7 signs you’re becoming a wiser person, according to psychology

There’s a profound difference between just growing older and actually becoming wiser.

Wisdom isn’t something that just comes with age – it’s a conscious choice and a way of life.

According to psychology, there are telltale signs that indicate you’re on the path to becoming a wiser person. These aren’t grand gestures or leaps, but subtle shifts in perception and action.

In this article, I’ll share with you seven signs that you’re becoming wiser, according to psychology. They might not be what you expect, but they’ll definitely give you some food for thought.

1) Embracing uncertainty

The journey to wisdom often begins with acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers.

Psychology tells us that as we mature and gain wisdom, we become more comfortable with the uncertainty that life inevitably throws our way. It’s not about knowing everything, but rather about accepting that we can’t possibly know everything.

Instead of trying to control every outcome or predict every twist and turn, the wiser person embraces the unknown. They understand that life is full of surprises and that’s what makes it interesting.

This recognition of uncertainty also leads to a greater openness to new experiences and ideas. The wiser person is always ready to learn, adapt, and grow.

2) Learning from mistakes

Let me tell you a story. A few years back, I was presented with a job opportunity that seemed too good to pass up. The position was in a field I had little experience in, but the pay was great and the prospects seemed promising. So, I took the plunge.

Long story short, it didn’t work out. The job wasn’t a good fit for my skills and interests, and within a few months, I found myself burnt out and unhappy.

But here’s the thing – that ‘failure’ was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It taught me invaluable lessons about what truly matters in my career and helped me realign my professional goals.

According to psychology, this ability to learn from our mistakes is a key sign of growing wisdom. It’s not about never making mistakes – we all do. It’s about what we do after those mistakes occur.

Wisdom involves recognizing our errors, understanding why we made them, and then using that knowledge to make better choices in the future.

3) Prioritizing relationships

Did you know that one of the longest studies on happiness, conducted by Harvard University, found that good relationships keep us happier and healthier? They concluded that the quality of our relationships mattered more than anything else when it came to our overall well-being.

As we get wiser, we start to understand this profound truth. We realize that success and money can’t buy happiness. Instead, we begin to value the relationships we have with our family, friends, and loved ones. We invest more time in nourishing these connections and less time chasing after materialistic goals.

This shift in priorities is a sign of growing wisdom. It indicates a deep understanding of what truly matters in life and what contributes to our long-term happiness. If you find yourself valuing your relationships more than ever before, consider it a sign that you’re becoming wiser.

4) Seeking understanding over judgments

We live in a world that often encourages quick judgments and snap decisions. However, as we grow wiser, we start to appreciate the value of understanding over judging.

We begin to realize that people’s actions and behaviors are often a result of their own experiences and circumstances. Instead of passing judgment or reacting impulsively, we seek to understand their perspective. We listen more, ask thoughtful questions, and strive for empathy.

This shift away from judgment and towards understanding indicates a deepening wisdom. It shows an ability to see beyond the surface, to appreciate the complexities of human behavior, and to respond with compassion and empathy.

5) Accepting change

A few years ago, I experienced a major shift in my life. I moved to a new city, took up a new job, and essentially started from scratch. It was scary, unsettling, and filled with unknowns.

But over time, I came to see this change not as a disruption but as an opportunity for growth. I learned new things, met different people, and explored unfamiliar territories.

This is a trait that psychology suggests is indicative of growing wisdom – the acceptance of change. Life is in constant motion, and as we become wiser, we learn to go with the flow instead of resisting it.

We understand that change is not only inevitable but also necessary for growth. We stop fearing the unknown and start embracing new experiences and opportunities.

6) Practicing gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world that focuses on appreciating the good in our lives rather than dwelling on the negatives.

As we become wiser, we often develop a stronger sense of gratitude. We start to appreciate the small things, the everyday moments that bring joy and happiness. We learn to value what we have, instead of constantly striving for more.

This shift towards gratitude is a clear sign of growing wisdom. It shows an understanding that happiness doesn’t come from external achievements or possessions, but from within.

7) Valuing the journey over the destination

In our goal-oriented society, we’re often so focused on the finish line that we forget to appreciate the journey. But as we become wiser, we understand that it’s not about where we’re going, but how we get there.

We start to see the value in the process, the growth that comes from challenges, and the joy found in small victories. We learn to savor each step, each moment on our journey, rather than rushing towards a distant finish line.

This shift in focus is a clear sign of growing wisdom. It shows a deeper understanding of life, a recognition that true fulfillment comes not from reaching our goals, but from the journey we undertake to get there.

Final thoughts: Wisdom is a journey

The understanding of wisdom and its growth is not just a philosophical concept, but deeply rooted in the field of psychology.

One thing to remember is that becoming wiser is not an overnight transformation. It’s a journey, intertwined with our life experiences, our choices, and our reactions to the world around us.

So if you’re seeing these signs in yourself, take a moment to appreciate the progress you’ve made. You’re evolving, growing, and becoming wiser.

As the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” This paradoxical statement encapsulates the true essence of wisdom. It’s about understanding our limitations, embracing uncertainty, learning from mistakes, prioritizing relationships, seeking understanding over judgments, accepting change, practicing gratitude, and valuing the journey over the destination.

So as you move forward on your journey of life, remember to reflect on these signs of wisdom. They’re not just markers of growth but reminders of the profound journey you’re undertaking.