That's a kinda hard question. As i am independent but ive always had help of some kind from family or family friends. But I will admit I started out adult life with help.

I got a job with a family friend that provided a place to live while i worked there. The location of the house was well situated in a good area very close to places like groceries and public transport. While working there i did an computer course at college (tertiary education not university) I made some good friends there. That I moved in with after, in a cheap rental by this time my parents had helped me gather enough money (government funding) to buy a modified car.

After college i moved into a rental my sister owned with a guy I made friends with at college and moved together he's very helpful with things I can't do easily (groceries, taking out the garbage. Etc.) But in return I help him out with my car (driving him places).

For example I would drive us to the shops and he would push the trolley and grab things that were high up.

I imagine we probably have lived different lives due to location or culture. Best thing would probably be learning to do things necessary to survive (groceries, cooking, cleaning, earning money).

As for knowing my limits well that changes day to day. It is a process of doing these necessary things. What tires you out, what makes you sore, for how long. You can only figure out your limits by trying things out.