that "Shallow" is about you, your quest to find purpose, to fill the inner void, and to begin your journey to know yourself deeply. Would you dive in?
For twenty years, I have spent thousands of hours alongside young adults in my counseling office. Their experiences are wrapped in anxiety, fear, depression, sadness, confusion, loneliness, disconnection, and longing. Over the last two years, I have witnessed the severity, duration, and intensity of these negative emotions skyrocket. With strategic focus, Adulting 101 Book 2: #liveyourbestlife has the primary purpose of addressing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. This book comes at a crucial time in our culture.
Pete and Josh worked tirelessly on their first book, Adulting 101, to equip you with basic life skills. In this next book, they guide you into knowing and maintaining your inner self as a healthy adult. To dive into the depths of yourself requires only your willingness. That means asking introspective questions, reflecting on the answers, and taking deliberate steps to address negative emotions when they arise, either by confiding in a trusted friend, finding a mentor, or seeking professional help.
What you will discover in this book is a triad of principle, practical, and personal. Pete and Josh spent hours developing, supporting, and reiterating the principle that your life matters; you have greatness within you. You will find practical life applications, lists of questions, examples, and techniques that are both measurable and attainable. No point is belabored, and every chapter has direct, actionable, and helpful tools. The personal experiences throughout the book are relatable and provide opportunities to find common ground in adulthood experiences. You will learn how to prioritize and care for your mental health and foster your inner growth. It is a roadmap to adulting well.
Adulting 101 Book 2: #liveyourbestlife is a foundational resource to own. This book has a permanent home in my office and will be a gift to all my future twenty-something clients. May it provide you with the knowledge and wisdom to navigate adulthood with confidence. Dive deep.
—Jonelle A. Frost, MA, EdS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Every young adult needs Adulting 101. While Josh and Pete’s first book taught readers what an adult does, this book shows readers who an adult is. Adulting 101 teaches you how to fail well, develop grit, cultivate wisdom, manage conflict, and most importantly how to know yourself and others. Become who you were meant to be and give the gift of personal growth with this book.
—Bob Goff, Author of New York Times Best Sellers Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big
If you’re a twenty-something, or if you have a twenty-something in your life, this is the book for you. With their signature honesty and entertaining storytelling, Burnette and Hardesty show how to take the journey into adulthood with maturity, confidence, and boldness.
—Daniel H. Pink, Author of New York Times Best Sellers When and Drive
Everything you need to know for less stress and more success in the real world is right here. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Adulting 101 is your road map.
—Valorie Burton, CEO of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute and Author of national Best Seller Successful Women Think Differently
Adulting 101 Book 2 is one of the most helpful guides to growing up that you’ll find. This book will transform your understanding of yourself, others, and the world around you in order to become a healthy, fulfilled adult. With their funny stories and profound truths, Josh and Pete provide a compass for twenty-somethings to navigate their inner life. This is the roadmap you’ve been looking for and one you will return to again and again.
—Mark Batterson, Author of New York Times Best Seller The Circle Maker
Self-examination can be a painful gift. It can create clarity of focus and appetite for change that normally doesn’t exist, but it takes courage to go there. Pete and Josh show you how.
—Kristen Cavallo, CEO of The Martin Agency
This powerful book is a must-read for anyone in their twenties. The transition to the "real world" can be lonely as young adults step into a world of new responsibilities, expectations, and choices. Thankfully, Josh and Pete make the perfect guides for this time of life, and their book empowers readers to craft lives of meaning and fulfillment. Read it and feel a little more seen, a little less lonely, and a lot more prepared for the challenges ahead.
—Dr. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University
Adulting 101 Book 2 is a necessary, profound book for any young person trying to figure out adulthood. Becoming an adult brings many challenges, but Pete and Josh offer insight, wisdom, and practical advice that will launch young people into a greater future.
—Lavaedeay Lee, All-American Quarterback, author of Position over Purpose
An important guide for twenty-somethings on growing up and becoming confident, emotionally healthy individuals.
—Holley Gerth, Life Coach, Counselor, and Bestselling Author of The Powerful Purpose of Introverts
Adulting 101 Book 1 was an important guide for all of us who work with college students as we help them find their way. Adulting 101 Book 2 takes it to another level with Pete and Josh’s insights, wit, and deep understanding of the path to adulthood. I can’t wait for colleagues, students, and young adults around the world to benefit from this great work. If you want to experience growth, this book is for you!
—Dr. Tim Miller, Vice President for Student Affairs, James Madison University
The more I dove into Adulting 101 Book 2, the longer the list became of young people, parents, and leaders who I want to read this book. By merging deep truth with relatable stories and practical ideas, Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty offer a priceless guide to help you learn, live, and love better both now and for years to come.
—Kara Powell, PhD, Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Seminary and Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute
I’ve watched thousands of young adults make life-altering decisions in their transition to adulthood. This awesome book helps readers gain direction in decision-making and gives helpful footholds in applying wisdom to these situations. Get the upper hand on adulting by reading and applying this book.
—Jonathan Pokluda, Pastor and Author of Welcome To Adulting and Outdated
Institutions of higher learning will only be effective if they relentlessly pursue whole person education. To grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually is to grow into an adult of consequence. I’ve learned this happens only with daily intentionality, and that’s where this book is valuable. Josh and Pete challenge with the right questions, identify the likely hardships in adulting, and bring the pursuit home to a true definition of maturity.
—Dale Lunsford, PhD, President, LeTourneau University
Adulting 101 Book 2 is a must read for any student or young professional who wants to be challenged and supported by timeless principles applied to our current social and cultural environment. Don’t miss the "Big Ideas" that are contained in this book. They can change both your career trajectory and your life.
—Tim Tassopoulos, President of Chick-fil-A
Josh and Pete have done it again with the second book in the Adulting 101 series! Many people are nervous to "adult" because they don’t have a clear picture of how to do it well. This book is the roadmap to understanding healthy adulthood and how to overcome some of the challenges that you will face along the journey. Adulting 101 is a resource you will find yourself coming back to again and again.
—David Robbins, CEO of Family Life
Adulting 101 Book 2 wrestles with the important issues that students must confront and navigate each day. Josh and Pete’s book provides a great roadmap for people entering adulthood or even for many who have been adulting for years. Through this book, they provide practical and timeless wisdom gained from their experience of working with students. It is a must-read for the next generation.
—Judge Joy Lampley-Fortson, Former President of Leadership Georgia
