Be a Kid, Get What You Want
Why acting like a child might be the smartest thing you do as an adult.
When we hear someone say, “Grow up!” it’s often in a negative tone—meant to scold, shame, or pressure someone to act more “mature.” But what if the secret to living a fuller, more successful, and happier life isn’t about growing up—but rather, tapping into your inner child?
Sounds childish? Maybe.
But here’s the twist: children are natural dreamers, negotiators, manifesters, and joy-seekers. In fact, the very things we tell kids to “stop doing” are the exact qualities that help people thrive in their personal and professional lives.
So let’s flip the script.
Let’s explore why “being a kid” might actually help you get what you want in life—more easily, more joyfully, and more authentically.
1. Kids Aren’t Afraid to Ask for What They Want
Think about it.
When a kid wants candy at the store, do they hesitate?
No. They ask—loudly, confidently, sometimes repeatedly.
Adults, on the other hand, second-guess themselves constantly.
“What if they say no?”
“What if I sound pushy?”
“What if I’m not qualified?”
This fear of rejection stops many from applying for jobs, asking for a raise, starting a business, or even expressing love.
But kids? They don’t suffer from self-censorship.
They operate with this mindset: “If I want it, I should try and get it.”
That’s not immaturity. That’s boldness.
And it works.
2. They’re Ridiculously Curious
Kids ask “why” a hundred times a day.
Why is the sky blue? Why do birds fly? Why can’t I eat ice cream for breakfast?
It’s easy to get annoyed, but here’s the truth: curiosity fuels intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving.
As we grow older, curiosity often gets suppressed by routine, deadlines, and ego.
We stop asking questions and start pretending we know it all—which stunts our growth.
The most successful people? They stay childlike in curiosity.
They ask questions, seek answers, explore, and never stop learning.
Want to succeed faster? Stay curious longer.
3. They’re Fearless with Their Dreams
Ask a five-year-old what they want to be, and they’ll say things like:
An astronaut
A dinosaur doctor
A superhero
They don’t edit themselves.
They don’t say, “Well, based on the job market…” or “That might not be realistic.”
They dream. Big. Boldly.
They assume that anything is possible.
Compare that to adults who are constantly told to “be realistic” or “have a backup plan.” While practicality is important, it often dulls the spark of possibility.
Being a kid means believing in magic.
Sometimes, believing is the first step to making something real.
4. They Bounce Back Fast
A child falls off a bike? They cry, get up, and try again.
They don’t say, “Maybe biking isn’t for me” or “What if I fail again?”
They simply keep going.
Adults, however, carry failure like a badge of shame. We internalize it. Overanalyze it. Avoid taking risks to avoid feeling it again.
But the ability to recover, to laugh, to forget, and move forward is deeply childlike—and incredibly powerful.
5. They’re Honest About Their Feelings
Kids don’t bottle things up. If they’re happy, they squeal with joy.
If they’re sad, they cry. If they’re mad, they stomp around.
While emotional regulation is part of growing up, many adults go to the opposite extreme—they hide everything. They smile when they’re sad. Numb themselves with distractions. They fear vulnerability.
But honest expression—done respectfully—is freeing. It builds authentic relationships, helps release stress, and leads to healthier communication.
In short: Kids speak their truth. Adults often swallow it.
Which one do you think feels lighter inside?
6. They Know How to Have Fun
Ever notice how kids can turn anything into a game?
Waiting in line becomes a dance floor. A cardboard box becomes a spaceship.
Their default mode is joy. Adults? Not so much. Stress, deadlines, seriousness—it piles up. And somewhere along the way, we stop playing.
But fun isn’t just frivolous—it’s healing, creative, and energizing.
Injecting play and humor into daily life makes everything better—your mood, your health, your work.
What if fun wasn’t a luxury, but a necessity?
So, How Can You “Be a Kid” Without Being Immature?
Here’s the trick:
You don’t throw out adult responsibilities—you just bring childlike wonder into them.
Dream like a kid, but plan like an adult.
Be boldly curious, but grounded in learning.
Express yourself with honesty, but with compassion.
Have fun, but stay accountable.
It’s not about immaturity.
It’s about emotional intelligence. About staying alive inside.
And when you do that, you naturally attract the right people, opportunities, and outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Next time life feels heavy, goals feel distant, or people say “be realistic,”
remember this:
Be a kid.
Ask for what you want. Laugh loudly. Ask questions. Get messy. Dream big.
And don’t be afraid of looking silly—because in that silliness is a spark most adults have long forgotten.
✨ What part of your childhood mindset do you miss most?
💬 Share in the comments — let’s get nostalgic together!
About the Creator
David Andrews
Hi, I'm David A., I'm excited to explore topics that inspire, inform, and engage readers across different genres. I bring a blend of curiosity and creativity to my writing journey here on Vocal Media.



Comments (1)
What a great article. I am a writer something I wanted to be since I was a child. Now I did go to college and nursing school and worked as a teacher of young children, a nurse to the elderly and now working as a transcriptionist and a writer. Living the dream I had as a child. So glad I found Vocal.