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Life isn’t always easy, and sometimes you need a bit of tried and true wisdom to help guide you down the right path. Especially if you’re feeling lost, alone, or like you could be doing more with your life.
These universal truths are an important reminder that we’re all human, all in this together, and we all face similar struggles and difficulties in life. They’re not bound to any cultural norms or religious doctrine and are not dependent on any individual’s experience.
Some of these truths are challenging to accept, but they can help you live a better life if you take them to heart. After all, it’s only through understanding and accepting the realities of life that you can hope to improve your situation and find true happiness.
1. You don’t always get what you want
The unfortunate reality of life is that you don’t always get what you want. Hard work and dedication can take you a long way, but in some cases, you just won’t be able to achieve your goal, no matter how badly you want it or how hard you try.
Maybe you’re not naturally talented enough, don’t have the years to devote to learning a skill, or are up against better competition. Or perhaps luck plays a significant factor in your success, and you’ve been dealt a bad hand.
You can’t force someone to love you, hire you, or give you the award you think you deserve. When you accept that life isn’t always fair, it’s easier to move on when things don’t go your way and focus your energy on things you can control.
2. The world doesn’t owe you anything
You might think that the world owes you something because you’ve worked hard your whole life, made sacrifices, or been dealt a difficult hand. But the truth is, it doesn’t.
The world doesn’t owe you a successful career, a happy relationship, or a comfortable life. You are not entitled to anything just because you exist. This might sound harsh, but it’s an important reminder that life isn’t always going to go your way. No one is guaranteed a perfect life, and things can change at any time.
If you want something in life, you have to work for it. Nothing will be handed to you on a silver platter, and expecting otherwise will only lead to disappointment. And even if you do work hard, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll get what you want.
3. You can’t please everyone
If you try to please everyone, you’ll end up pleasing no one and making yourself very unhappy. You’ll live your life according to other people’s standards and expectations and miss out on what would make you truly happy.
If you’re in business, you’ll likely give bad advice or produce a sub-standard, watered-down result that doesn’t reflect your actual values or mission.
Everyone has a right to their own opinion, even if it feels misguided or plain wrong, and no matter what you do, there will always be haters and people who disagree with you.
The best thing you can do is stay true to your beliefs and values, and walk your own path with confidence. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be deliberately offensive or hurtful to others. Just don’t let the opinions of others dictate your life or hold you back from living the life you want to live.
4. Comparison is the thief of joy
In today’s social media-obsessed world, it’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re not good enough. You see other people’s highlight reels and assume they have perfect lives while you struggle with your own problems and shortcomings.
But the truth is, everyone has problems, and no one’s life is as perfect as it seems. Comparing yourself to others will only make you feel bad about yourself and steal your joy.
Instead, focus on your journey and what you can do to improve your life. Be grateful for what you have and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be.
5. Prevention is better than cure
It’s better to prevent a problem from happening in the first place than to wait for it to happen and try to fix the mess. There are endless examples in life where pre-planning and thinking ahead can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later on.
If you want to avoid relationship problems, it’s better to communicate openly and honestly with your partner from the start rather than letting things fester and trying desperately to patch things up when things fall apart.
If you want to lose weight, it’s better to eat healthily and exercise regularly than to wait until you’re overweight and then try to crash diet.
6. Success is a journey, not a destination
Working hard to achieve your goals is good, but it’s important not to become too obsessed with the future. When your mind is constantly looking forward, you live your life in a holding pattern waiting for the moment you’ve “made it” and can finally relax.
The problem is this magical future moment may or may not arrive. And even if you do reach your goal, the bar gets reset, and there’s something else to strive for. In the meantime, life has passed you by, and you’ve missed out on all the good things happening along the way.
It’s much better to think about success as the journey you take, the things you learn, and the person you become along the way. You only get one shot at life, so be present in your life and savor every moment.
7. Your past does not define you
Your past does not define you, no matter how many mistakes you’ve made or how much pain you’ve been through. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone goes through tough times.
What matters is the present moment and what you do with your life from here on out. You can’t change the past, but you can control the future.
So don’t let your past hold you back from living the life you want to live. Learn from your mistakes and use them as motivation to become the best version of yourself.
8. You don’t need a passion to be happy
Many people believe you need to “find your passion” to be happy. But the truth is, you don’t need a passion to live a meaningful life.
Having a passion implies that there’s one thing in life that you’re meant to do. But what if your passion changes? What if you’re not good at your passion? What if you don’t have any passions?
You can find joy and meaning in the simplest things in life. Perhaps you enjoy spending time with your family, napping on the sofa, or simply appreciating all the beauty around you.
The key to happiness is finding things that make you feel good and doing more of them. It doesn’t have to be some grand passion that defines your life. Just do what makes you happy and enjoy the ride.
9. Not everyone will like you
Everybody wants to be liked and accepted, but the truth is not everyone will like you. People have different personalities, interests, and opinions, and it’s impossible to please everyone.
