You could spend 50 years of your life learning some life lessons the hard way, after so much time has passed.
Or you could learn from those who have gone ahead and set yourself up for a good life from the start.
It’s your choice, really, but I bet you will choose the latter.
The thing is, I agree that experience is the best teacher.
However, like I always say, it doesn’t have to be your experience.
So, if you agree with me about learning the lessons that will serve you in life earlier, here are life lessons you’d wish you’d learned sooner.
12 Life Lessons You’d Wish You’d Learned Sooner
1. Know and Love Yourself
Most times, when people hear self-love, they think it’s just about spa days, skincare routine or taking yourself out.
But it is so much more than that.
You should definitely do that, as different aspects of our lives are interconnected.
However, I am speaking more of accepting your quirks, honoring your needs, and being kind to yourself when you mess up.
You are imperfect … and that’s okay, because so is everyone else.
So, don’t let that deter you.
Make sure you know who you are and the areas you need to work on to become the better version of yourself.
But love yourself through the process because it’s easier to make good choices, set boundaries, and attract the right people when you’re not trying to be someone you’re not.
And the earlier you truly get to know and love yourself, the better your life becomes.
2. Take Responsibility for Your Life
Blaming others or circumstances might feel good in the moment, but it keeps you stuck in a position.
I know I said you should accept your imperfections, but you also don’t want to stay with attitudes that are not serving you because you think it’s someone else’s fault.
You need to take your life in your hands and take responsibility.
You need to own your choices, your mindset, and your actions.
That way, you can take the power and move your life the way you want it to be.
Plus, it prevents you from being entitled and waiting for a savior.
So, win-win, right?
3. Protect Your Energy
Trust me, there’s nothing like being in the right environment and with people who actually add to your life.
You shouldn’t waste your time on things and people who drain you.
In the first place, not everybody will like you … settle that and accept it.
That way, when you see someone around whose energy is always negative and draining, you can save yourself rather than trying to make them like you.
Secondly, not everyone is worth your time.
So, don’t waste time entertaining energies that steal your peace.
Quickly remove yourself from all such people and situations, so you can show up better for the things and people that actually matter.
4. Be Ready for Life Changes
Change is constant, whether we like it or not.
There is really nothing we can do about it, so you might as well get ready for it.
Being rigid and refusing to change just makes your life more difficult than it needs to be; you don’t need that.
Imagine if someone refused to move with the world when mobile phones were introduced; at the risk of sounding harsh, they’d be useless in every area of life.
They won’t even be able to work because most jobs today require being online to remain relevant.
So, adaptability makes life less overwhelming; learn to flow with the changes life brings.
5. Forgive Imperfections
You are probably saying, “enough with the imperfection talk” right about now, lol.
I apologize; I just know the damage an obsession with perfection can cause.
One, it makes you constantly dwell on your past mistakes when you should move on and live a happier life.
It prevents you from taking any risks that could move you forward because you are afraid of failure.
Then, it affects your relationship with people because you expect perfection from others, as well.
You see why this is a big deal?
Life becomes so much lighter when you stop expecting perfection from yourself or others.
We’re all just doing our best.
Mistakes will happen, flaws will show, and disappointments will come.
But forgiving imperfections helps you heal faster and love deeper.
And it helps you grow.
6. Have Those Difficult Conversations
Yes, they may be awkward, uncomfortable, and nerve-wracking, but they are necessary.
As someone who hates confrontations, I can tell you it is actually easier to face them head on.
If something is bothering you enough to make you lose sleep, then it is a conversation that needs to be had.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to address everything; don’t be a nitpicker, that’s also exhausting.
But make sure to have the necessary conversations, no matter how difficult they are.
It makes your life easier and prevents resentment.
7. Ask for What You Need
The worst they will say is no.
But if you don’t ask, you will never know those who will respond positively.
People aren’t mind readers; they need to know what you need to give it to you.
So, you need to learn early on how to voice your needs clearly and confidently.
Don’t suffer in silence when there are people who might be willing to help.
8. Put Yourself Out There
As an introvert, I wish we could be in our little corner doing things, and the world would automatically notice.
It does happen, but you will need to wait a long time for that.
Why waste time when there is a shorter route, which is you going after them?
Don’t just sit in your home being excited about your talent; apply for that job, pitch that idea, talk to that person and show what you can do online.
You need to take chances to open doors.
Yes, rejection might happen, but so can success.
9. Stay Healthy
Saying that health is wealth might seem like a cliche.
But trust me, you won’t fully get that it is until you experience it.
However, we don’t want that; I definitely don’t want that for you.
So, do what you need to do to stay healthy now.
I understand that we can never guarantee good health, but we must try to do our part still.
That is, move your body, eat well, rest deeply, reduce junks and other things you shouldn’t be consuming, and check in on your mental space.
Do the small things now that can save you from major regrets later.
Your future self will thank you for it.
10. Don’t Try to Control Everything
You cannot control everything in life; trying to do that is exhausting and impossible.
The only thing you can really control is how you respond to life.
Other things like life circumstances, the weather, people’s opinions and behaviors are out of your hands.
So, stop trying to micromanage life; change what you can and accept what you can’t.
11. Never Stop Learning
You have a degree; that’s great.
But there’s always more to know about your field, the world, about others, and about yourself.
Don’t be satisfied with all you know; stay curious.
Read books, ask questions, take courses, and try new things.
The more you grow and learn, the more confident you become and the better you progress.
12. It’s Okay Not to Have It All Together At Once
Spoiler alert: no one really does.
Social media might make it seem like everyone else has a 5-year plan and perfect skin, but behind the scenes, we’re all figuring things out.
Life is messy, so give yourself some grace.
You’re allowed to take detours, have bad days, and start over.
Believe me, as long as you are showing up every day, you’re doing better than you think.