10 lessons people often learn too late in life (a little toolkit for life)

Life is a series of lessons, some of which, unfortunately, we learn a bit too late.

The truth is, many of us are so focused on the hustle and bustle of daily living that we overlook the valuable life lessons until it’s almost too late.

But what if you had a little toolkit for life? A guide filled with insights people often stumble upon later in life?

This is what I aim to offer in this article – 10 lessons people often learn too late in life. I’ve condensed these pearls of wisdom into ten easy-to-digest points. And I promise, understanding these will make your journey a little smoother and more meaningful.

1) Embrace failure

One of the toughest lessons we learn, often far too late in life, is the importance of failure.

Life isn’t about constantly winning or avoiding mistakes at all costs. In fact, the richest experiences come from taking risks, making mistakes, and most importantly, learning from them.

Failure is not the enemy. It’s a teacher. It might be a strict one, but it’s a teacher nonetheless.

Avoiding failure means avoiding growth. It’s only when we stumble and fall that we truly learn to pick ourselves up and become stronger.

This is a lesson that many people learn far too late in life. The earlier you understand this, the more resilient you become.

Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, not something to be feared.

It’s not about how many times you fall, but about how many times you get back up.

2) Time is the most valuable asset

Growing up, I always thought success was measured in material possessions and social status. The more money and influence you had, the more successful you were considered.

But over the years, I’ve learned a precious lesson – time is the most valuable asset.

I remember working tirelessly in my early twenties, trying to climb the corporate ladder. I was so engrossed in work that I missed countless family dinners, get-togethers with friends and moments that I could never bring back.

The reality hit when I lost a close friend unexpectedly. I realized how many moments I missed with him, thinking there will always be a ‘next time’. But sometimes, there isn’t a next time.

Now, I understand that every passing moment is irreplaceable. You can always earn back money, but time once gone, never comes back.

Learning to value time above all else is a lesson that many people often learn too late in life. Use it wisely, spend it with the ones you love and on things that truly matter to you.

3) Money can’t buy happiness

It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, but often fail to truly grasp until later in life – money can’t buy happiness.

While it’s true that financial stability can alleviate stress and provide comfort, it doesn’t guarantee fulfillment or joy. In fact, a study conducted by Princeton University found that after reaching an income of about $75,000 per year, any additional money didn’t significantly improve happiness.

What does bring us happiness is often intangible – the love and connection we feel with others, the satisfaction we get from doing work we’re passionate about, the peace we find in simple moments of tranquility.

Understanding this lesson early on can shift our focus from relentlessly chasing wealth to building meaningful relationships and pursuing passions that truly make us happy.

4) Health is wealth

We often take our health for granted, especially when we’re young. We push our bodies, skimp on sleep, and neglect proper nutrition, thinking we’re invincible.

Unfortunately, this catches up with us. As we age, we begin to realize how crucial good health is and how our previous lifestyle choices might have jeopardized it.

Here’s the harsh truth – without good health, all the success and money in the world mean nothing. We can’t enjoy life’s pleasures if we’re constantly unwell or fatigued.

Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize your health from an early age. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest and regular check-ups go a long way in ensuring that you’re healthy not just now, but well into your later years.

Your body is the only place you have to live in for your entire life. Take care of it.

5) You can’t please everyone

In our quest to be liked and accepted, we often find ourselves bending over backward to please others. We compromise, we sacrifice, and we twist ourselves into knots trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.

But here’s a hard truth – you can’t please everyone. And the sooner you accept this, the easier your life becomes.

Trying to make everyone happy can lead to burnout, resentment, and a loss of self-identity. It’s an exhausting and impossible task.

Instead, focus on being true to yourself. Make decisions that align with your values and desires. Not everyone will agree or be pleased, and that’s okay. Your happiness and peace of mind are more important than others’ approval.

In the end, it’s your life. Live it for yourself, not for the applause of others.

6) Relationships matter the most

In the grand scheme of life, it’s not the material possessions or achievements that matter most. It’s the relationships we cultivate and cherish that truly enrich our lives.

We often get so caught up in chasing success that we neglect our relationships, thinking they’ll always be there. But just like a garden, relationships need care and attention to grow and flourish.

Our connections with others provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and happiness. They contribute significantly to our mental and emotional wellbeing.

The most heartfelt moments in life come from time spent with loved ones, shared laughter, mutual support during tough times, and the joy of shared experiences.

Value your relationships. Nurture them. They are the true treasures of life, a lesson often learned too late.

7) It’s okay to say no

For a long time, I struggled with setting boundaries. I was the ‘yes’ person, always agreeing to take on more work, attend every social event, and lend a hand whenever asked, even when I was stretched thin.

I thought saying ‘no’ would make me appear selfish or unkind. It took a toll on my health and well-being until I reached a point of burnout.

That’s when I realized the importance of saying ‘no’. It’s not about being selfish, but about preserving your mental and physical health. It’s about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Saying ‘no’ allows you to focus on what truly matters to you, without feeling overwhelmed or spreading yourself too thin.

Learning to set boundaries and prioritize your needs is not just important, it’s essential. And it’s a lesson I wish I had learned earlier in life.

8) Comfort is the enemy of growth

Often, we seek comfort. We crave routines, familiarity, and a sense of security. But here’s a twist – growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

True growth and development occur when we push ourselves beyond what’s comfortable and familiar. It’s in those moments of discomfort that we discover our true potential and strengths.

It’s scary to venture into the unknown, to take risks, and to challenge ourselves. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. You learn new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and often end up surprising yourself with what you’re capable of.

Don’t shy away from discomfort. Embrace it. It’s a sign that you’re growing and evolving, which is what life is truly about.

9) Forgiveness is a gift to yourself

It’s natural to feel hurt when someone wrongs us. And often, we hold onto that pain, letting it fester and poison our hearts. We think that by holding onto the grudge, we’re punishing the person who hurt us.

But the truth is, the person most affected by your resentment isn’t the one who wronged you – it’s you.

Holding onto anger and resentment only serves to trap you in a cycle of negativity, affecting your mental and emotional well-being.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, is liberating. It doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or condoning the wrong. It simply means releasing the burden of bitterness and making room for peace and happiness in your life.

Forgiveness isn’t about setting the other person free – it’s about setting yourself free.

10) Life is meant to be lived

Above all, remember this – life isn’t a race or a competition. It’s a journey meant to be savored and experienced.

So often, we get caught up in planning for the future or dwelling on the past that we forget to live in the present. We forget to enjoy the simple moments, the everyday joys that make life truly worth living.

Take risks, explore new places, meet new people, and pursue your passions. Don’t just exist – live. Fully and passionately.

After all, at the end of our lives, it’s not the things we did for survival but the moments we truly lived that we’ll remember and cherish.

Final reflections: The journey of life

Life, with all its ups and downs, is a journey of learning and growth. Each experience, each decision, every moment of joy and pain, shapes us into who we are.

The lessons we’ve explored in this article, though learned often too late in life, are stepping stones to a fulfilling and meaningful existence. They remind us of what truly matters.

A quote by Carl Sandburg comes to mind: “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent.”

Let these lessons serve as a gentle reminder to live consciously, invest your time wisely, cherish relationships, embrace failure, and above all, live a life that’s authentically yours.

After all, life is not just about surviving but about thriving with passion, compassion, humor, style and the wisdom gleaned from our experiences. May these lessons guide you on your journey.