6 min read
‘Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.’
It is a popular quote by John Lennon, a singer, and songwriter. This quote is a good explanation of what we are doing with our lives these days. Each one of us is running towards some long-term goal; saving money to a buy house, working hard for a promotion, trying to move to another country so on and so forth. It turns out we spend most of our life dedicating thoughts to other matters so much that we miss out on the little things that actually do matter. That’s why a lot of people on their death beds wish they had more time, they could relive a moment or just wish they weren’t that hard-headed.
We can save ourselves from ending up like this if we just change our perceptive. Here is a list of 10 things people learn too late in life.
1. Jealousy is a wasted emotion
We all get jealous, it’s a human nature. We could be jealous over material possessions, relationships, friendships, and more. But at the end of the day, it is never useful. It eats away your bliss and sometimes, it makes you lose things that are precious to you.
2. Don’t let your possessions own you
Happiness resides not in possessions and gold; it dwells in the soul – Democritus
We have been conditioned to believe that the more we own, the more successful we become. Hence, we keeping on buying things just to validate our existence. But think about it, when we die, we are going to take nothing with us. You are not defined by the things you own, but by the kind of person you are. Happiness and contentment never come from material processions. As long as you have enough and not too much, you will be happy. Otherwise, you will keep wanting more. Life is too short to compare yourself to others so appreciate what you have.
3. Not all relationships are meant to last
The sooner you realize this, the easier your life will become. People can never be a permanent fixture in our lives. Whether it is a friend, lover, a co-worker or even your pet, they may not last in your life forever. So, just focus on having a deeper appreciation of the experiences you are sharing with them while they are still in your life. Appreciate their presence. People come and go, but memories last forever. You can cling to them as long as you live.
4. Trust yourself and take a chance
Negative beliefs and self-judgment make us lose trust in ourselves. Self-doubt can keep you away from a lot of great opportunities in life. To be an achiever, you have to be a believer first. Just trust yourself, you might know more than what you believe. Don’t let your fears contain you, come out of your comfort zone. If you don’t take a chance, you don’t stand a chance either!
5. Listen to your parents
There are many kids out there who believe their parents are never happy with what they do. Some think they are just there to nag. That’s not true. Our parents are our biggest treasure. The sooner you realize that the more you will appreciate them.
So, just give them a hug every day for there will come a time when they won’t be in your life. Spend time with them, ask for their opinions and celebrate the time you have with them. Trust me, you will cherish that when they are gone.
6. Travel and learn
Traveling teaches you more than a classroom, a job or even a relationship. If you don’t experience the unknown, you will never know it even existed. Traveling makes you curious. TED Radio Hour ‘From Curiosity to Discovery’ explains it pretty well. When you are in a new territory, it probes new ideas. You learn about different languages, food, customs and religions around the world. The quench of knowledge makes you learn more and ask more questions. Plus, you get to have a good time.
7. Let go of your ego
A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul – Jillian Michaels
Your ego takes the better of you and it keeps you away from a lot of good things in life. Letting go of your ego opens you to a number of opportunities. If you keep living in a state of competition against others, it will be detrimental to your own self.
8. Health and Well-Being Comes Before Anything Else
How much ‘me time’ do you give yourself in a day? Probably very little, right? It is never worth it to sacrifice your health for success. What’s the point of having everything but not a good health? No amount of success or money can replace your health. You won’t’ ever hear anybody at their death bed saying ‘I wish I spent more time at the office.’ Our mind and body need a recharge every once in a while. Don’t be so hard on yourself, go on a vacation!
9. Never Stop Learning
In this era of rapidly changing technology, if you decide you don’t need to learn anything new, you will be left behind. Learning is an ongoing process. Be a lifelong learner and there will never come a day in your life when you up and regret how you spent your time. Start by reading a new book or learning a new language.
10. Step Up Your Productivity Game
If you want to get more things done in your life, be productive. Follow the routine of productive people, go to bed on time and wake up early. Don’t forget to exercise. Make a list of 6 important tasks each day and get them done. Get rid of procrastination as soon as you can.
If you want to reach your 40s and 50s and don’t want regrets, start appreciating things in life from right now and make the most of it. Learn from your mistakes and learn from the experiences of your elders.
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