9 lessons 99 percent of people learn a bit too late in life

Life is a never-ending learning process. But, there are some life lessons that people usually learn just a bit too late.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and a mindfulness enthusiast. I’ve noticed that nearly 99 percent of people understand these life truths later than they really should.

These lessons, these nuggets of wisdom, can fundamentally change the course of our lives if understood earlier.

In this article, I am going to share nine such lessons that most folks learn a tad too late. Hopefully, you won’t be in the 99 percent after reading this.

1) Happiness cannot be bought

Most people spend a large chunk of their lives in the relentless pursuit of money, thinking it’ll lead to happiness. But it’s a lesson learned too late that happiness isn’t for sale.

It’s a common mistake to equate wealth with joy. It’s easy to think that the more money we have, the happier we’ll be.

But the truth is, happiness comes from within. It’s about being content with who you are and what you have, regardless of your material possessions.

And it’s not until later in life that most people realize this. They look back and wish they had spent more time cultivating inner contentment rather than chasing after material wealth.

Money can buy comfort and convenience, but true happiness? That’s not something you can add to your shopping cart.

2) Time is the most valuable asset

Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way. Time, not money, is the most valuable asset we have.

I remember a period in my life when I was so engrossed in building Hack Spirit that I barely had any time for anything else. Days turned into weeks, then months, and before I knew it, a year had passed. Sure, the business was thriving, but at what cost?

I missed out on family gatherings, catching up with old friends, and even some quiet moments of introspection. All because I was chasing after success, thinking that was all that mattered.

It was only when I took a step back that I realized how precious time truly is. Money lost can be earned again, but time once gone is gone forever.

Learn from my experience: prioritize your time wisely. Strike a balance between work and personal life. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much we achieve but how well we live our lives.

3) The importance of health

Our bodies are incredible machines, capable of amazing feats. But often, we take our health for granted, indulging in unhealthy habits until it’s too late.

Did you know the human body comprises around 37 trillion cells, and every single one of them is working tirelessly to keep us alive and well? It’s a delicate balance that can easily be disrupted by poor health choices.

Too many people realize the importance of good health only when they become seriously ill or as they age and their bodies aren’t as resilient as they once were.

Good health is the foundation for everything else in life. Without it, all the success and wealth in the world mean nothing. 

4) The art of letting go

Buddhism teaches us a crucial life lesson that many learn only later in life: the art of letting go. It’s about understanding the transient nature of life and not holding onto things, people, or experiences.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego I delve deeper into this concept. It’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing Buddhist teachings in our daily lives.

The book emphasizes how harboring resentment, anger, or regret can weigh us down. These negative emotions not only rob us of our present happiness but also prevent us from moving forward.

Buddhism teaches us to let go, to accept things as they are, and to live in the present moment. And it’s not until we fully embrace this that we can truly experience peace and happiness.

5) The power of self-acceptance

There was a time when I found it hard to accept myself, flaws and all. I was always striving for perfection, setting impossibly high standards for myself. I believed that if I could just become ‘perfect’, then I would be happy.

But the more I chased after this elusive perfection, the more dissatisfied I became with myself. It was like a hamster on a wheel, running tirelessly but getting nowhere.

It was only when I started practicing mindfulness and self-compassion that I realized the power of self-acceptance. It wasn’t about becoming ‘perfect’. It was about accepting myself as I am, acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, and choosing to love myself regardless.

The journey to self-acceptance is not easy, and it’s a lesson many learn too late in life. But once you embrace yourself, warts and all, you’ll find a peace and contentment that no external validation can provide.

6) The necessity of failure

This is a bit counter-intuitive, but failure is necessary for success. It’s a lesson that comes too late for many, often after a string of disappointments and setbacks.

We’re often conditioned to avoid failure, to play it safe and stick to what we know. However, this mentality can limit our growth and potential.

In reality, failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. It’s through our mistakes and failures that we learn and grow. Each setback is an opportunity to improve, to refine our approach, and to gain valuable insights that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

So don’t fear failure. Embrace it. Use it as a stepping stone on your path to success. After all, the only real failure in life is not trying at all.

7) Learning never stops

It’s a common misconception that learning is limited to our school or college years. But the truth is, learning is a lifelong journey.

With the rapid pace of technological advancements and an ever-evolving world, there’s always something new to learn. And it’s not just about gaining professional skills or qualifications. It’s about broadening your horizons, understanding different perspectives, and enriching your life.

Unfortunately, many people realize this a bit too late. They find themselves stuck in a rut, not realizing that continuous learning is the key to personal growth and evolution.

So keep your mind open and your curiosity alive. Embrace every opportunity to learn, no matter how old you are or where you are in life. Remember, the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.

8) The value of relationships

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to overlook the value of our relationships. I know I did. There was a time when I got so caught up in my work that I neglected my relationships.

But over time, I realized that success and accomplishments mean little without people to share them with.

Our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are what truly enrich our lives. They provide support in hard times, celebrate our successes with us, and add meaning to our existence.

It’s important to nurture these relationships and give them the time and attention they deserve. Because at the end of the day, it’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our lives that matters. Don’t wait until it’s too late to appreciate their value.

9) Live in the present

This is perhaps the most important lesson of all, yet most people learn it too late: Live in the present.

We often get so caught up in the past and future that we forget to live in the here and now. We dwell on past mistakes or worry about future uncertainties, missing out on the joy of the present moment.

Living in the present means fully experiencing life as it unfolds. It’s about savoring each moment, each breath, each experience. It’s about being mindful and aware, not just existing, but truly living.

So don’t wait until it’s too late. Start living in the present today. Because life is happening right now, and it won’t wait for you to catch up.

Final Reflection: It’s about the journey

Life is a constant journey of learning and growth, filled with lessons that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

These nine lessons, while learned a bit too late by most, can serve as guiding beacons in your life. They can help you navigate through the twists and turns, helping you lead a more fulfilling life.

Halfway through our journey, we often realize that it’s not about the destination, but the experiences we gather and the wisdom we acquire along the way.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego I delve deeper into these concepts. The teachings help us understand the importance of living in the present, self-acceptance, and the art of letting go – lessons that align beautifully with our discussion here.

Life is happening right now, in this very moment. And it’s never too late to learn, change, and grow. So take these lessons to heart, apply them in your life, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

After all, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but learning how to dance in the rain. And these lessons are your dance steps.