Top 5 Happiness Lessons Most People Learn Too Late in Life

Life will continue to teach us lessons in the most brutal and sometimes funny ways, and the most crucial ones will often come a little too late. We often overlook life’s lessons on happiness until we find ourselves wishing we had learned them earlier. There are several happiness lessons most of us learn a little too late in life but the following 5 seem to be the most prominent. The insights below, backed by psychological research can help us live more fulfilling lives if we discover them early enough.

1. The Real Value of Time

Most people live their lives racing against time by chasing deadlines and trying to be extra productive. You should know that it can be a relentless pursuit when you run against time just to get more done within a short period.

You will realize later in life that time is more than a resource to be managed, it remains a precious and non-renewable resource that must not be taken for granted. The lesson here is that you shouldn’t wait until it is too late to understand the value of time. Invest wisely in things that matter.

2. The Pursuit of Perfection

Most of us often spend time chasing the idea of perfection. We want the perfect partner, perfect job, and perfect houses, just to name a few. Psychology has suggested that the pursuit of perfection often leads to stress and dissatisfaction because “Perfection is always an illusion”.

According to psychology, happiness does not lie in striving for perfection, but in the acceptance and appreciation of the imperfections of life. It always bothers you to find happiness in your journey not just the destination.

3. Vulnerability is not A Weakness.

For many years I thought vulnerability meant weakness and I used to believe that showing my emotions meant I was fragile which also meant I was incapable.

The simple truth is that in that moment we lose guard, and we allow our flaws to be seen, it simply means we are connected to others. Psychology has made it clear to us that vulnerability is not weakness, it rather fosters empathy and helps us build stronger relationships. It can also pave the way for our personal growth.

You will eventually realize that embracing your vulnerability instead of shying away from it will help you build more authentic bonds with people and become a happier person. It took a while for many people to realize that vulnerability is not a thing to be avoided, rather must be embraced and it is beautiful in its way because it is part of being human.

4. Pursuing Intrinsic Goals

We are all focused on chasing extrinsic goals including wealth, fame, and status because we think they are the ones that drive happiness. Psychology however suggests that true happiness is derived from chasing intrinsic goals especially those that align with our personal beliefs, values, and passion.

Intrinsic goals are the ones that lead to personal growth and self-fulfillment, and these are the keys to lasting happiness. True happiness comes from within so, focus on your intrinsic goals.

5. There is Freedom in Forgiveness

Most people don’t dare to forgive people who offended them in the past. Unfortunately, carrying the weight of past grudges can be too heavy. It will keep you stuck in a cycle of negativity.

Psychology continues to point the power of forgiveness to happiness and it remains a path to freedom. Forgiveness is not about excusing someone’s action rather it is about releasing the burden attached to holding onto anger. Forgiveness is not easy but remains a critical step towards achieving inner peace and healing.