Life isn’t fair — that’s a basic truth we all know by the time we reach adulthood (and many of us long before then). However, that’s not the only harsh life truth we need to face up to. Accepting certain “inalienable truths,” as Baz Luhrmann once said (shout out to “Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen”), will be tough to hear at first, but the sooner we do, the sooner we can use them to better ourselves and our lives in spite of them. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Success rarely comes quickly or easily.
Life’s hard truth is that success usually requires a lot of effort and setbacks. It’s not about overnight success stories, but more about the grind and persistence. Facing challenges and overcoming them is a big part of the journey. Each failure is a lesson, not a defeat, and you have to view it that way if you ever want to make progress. Understanding this helps you keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Embracing the struggle as part of your growth makes you stronger and more resilient.
2. Not everyone is gonna like you.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but not everyone you meet will like you – and that’s okay. Trying to please everyone is a never-ending, exhausting task. What’s important is staying true to yourself and valuing those who appreciate the real you. Focusing on quality relationships rather than quantity is more fulfilling. This realization frees you from the pressure of constant approval-seeking.
3. You can’t control everything.
One of life’s biggest lessons is learning what you can and can’t control (and there’s a lot more in the latter category, sadly). Worrying about things outside your control drains your energy. It’s about focusing on your actions and reactions. Understanding this helps you to let go of unnecessary stress and concentrate on what actually matters in life. Accepting it will give you so much more peace in life.
4. Change is inevitable.
Change is constant and often uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary for growth. Clinging to the past or fearing change can hold you back. Embracing change, even when it’s scary, is part of evolving and discovering new opportunities. It makes you adaptable and open to new experiences. Learning to ride the waves of change can lead to exciting and unexpected places. (BTW, if this is something you struggle with in terms of romantic relationships, our sister site, Sweetn, can help. They use the power of your own mind to overhaul your love life in just a few weeks. Check them out here.)
5. You have to create your own happiness.
Happiness isn’t handed to you; it’s something you create. It comes from your actions, thoughts, and attitudes, not luck or outside circumstances. Waiting for someone or something to make you happy is a recipe for disappointment. Finding joy in the small things and really focusing on nurturing a positive mindset are key. This approach empowers you to find happiness within yourself.
6. Failure is a big part of success.
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Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of it. Every single setback teaches you something valuable and brings you a step closer to your goals. It’s about how you handle and learn from failures, not avoiding them. This perspective helps you to not fear failure but to see it as a stepping stone to success. It builds resilience and determination, both of which will seriously come in handy throughout your life.
7. You’re responsible for your own life.
At the end of the day, you’re the one in charge of you. Blaming other people or circumstances doesn’t change your situation. Taking responsibility for your actions, decisions, and happiness is empowering. It puts you in the driver’s seat of your life, giving you the power to steer it in the direction you want. This realization is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment in life, so get it into your head.
8. Time waits for no one.
Time is one resource you can’t get back. It’s constantly moving, and waiting for the “perfect moment” often means missed opportunities. Procrastination can lead to regrets, so it’s important to carpe diem and all that so you can make the most of your time. This realization encourages you to act, make decisions, and live life more fully. It teaches the value of now, pushing you to live more in the present and less in the “what if?”
9. You define your own success.
Success doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all definition. Society’s standards often paint a narrow picture of what it means to be killing it in life. Realizing that you have the power to define your own success is liberating. It gives you the freedom and empowerment to pursue goals that truly matter to you, not just what’s expected. This helps you live in a way that’s much more authentic and feels better.
10. Rejection isn’t the end.
Rejection, though painful, is not the end of the world. It’s a part of life that everyone experiences. Understanding that rejection is often not about you personally, but about the situation or the other person’s preferences, can be ridiculously freeing. It allows you to move on more quickly and not dwell on the negatives (if you can get to this point, of course — it takes work). This resilience opens new doors and opportunities. You just have to go out there and grab them.
11. Your mental health is crucial.
Ignoring your mental health can have serious repercussions on your overall well-being. It’s just as important as physical health. Acknowledging when you need a break, getting help when you need it, and taking care of your mental state are absolutely vital for a balanced life. Don’t skimp on this — you’ll end up in serious trouble if you do.
12. Comfort zones can limit your growth.
Staying in your comfort zone feels safe, but it can also seriously hold you back in life. It’s often when you step outside these familiar boundaries that you learn and grow the most. Facing new challenges and experiences can be daunting, but it’s also where you discover and develop new strengths. Learn to embrace the discomfort — you might find it can be addicting!
13. No one has it all figured out.
It’s easy to think that everyone else has their life together, but the truth is, no one really does. Everyone is figuring things out as they go. Understanding this can relieve the pressure to be perfect and have all the answers. It allows you to be more forgiving with yourself and take life one step at a time.
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