7 Important Lessons Most People Take An Entire Lifetime To Learn

Harsh as it may sound, but life is short indeed. And I can’t help but notice that most people take life for granted. We just go through our everyday life without actually living it. First, we rush to graduate. Then we rush to find a job, and, of course, get married and start a family.

And when we finally tick off all these things on our list, what most of us tend to do is waiting. Yes, we impatiently wait for the weekend to begin. For our paycheck. For our summer holiday. For the perfect moment to do something. For our happiness.

But like I said – this journey called life is too short. The clock just keeps on ticking and in the blink of an eye, our time on this planet is up. Therefore, instead of just going through the motions of living and living a life full of regrets, we should all remind ourselves that each day we spend on the Earth is a gift, not a given right.

We need to remind ourselves to fully embrace and enjoy every minute of our lives and spend our time in this world wisely so as to make our lives worthwhile and fulfilling.

Here are 7 essential life lessons that will help you achieve that:

1. Live your life for yourself.

You only live once. So, why would you waste your life doing the things others expect you and want you to do? Why would you waste your life always trying to please everyone and prove yourself to those around you?

There’s one important thing you need to remember: You are the master of your own life and you are the only one who gets to direct its course!

Never let other people discourage you from doing the things that you love doing and that make you happy. Never let other people project their insecurities, fears, and negativity onto you. Never let others dictate and shape your life.

2. Practice gratitude.

You may not live in a mansion, or have a yacht, or drive a Ferrari. Your job may not be your dream job and you may not be one of the top 100 richest people in the world.

Yes, you may not have a lot of things that you’d like to have or that you think you deserve to have, but what about all those things you already have: a roof over your head, amazing friends and family, a decent job, a pet? Because there are thousands out there who don’t even have these things, let alone a luxurious house, branded clothes, and expensive cars.

So, instead of focusing on what you don’t have in life, try to focus on all the wonderful things you already have and all the amazing people around you, and you’ll see that you have plenty of things to be grateful for. The moment you start practicing gratitude will be the moment you’ll allow this virtue to nurture your soul.

3. Embrace the present moment.

Leave the past in the past and the future is uncertain may sound like clichés to you, but they’re true.

More often than not, we tend to spend our entire lives dwelling on something that has already happened or worrying about what tomorrow may bring. But the truth is that no one can control either of these. The only thing we can control is what we do and how we react this second, this minute, NOW.

Therefore, instead of trying to change your past or obsessing about what is going to happen, focus on the present moment and learn to live right here and right now.

4. Failures are lessons to be learned.

Some of the hardest and most essential lessons we learn in life come in the form of failures. We’ve all unintentionally or deliberately said or done something that we shouldn’t have. We’ve all made wrong decisions and choices. We’ve all hurt someone.

Yes, it’s the truth – we all make mistakes. In fact, they make us human. What you need to remember is that your mistakes don’t define who you are and they can’t reduce your worth.

Therefore, never be ashamed of yourself for your mistakes. Instead, let them teach you important things about yourself and let them help you grow and turn into a changed, better individual.

5. Actions speak louder than words.

This may sound like just one more cliché to you – but it tells the truth. Making great plans about your life and fantasizing about living in a bigger house or having a well-paid job or different looks is great (and not too hard, to be honest), but this won’t make your dreams come true.

So, if you want to fulfill all your goals and dreams, first, find out what you really want and then take action to achieve that. Stop waiting for a miracle to happen or for someone else to accomplish your goals for you. Go out in the world and achieve them yourself.

6. Maintain a balance in your life.

Take all the time you need to pursue your goals and dreams, no matter how unrealistic they might seem to others, and work hard until you fulfill them. Yet, don’t forget to devote your time, too, to those who truly matter to you. Those who genuinely love and care about you – your family and friends.

No matter where you are in life, make sure you spend good quality time with your loved ones. Hang out with them, hug them, kiss them, and let them know how much they mean to you. Don’t doubt they’ll appreciate this a lot.

7. Kindness matters.

Whatever way you choose to live your life, never forget to be kind to others. Help an old lady cross the street. Make someone who looks sad laugh.

It’s amazing how just smiling at or greeting a random person with a pleasant “Good Morning” can make them feel more positive and appreciated.

Words and acts of kindness can make the world a better place to live in indeed.