If someone doesn’t warm to you for some reason, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. You might have incompatible personalities or think about the world differently, which puts you at odds.
Instead of wasting your energy trying to win over people who will never like you, focus on those who do. Build relationships with them, appreciate them, and tell them how much you value their friendship.
10. You can’t control everything
There will always be things in life beyond your control. You can’t control the weather, the economy, or other people’s actions. Sometimes random things go wrong, and all the planning in the world can’t prevent it.
Trying to control everything is a recipe for frustration and stress, and knowing when to let go is essential. It sounds like a defeatist attitude, but it’s actually very empowering. When you let go of the things you can’t control, you free up your time and energy to focus on the things you can.
In some cases, the only thing you can control is your own reaction when bad things happen to you. With practice, you can choose to see the positive side, make the best of it, and roll with the punches.
11. Failure is a gift
Many people see failure as a bad thing, but it’s actually one of the best things that can happen to you. Failure is how you learn, grow and become wise and experienced.
Without failure, you would never unlock your full potential or learn what you’re really capable of achieving. You would never push yourself to try new things, take risks, or approach a problem from a different perspective.
So instead of being afraid of failure, embrace it. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to become better and stronger.
12. Gratitude makes life richer
Practicing gratitude will make your life richer, fuller, and more meaningful. When you’re grateful for the good things in your life, you open yourself up to more happiness, love, and joy.
Gratitude helps you see the world in a different light. It allows you to appreciate the beauty around you and the people in your life. It’s a reminder that no matter how tough things might be, there’s always something to be thankful for.
It also breaks you out of the habit of always wanting more. When you’re grateful for what you have, you’re less likely to obsess over the things you don’t. You can be content with less and enjoy a simpler, more fulfilling life.
13. Change is the only constant
Whether you like it or not, your life will always be in a state of change. People change, circumstances change, and the world changes. When you’re feeling stable and settled, everything can instantly be turned on its head by random chance or outside forces beyond your control.
Change can be painful, but it’s also essential for growth. It’s how you learn and evolve as an individual and can open you up to exciting opportunities and experiences. So instead of resisting change or being afraid of it, go with the flow and see where it takes you. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy the ride.
14. Being scared is a choice
It’s natural to feel afraid sometimes, but it’s important to remember that fear is just a feeling. You have the power to choose how you react to fear and whether or not you let it control your life.
Of course, I’m not suggesting that you take unnecessary risks or put yourself in harm’s way. But if you’re afraid of something, ask yourself if it really threatens your wellbeing.
If the answer is no, you’re likely just scared of being pushed outside your comfort zone. In that case, you can always take steps to build up your courage and conquer your fear. Doing so will help you live a braver, more adventurous life.
15. You are more than what you look like
Your looks are only a tiny part of who you are as a person. They don’t define you or determine your worth. So don’t get caught up worrying about being ugly or trying to meet society’s unrealistic beauty standards.
Focus on developing other aspects of yourself, such as your talents, abilities, and character. These things are far more critical than how you look on the outside. And when you feel good about yourself as a person, it will shine through in your appearance.
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16. Respect needs to be earned
Respect is not something that’s automatically given to you. It’s something you have to earn by being a good person and living a life of integrity.
If you want people to respect you, you must show them that you’re worthy of their esteem. That means being honest, trustworthy, and having the courage to stand up for what you believe in – even when it’s difficult.
It also means respecting other people, even if they don’t share your beliefs or values. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion.
17. Being smart isn’t everything
There are plenty of intelligent people in the world who are unhappy, unsuccessful, and unliked. On the other hand, many people who don’t fit the conventional definition of smart are kicking goals and winning at life.
Intelligence is only one part of the equation. Other things are just as important, if not more so. Things like hard work, determination, perseverance, and resilience.
So don’t get caught up thinking you’re stupid or trying to be the most intelligent person in the room. Work on developing other qualities and skills to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.
Also, remember that there are different types of intelligence. Just because you’re not good at math or science doesn’t mean you’re not smart. You might be good at writing, have excellent people skills, or have high emotional intelligence.
18. The wrong choice is often better than no choice
When you’re faced with a decision, it can be paralyzing trying to figure out which choice is the right one. But the truth is, there’s often no such thing as a perfect decision.
Every option has its pros and cons, and there’s always the potential for things to turn out badly. However, if you don’t have the courage to make a choice, you’ll never get anywhere in life. You’ll stay stuck in a rut, and none of your dreams will ever become a reality.
So if you’re struggling to decide what to do, look at the options and make the best decision with the information you have available. It might not work out, but it’s better than doing nothing at all.
19. If you don’t love yourself, nobody else will
If you don’t have any respect or love for yourself, it’s unlikely that anyone else will. Your attitude, demeanor, and how you treat yourself are all significant factors in how others perceive you.
You need to learn to accept and love yourself for who you are – faults and all. Only then will you be able to find happiness and build healthy, lasting relationships with other people.
Remember, you are worthy of love and respect just as you are. So start treating yourself with the kindness and compassion you deserve.
