9 Lessons people learn too late in life — you’ll never believe number 4
Life has a way of teaching us important lessons, often when it’s already too late to fully grasp their significance. As we journey through the ups and downs, there are certain truths that become clearer only with the wisdom of hindsight. In this article, let’s engage in a conversation with life and explore nine lessons we learn too late in life.
(1) Time and tide wait for none.
Time passes by more quickly than you think — from the moment we are born until the day we die, life has a way of keeping us on our toes with its appointed times for everything. If you miss your boat, you’ll be left behind.
Think about it: from the day we enter school to the moment we land our dream jobs, time plays a crucial role. If we don’t stay on track, we risk falling behind. It’s like being in a race where the clock never stops. But hey, life isn’t always fair. That’s just how it goes.
(2) Money talks.
It says “Goodbye.” If you don’t plan your finances for later in life, you’ll wish you had.
I know of a father, who cried on his deathbed, said to his son, “Sorry, I couldn’t leave behind anything for you.”
Imagine the weight of that moment. It serves as a stark reminder that if we neglect to plan our finances, we may face similar remorse in our later years.
Not suggesting that children must demand wealth from their parents, but rather suggesting that it’s the parent’s responsibility to provide the best they can for them, otherwise, they’d only be setting them up for failure in life.
I understand that life is hard, where most of us live paycheck to paycheck. But if we don’t invest into our future, we’ll be left with nothing but regrets and endless hardships.
Therefore, investing early in life is crucial.
(3) What you sow, so you shall reap.
What you sow, so you shall reap — It’s a bit like that concept of “Karma” you may have heard of.
Look, I’m not trying to say that being a good person means you’ll hit the jackpot or that being a jerk means you’re totally screwed. Life’s never that black and white.
But here’s what I’ve noticed:
People who lie all the time, never take responsibility for their actions, or just play the victim card they usually end up facing some tough consequences down the road.
And you know what? For me, that’s punishment enough right there.
(4) Family isn’t just about blood. It goes beyond mere genetics.
Let’s face it, not everyone comes from a loving and supportive family. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the truth.
Even the Bible acknowledges this reality — “…Your father and mother can forsake you…” Very much true!
A wise man once told me, ‘family don’t end in blood.’ But it doesn’t start there either. Family cares about you, not what you can do for them family’s there; for the good, bad, all of it. They got your back, even when it hurts. That’s family. That sound like your mother?
Dean Winchester, Supernatural, Season 10: Inside Man
Yes, you have blood family, and people will say that you should be grateful for that, but people who you consider safe space are often the people who give you the deepest heartaches.
Just because they’re family doesn’t mean they get a free pass to run all over you.
That’s why sometimes in life, you’ve got to choose for yourself who your real family is, and that’s the family you choose to stick to no matter what.
(5) Learning to party without drinks and alcohol.
Sure, it’s the weekend, and you’re probably itching to have some fun with the boys, go ahead! But making every occasion an occasion to drink???
Think about it. Your birthday rolls around? Let’s crack open some drinks. Family get-together? Oh, you bet, let’s pour some drinks. Your little munchkin’s 6th birthday? Wait, what? Let’s have some drinks… Huh?
It seems like in today’s world, drinking and parties have become synonymous with each other.
Society often associates socializing with alcohol, but I’ve learned that there are many other ways to have fun too without relying on substances.
Celebrating life doesn’t require alcohol. Engaging in hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, and exploring new experiences can create memorable moments too.
(6) Porn sets unrealistic sex expectations.
Think about this – porn put unfair sexual pressure on women.
Pornography often presents this unrealistic idea of beauty, sex, love, and romance. What we see on the screen isn’t a reflection of how an average, normal woman looks or behaves. And unfortunately, these portrayals can create distorted expectations that end up harming real relationships.
Real intimacy, the kind that truly connects people, is built on communication, trust, and respect. It’s not about trying to mimic what we’ve seen on screen.
(7) People will show their true colors when you have failed in life.
Be thankful for failures in life.
Failures really do have a way of revealing people’s true colors, as painful as that realization can sometimes be. When you’re riding high on success, it’s easy for those around you to offer their support and well-wishes. However, the true test of character comes when the tides turn and you find yourself in a period of struggle or setback.
(8) Wish you hadn’t compared yourself with others.
No matter how intelligent and talented you are, there will always be someone out there better than you. Sure, it’s cool to be around smart people, but when you’re constantly seeing them outperform you, it can really mess with your confidence.
You start questioning your own abilities and wondering if you’re even cut out for success in the first place.
Yeah, it’s natural to admire and learn from others killing it in their fields. But constantly measuring yourself up against them is only gonna leave you feeling inadequate and rob you of any joy from your own unique journey.
So don’t waste precious time and energy comparing yourself to others, man. Instead, channel that energy into personal growth and self-improvement. Celebrate your own accomplishments.
(9) Good things take time; there are no quick fixes.
Last but not least — good things in life take time. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes when it comes to achieving success or experiencing real growth. It’s a process that requires patience, effort and a whole lot of dedication.
Real growth and meaningful achievements don’t happen overnight. They require a solid foundation built over time. And let’s not forget about the lessons we learn along the way. The journey itself is what shapes us into the best version of ourselves. It’s during that process of striving, failing, and persevering that we gain valuable insights and develop the necessary skills to overcome challenges.
So, instead of chasing after quick fixes or trying to find shortcuts, let’s embrace our own unique journey. Let’s be willing to invest our time and energy into the things that truly matter to us. It may take longer than we initially expected, but the rewards will be far greater and more satisfying in the end.
Remember, life is not a race or a competition against time. It’s about savoring each moment, enjoying the process, and trusting that the seeds we sow today will eventually blossom into something extraordinary.
Further reading: 25 life lessons for young adults. Number 19 will surprise you.
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