Toolkit for life – learn these lessons early in life

Life is a journey filled with lessons, some learned earlier than others. Often, the most crucial lessons come to us late in the game, sometimes when it’s too late to apply them.

But what if we could skip the waiting part?

Think of this as a little toolkit for life. It’s about those top 10 lessons that, unfortunately, people tend to learn too late.

Let’s dive in and see if we can’t get a head start on these vital nuggets of wisdom.

1) Value of time

Time is one thing you can never get back, and yet, we often squander it without a second thought.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how we choose to spend it can make a world of difference.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting that time is our most precious asset. We often put off what truly matters in favor of what seems urgent at the moment.

But once time is gone, it’s gone for good. You can always make more money, but you can never create more time.

The lesson here? Start valuing your time more. Prioritize things that truly matter to you. Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize that every moment is priceless.

2) Self-love is essential

Growing up, I always had this notion that putting others first was the noble thing to do. I would often neglect my own needs to ensure others were happy.

But, as life progressed, I learned the hard way that you cannot pour from an empty cup. I was burning out, trying to be everything for everyone while forgetting about myself.

It took a personal crisis for me to realize how important self-love is. I had to learn to prioritize myself, my health, and my well-being.

Now, I make sure to take time out for self-care. Whether it’s reading a good book, taking a long walk, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, these moments matter.

The lesson? Love yourself first. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary. You can’t truly take care of others without taking care of yourself first. So start now, before it’s too late.

3) Money isn’t everything

It’s a common misconception that money equates to happiness. We often chase after wealth, thinking it’ll solve all our problems.

However, a study from Princeton University found that, while income can contribute to happiness up to a point, additional income beyond R75,000 per year doesn’t significantly improve emotional well-being.

While financial stability is important, it’s not the be-all and end-all of life. There are countless stories of millionaires and billionaires who aren’t truly happy despite their wealth.

So, focus on finding what genuinely fulfills you. Build relationships, pursue passions, and make memories. These are the things that truly enrich our lives.

4) Failure is not the end

We often view failure as a dead-end, a sign that we should stop trying. But in reality, failure is a stepping stone towards success.

Every setback, every mistake, is an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s through our failures that we gain the experience and knowledge we need to eventually succeed.

Successful people aren’t those who never fail. They’re the ones who refuse to let failure stop them. They pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and keep going.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Embrace it. Learn from it. Use it as fuel to push forward.

5) Health is wealth

We often take our health for granted when we’re young, indulging in unhealthy habits and pushing our bodies to the limit.

But as we age, the consequences of these choices start to catch up with us. And by then, it might be too late to reverse the damage.

Your body is your vessel in this life journey. It deserves to be taken care of. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are not luxuries, they’re necessities.

Investing in your health now can save you from a lot of pain and medical expenses in the future.

No amount of wealth can compensate for poor health. So prioritize your well-being before it’s too late.

6) Cherish your loved ones

Life can be unpredictable, and we often take for granted the people who mean the most to us.

We assume that our loved ones will always be there, so we put off phone calls, delay visits, and postpone saying the words we want to say.

But the harsh reality is, nothing in life is permanent. People leave, they pass away, they move on.

So don’t wait for a special occasion to show your love and appreciation. Spend quality time with them, express your feelings, create meaningful memories.

Because in the end, it’s not the things we acquire but the relationships we nurture that truly matter.

7) It’s okay to say no

For a long time, I struggled with saying no. Whether it was a favor, an invitation, or a request at work, I would always say yes, even if it meant stretching myself thin.

I was afraid of disappointing others, of coming across as unkind or selfish. But this constant yes-saying was leaving me drained and stressed out.

It took me a while to realize that it’s okay to say no. That setting boundaries is not just acceptable, but necessary.

Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. It means you respect your time, your energy, and your limits.

And guess what? People respect you more for it too.

8) Comfort zone isn’t comfortable

Staying in our comfort zone feels safe and easy. We stick to what we know, avoiding risks and challenges.

But the irony is, while it may feel comfortable in the short term, over time it can lead to stagnation and dissatisfaction.

Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone. When we challenge ourselves, try new things, and face our fears.

Sure, it’s scary and uncomfortable. But it’s also exciting and rewarding. It’s how we learn, evolve, and truly live.

Don’t let your comfort zone hold you back. Venture out. Embrace the discomfort. You never know what you might discover about yourself and the world around you.

9) Regret is worse than failure

We often avoid taking risks for fear of failing. We choose the safer path, the tried and tested, to avoid the potential embarrassment and disappointment of failure.

But what we often fail to consider is the cost of not trying at all. The regret that comes from wondering “what if?” can be far more painful than any failure.

Failure is temporary. You can learn from it, recover from it, and move on from it. But regret can last a lifetime.

So take chances. Pursue your dreams. Live your life in such a way that you won’t be left wondering “what if?”

10) You are the author of your life

At the end of the day, it’s your life. You are the one in the driver’s seat. You have the power to shape your own destiny.

Life is not a series of events that happen to you, but a journey that you actively participate in.

You get to decide who you want to be, what you want to do, and how you want to live your life.

So be proactive. Take charge. Make conscious choices.

You are the author of your own life story. Make it a good one.

Final thoughts: The beauty of hindsight

These lessons, learned late in life, are not meant to induce regret or sadness. Rather, they serve as a gentle reminder of the wisdom that comes with experience.

Whether it’s the value of time, the importance of self-love, or the realization that money isn’t everything, these lessons are universal truths that can guide us towards a more fulfilling life.

The philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” By reflecting on these lessons now, we have the opportunity to examine our lives and make conscious choices that align with our values and aspirations.

So as you navigate your own life journey, remember these lessons. Use them as a toolkit to carve your own path. And most importantly, never stop learning.

Because ultimately, it’s through our experiences and lessons that we truly come to know ourselves and the world around us.