20. Forgiveness will set you free
Carrying around anger, resentment, and bitterness will only hurt you in the long run. It will damage your mental and physical health and prevent you from moving on with your life.
To be happy and at peace, you need to learn to forgive. That doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or condoning someone’s bad behavior. It just means letting go of the anger and pain so that you can move on.
Forgiving someone can be incredibly liberating, even if they don’t deserve it. It will take a weight off your shoulders and give you back the power to control your own happiness.
21. Your comfort zone is your enemy
If you’re not pushing yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone, you will not achieve anything significant in life. You need to be willing to take risks and put yourself in uncomfortable situations if you want to grow and develop as a person.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should do something dangerous or reckless just for the sake of it. But it does mean you should challenge yourself regularly and push your boundaries.
Only by taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone will you be able to reach your full potential. So don’t be afraid to take a chance now and then – it might just pay off.
22. You can’t do everything on your own
No matter how independent or self-sufficient you are, there will always be times when you need help from other people. Whether it’s emotional support, advice, or practical assistance, reaching out to others is nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, admitting that you need help is a sign of strength. It shows that you’re willing to accept your limitations and ask for assistance when necessary.
So next time you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family, or even a professional for help. Everyone needs a little bit of support from time to time.
23. Making mistakes is part of life
Nobody’s perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. It’s an inevitable part of life. What matters is how you handle your mistakes and learn from them.
Don’t beat yourself up over your errors – instead, use them as an opportunity to grow and improve. Each mistake is a chance to learn and become a better person.
So next time you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it or wallow in self-pity. Instead, accept it, learn from it, and move on. You’ll be better off for it in the long run.
24. You don’t have to have your life figured out
One of the most common pieces of advice people receive is to “have your life figured out.” But the truth is, nobody ever really has their life completely figured out. We’re all just making it up as we go along.
It’s good to have goals and dreams, but don’t get too caught up in trying to plan every single step of your life. You’ll never have everything figured out, and that’s okay.
In fact, it’s part of what makes life interesting and exciting. When you don’t know what’s going to happen next, it gives you a chance to be surprised and enjoy the journey.
25. Most people are kind
When you look at the news and social media, it’s easy to start believing that the world is a dark and dangerous place. But the truth is, most people are good, kind-hearted individuals.
Of course, there will always be those who choose to harm others. But they are in the minority. Most people are just trying to live their lives and make the world a better place.
So don’t let the actions of a few bad apples spoil your view of humanity as a whole. Instead, focus on the kindness and goodness of the majority of people. It’ll make it easier to see the best in others and yourself.
26. You are responsible for your own happiness
One of the most important things to remember is that you are responsible for your own happiness. Relationships are essential, but you can’t base your sense of self-worth on what other people think of you.
If you’re unhappy with your life, start making changes and taking steps to improve your situation. It might not be easy, but it’s the only way to take control of your happiness and make your life what you want it to be.
27. Most people are not thinking about you
One of many people’s biggest fears is that other people are constantly judging and critiquing them. But the truth is, most people are not nearly as concerned with you as you think.
They’re too busy worrying about their own lives to worry about what you’re doing. So instead of stressing out about what other people might be thinking, focus on living your life the way you want to.
Don’t let the opinion of others control your actions or dictate how you live your life. You’re the only one who can decide what’s best for you.
28. Time is your most precious commodity
Time is the one thing you can never get back. That’s why it’s so important to use your time wisely and make sure you’re spending it on things that are truly important to you.
Of course, we all have responsibilities and obligations that take up much of our time. But try to make sure you’re also carving out some time for the things you love and enjoy.
When you focus on making the most of every moment and enjoying your life, you can look back on your life with no regrets.
29. You can’t buy happiness
It’s an old saying, but that doesn’t make it any less accurate: money can’t buy happiness. No matter how much money you have, it will never be enough to make you truly happy.
Of course, money allows you to pursue your dreams and live a comfortable life. But at the end of the day, it will not make you any happier if you’re not already content with your life.
So instead of chasing after money, focus on finding ways to enjoy your life and make the most of what you have. You’ll be much happier in the long run.
30. It’s okay to say no
Many people find it hard to say no to others. They don’t want to disappoint or upset anyone, so they say yes to things they don’t want to do.
But it’s important to remember that you’re not obligated to please everyone. It’s okay to put yourself first and say no to something if you don’t have time or simply don’t feel like it.
In fact, it’s better to say no and disappoint someone than to say yes and end up doing a poor job or resenting them later on. When you start setting boundaries and putting yourself first, you’ll be much happier in the long run.
31. The world is not black and white
Many people see the world in very black-and-white terms. They have a strict set of beliefs and opinions, and they’re not open to hearing other points of view.
But the truth is, life is very rarely that simple. There are usually many shades of grey, and things are seldom as clear-cut as they seem.
When you start seeing the world in more nuanced terms, you’ll be able to better understand and empathize with others. You might disagree with them, but at least you’ll be able to see where they’re coming from.
