As we try to make sense out of everything, life is still an unsolved mystery that we cannot explain. However, some lessons might help create better versions of ourselves and happier paths. Here are 20 of the most important life lessons that everyone should learn, in order to be more successful, understanding, and carefree.
1. Life is unfair, but it is still good.
Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift. You might work super hard and not get rewarded for it. And you might also lie back and get whatever you want. Life is unfair to everyone, and this is what makes it (weirdly) fair.
2. Remember what your mother taught you, it came from the most sacred place of love that exists.
You might nag at what she says and not take her advice seriously, but no one will love you the way your mother does. Whatever she tells you, know that she is doing it for your own good and that she wants you to be the best version of yourself. Always believe her. You will thank her later.
3. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
The fact that you are hiding a relationship means that it is not right. If you have to hide loving another, then leave them, whatever the reason is. In relationships, you are supposed to be extrovert and make it a life changing experience – not hide from the whole world and turn it into a dangerous secret.
4. You are the one in charge of how you feel.
People might hurt you, but you are in control of your own happiness. Whatever someone causes you, it is your choice whether you’ll let it destroy you or make you stronger. Never think that they have the power over your emotions.
5. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Compassion and tolerance, are the basic values in order to treat people the right way. Always put yourself in their shoes and think of how you would want to be treated in their place. It is very simple. All you need is to ask yourself one question: ‘How would I like to be treated?’
6. Your health is your most valuable asset.
Sadly, we tend to either take our health for granted, or underestimate its importance. Your health is the most precious and priceless blessing anyone could ever have. Be thankful for your health, everyday.
7. You can’t please everyone.
You will try to make everyone happy. You will try really hard to please them and impress them. But guess what! You can’t. If you can please everyone, then you are doing something wrong.
8. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Hating someone, no matter how bad they treated you or did you wrong, eats you alive. Forgive them. Because when you choose to forgive those who have hurt you, you take away their power. Life is beautiful. Do not live it with negative vibes over people who do not even deserve your attention.
9. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
You can’t be always right. Whether in work, in relationships, or in any other circumstances, you have to accept that you are sometimes wrong. No one is always right. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, it is okay if you do not win every argument.
10. What other people think of you is none of your business.
Never worry about what other people think of you, and never argue with them over it. It is their opinion and they have a full right to believe in it, even when it is completely wrong. Sometimes people tend to misjudge you, but still, it is none of your business. (P.S., Those who really matter, think of you the way you want them to, so don’t worry!)
11. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
Pain does not heal easily. However, it does eventually. And time heals ALMOST everything, it just takes time. Be patient, because this is a key to happiness and success.
12. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In 10 years, will this matter?’
We all have so-called disasters, but let’s face it… sometimes, we tend to make a big deal out of things that do not deserve it. I mean, yes, react to what happened, but do not let it ruin your day, week, or even month. Some things are not worth crying or fighting for. Believe me.
13. Sometimes you have to lose the battle to win the war.
Ups and downs, this is what life is all about. Failures are the best exercises to succeed. Fall seven times, but stand up eight, walk straight, and get what you want. It is okay (actually perfectly normal) to go through several bumps, while you’re on your way. Give yourself chances in proving yourself.
14. Money will never solve your problems.
Money is important, but if you think that you are unhappy, lonely, or unlucky, because your bank account is a major fail, then you understood life completely wrong. It is kind of impossible to explain to people how money will never solve their problems. But, one day, when you find something that money cannot buy, remember this.
15. You don’t know what you got until it’s gone.
How many of you cursed your siblings? How many of you hated college? And how many of you cannot stand your girlfriend asking you where you are? Well, take a moment, and imagine that for example your girlfriend passed away. Tell me, don’t you miss her nagging? (if not, then please leave her!)
16. Swallow your pride and apologize.
Pride is a huge deal and it is important to value yourself in order for others to respect you. However, you must keep your ego at home and apologize when you do someone wrong. Apologizing is not sign of weakness, on the contrary, it is a sign of strength.
17. Do what you love, because life is too short to waste it doing something you are not passionate about.
Perhaps your family does not want you to become a dancer, a writer or a professor. If you are absolutely passionate for what you want to do, and cannot go a day without thinking about it, then do not listen to them. It is your life, so do what YOU love, not they.
18. Surround yourself with people who are better than you.
No matter how good you are, there will always be someone better than you. Never envy them. On the contrary, respect them and learn from them. By surrounding yourself with people who are better than you, you are lifting yourself up.
19. The wrong people will teach you the right lessons.
Some people cross our lives and do not make it to the next round. However, these people are there for a reason and they will teach you the most important life lessons ever. Whether it is ‘not to trust everyone’ or ‘to depend on yourself’, these are the ones who are going to turn your regrets into experiences.
20. There is no problem without a solution.
Never tell yourself that this is the end of the world, because it never is. There is always a solution for each and every problem. Breathe. Give yourself a chance to think clearly. And you will find yourself in the right place, with the right state of mind.
Life is complicated and its lessons will never be enough to teach us half of what we should know. These few tips can help you, but you must go through life yourself, to know what I mean.
DISCLAIMER: The articles on our website are not endorsed by, or the opinions of Shout Out UK (SOUK), but exclusively the views of the author.
Yasmeena El Sabeh
Lebanese, 19 years old, Oxford summer school student (2011), Cambridge summer school student (2012), College Protestant Français graduate (2013), Double majoring in Journalism and Political Science, LAU Model Arab League journalist, reporter & social media coordinator, LAU Model United Nations public relations officer, Moderation & Justice Academy for Leaders trainer, London School of Journalism summer student (2014), Young Diplomats Forum London (2014), Shoutout UK correspondent, NooSoos accredited writer, NewYork Times talent community member, Writers Cafe writer, recently published in The Daily Star.