Life Skills

Last Updated: March 9, 2022

[Collecting lists of life skills to look through later..]

  1. Accepting feedback gracefully
  2. Apologizing sincerely
  3. Managing your time wisely
  4. Using keyboard shortcuts
  5. Saying ‘no’ respectfully
  6. Empathizing with others
  7. Communicating through body language
  8. Making friends in any environment
  9. Mending your clothes
  10. Speaking a second language
  11. Sticking to a budget
  12. Using basic Photoshop
  13. Spending time alone
  14. Public speaking
  15. Negotiating
  16. Cooking basic meals
  17. Making small talk
  18. Backing up your electronics
  19. Asking for help
  20. Picking up a date
  21. Dressing appropriately for a job interview
  22. Waking up on time
  23. Giving a good handshake
  24. Power napping
  25. Writing well
  26. Driving
  27. Performing CPR
  28. Defending yourself
  29. Managing up
  30. Memorizing important information
  31. Practicing self-compassion

Housekeeping Skills

1. Basic Housekeeping Skills + How to Clean
2. How to Cook … Something
3. Basic Sewing
4. Home Repairs 101
5. How to Unclog a Toilet or Sink
6. How to Use Kitchen Appliances

Technical Skills

7. How to Use a Calendar & Schedule
8. How to Write
9. Public Speaking
10. Effective Communication
11. Technology 101
12. How to Back Up Files
13. How to Protect Passwords
14. How to Research (Using Something Other than Google and Wikipedia)

Survival Skills

15. How to Keep Yourself Safe
16. Emergency Preparedness
17. Basic First Aid
18. How to Survive Without Electricity
19. How to Read a Map
20. Car Repair 101, including How to Fix a Flat Tire
21. How to Write a Resume & Cover Letter

Money Management Skills

22. How to Budget
23. How to Avoid/Get Out of Debt
24. How to Make a Major Purchase
25. Balancing your bank account
26. How to Use Coupons
27. How to Organize Financial Records
28. Money Management/Investing
29. How to Select a Tax Professional
30. Effective Negotiation
31. Calculate a Tip

Self-Awareness Skills

32. Understanding Your Calling, Purpose & Mission
33. How to Prioritize and What Your Priorities Are
34. Understanding Your Values
35. How to Focus
36. How to Have a Sense of Humor
37. Basic Etiquette
38. Basic Civics/How to Vote

Relationship Skills

39. Listening & Communication in a Partnership
40. Valuing & Expressing Respect
41. Valuing & Expressing Love
42. How to Accept Compliments & Criticism
43. Emotional Intelligence
44. How to Write Thank You Messages

Wellness & Mental Health Skills

45. Critical Thinking + Problem Solving
46. Synthesizing
47. Self-Discipline: Exercise & Nutrition
48. Self Care: Sleep & Hygiene

How to use Google search
How to set filters on YouTube

Grooming, Health and Personal Safety
How to maintain good hygiene
How to prevent contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
How to iron clothes without an iron, because who irons anymore?
How to get stains out of clothes.
How to safely use your smartphone
How to tie a tie.
How to shoot a gun.
Staying current on vaccinations.

Home and Automobile Management
How to clean house, including deep cleaning
How to change the vacuum cleaner bag or empty the canister.
How and when to change the filter on the air conditioner
For coffee drinkers: How and when to clean the coffee maker
How to keep your computer in good working condition
How to keep your phone in the same great shape as your computer
How to change the battery on a smoke detector and test it.
How to basically maintain your car. Oil changes, tire pressure and more.
Which noises signal your car needs immediate attention
How to jumpstart a car.
How to get stains out of mattress, carpet, cutting board and 16 more things.
How to unclog a toilet.

Finance and Legal Management
How to open a bank or savings account
How to invest money in a CD or brokerage account.
How and when to file taxes.
How to file your taxes for free. Do not pay for tax prep if you’re filing a 1040EZ.
How to keep financial records organized and how long to keep them. From the time you file your first tax return, this is important.
How to register a new car or renew your car’s registration
Which taxes you are responsible for in your state (Texas).
How to get a certified copy of your birth certificate for after you lose the one Mom told you not to lose.
How to get a replacement Social Security Card
How to get a passport.
How to keep yourself safe online
How to prevent identity theft.
How to shop around for car insurance.
How to handle a speeding ticket.
What to do if you’re in an accident
Which insurances you need and which insurances you don’t need
How to keep your credit score high
How to budget and stay out of debt
How to use credit wisely.
How to set goals. What’s your five-year plan?
How to save money on groceries
How to save money on other purchases by using Craigslist, Facebook groups, LetGo, local thrift stores and more.

Good Manners and other Miscellaneous Life Skills
When to write a good old fashion thank-you note and how to write one
How to set a table
How to prepare for a job interview and nail it
How to plan and book a trip, including tips on making airline reservations, booking hotels and more.
Good etiquette for dining out, including what foods you can eat with your fingers