They say that when you get older, you get wiser. Do you believe in that? I think a lot of what we know comes from life experience. There's definitely some truth to this.
Even though the most valuable and memorable lessons are the ones that you go through yourself, it doesn’t hurt to listen to other people who already went through a similar occurrence. So let's find out some crucial advice from folks out there.
"We all make mistakes, don't dwell on it."
You know what? This is really great advice. However, sometimes it's easier said than done. I speak from experience. I've made some mistakes that still haunt me to this day, and it's hard to let them go.
"Don't trust people just because they're 'family.'"
Oh, yes! I had to learn this the hard way. We often think that every member of our family has our back, but that's not always the case. I've gotten betrayed by someone close to me, and it still hurts today.
"That the most valuable commodity in this world is time. Time to play with your kids, time to take that trip you always wanted, time to spend with the people you love. It's the only resource we can't get more of yet we piss it away with excuses and never do anything to change it. Write that book, go back to school, tell that girl you love her because if you don't all you'll have Is regrets."
This is so true, no?
"Dental hygiene should have always been a priority. Only really had a few bad years at end of teens/early 20s where I'd go to sleep without brushing my teeth every day or go for regular checkups. The cavities are permanent. The crowns I have still feel weird to me ten years later."
"To be straight up I think I am also just unlucky with genetics because I know people who don't care for their teeth almost ever and have no problems. But you really don't want to find out which person you are by not staying on top of things."
True dat!
"Never put your education/job/plans etc. on hold for a boyfriend/girlfriend especially while in college, especially when you’re 19."
I think this applies to later in life too. Basically, do what's right for you, no matter who you're with at the time. Life doesn't wait for anybody, so you shouldn't either.
"That you can't please everyone so you shouldn't worry about trying to."
This can be hard, too, especially when you're trying to make a good impression on someone, for example, a mother-in-law or an important acquaintance. But worrying about what they think can drive you crazy.
"Listen to your gut instinct. If something feels off about a person or situation, there’s a reason. Believe it the first time and walk away."
I've always done that, and it has never failed me. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Trust that.
"Sometimes you can do everything right and still fail."
This is so true. I've had something in my life that I've been trying to accomplish, but no matter what I have done, I still didn't succeed. It's really sad, but I had no control over much of it.
"That saying NO can save you a lot of trouble down the line."
I don't know about you, but I sometimes have a hard time saying no to things and people. I guess it comes from us wanting to please. But not everything is worth our effort.
"Don't bring things home from work. I had a bad day at work. Came home and got in an argument with my GF about something...and stopped halfway. Yes, she really had done something, but the only reason I got so angry about it was because...I had already been angry, from work. Otherwise, I might have just let it go. From then on I learned to separate work from home. I was 28. I felt like this was a lesson I should have learned earlier."
Been there, done that.
"If you made mistakes, always confront them and the consequences right away. Waiting doesn't make it better, it makes it worse."
I know it can be easier to just push things out of your mind, but they will come back to haunt you later in life, so it's better to deal with them now.
"Your boss is NOT looking out for YOUR best interests. He is looking out for HIS best interests. Corporate has no loyalty to you. You are just a replaceable. Nice guys rarely get promoted. They just get more responsibility. Semi-aggressive advancement planning and prioritizing the advancement tasks over items specified in the job description is about the only way to advance salary faster than what is paid to new hires. Even then jumping ship is usually the best way to advance salary and get more responsibility."
I totally agree with that.
"People will tell you a lot of things, but their actions are what is important. Someone will tell you that they will always be there for you, but that is not guaranteed. They will say they want you to be happy, but then do things that hurt you. Sometimes without knowing, sometimes on purpose, sometimes because they are a coward."
And sometimes it's because they're just a narcissist. Lesson learned.
"Be patient and wait. It's better to be alone than with someone that doesn't respect you. No matter how much or good you are to someone, some of them will screw you over."
"Always look after yourself first. Start early with a physical hobby and keep fit, you have one body and there is no replay."
"If you love someone but they don't love you, move on. It will hurt like hell but in the long run, you'll be happier."
"Giving money doesn't equate to affection, the gratitude will be short-lived and you'll only be an ATM to them in the near future."
Wow, nicely said, right?
"Budget save and invest. Boring AF but makes a huge difference."
I really wish somebody had sat me down when I was younger and taught me all about investing. I would have had a much better handle on it earlier in life.
"1) Soul mates aren't a thing. 2) Learn to fight in a relationship without raising your voice and keep a check on your emotions, it's you and your SO against the problem not you against them."
What do you think of that?
"Happiness is enjoying the things you have, not the things to come."
In a world of constant competition, this can be hard to achieve. I know something about that. I need to be reminded of this every day, not to get down about the things I don't have or the failures I had in life.
"I know this sounds wrong but hear me out. DON'T do what you love for a living unless it pays well. Research your career path before choosing one and prioritize potential earnings and time off. Do what gets you the most money and benefits with the least amount of time invested. Do what you love in your free time, making it your career can ultimately make you resent it and lose your enthusiasm for the hobby you love most. Almost every job becomes a mundane chore if you do it every day, no matter how much you enjoy it now."
"I know it’s anecdotal, but, I always loved wrenching on cars. I started tinkering long before I could drive. I’m damn good at it and made a career out of it. The problem is, doing it every day has made me lose interest in doing it for fun. I don’t have cool projects anymore. I see cars as basic transportation now and have no interest in building/modifying anything. The pay isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great either. If I could do it again I’d have kept it as a hobby and gone into a field that is boring but pays for REAL life outside of work. Ultimately work is a means to an end for most people and all of the high-minded ideals of 'do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life' stuff is [expletive]. Get that money, retire as soon as you can, and live life to the fullest while you can."
This person definitely has a point, no?
Does it ring true or what? We can all learn from these folks who speak from their experience. Honestly, if you haven't had hardships in your life, have you even lived?
The difference between the people who end up happy is how they deal with disappointment and challenges. That's the lesson I'm trying to learn.
