16 Valuable Life Lessons I know at 40 that I Wish I Knew Earlier
Dear Awesome Person,
As I celebrate reaching the milestone of 25 years, albeit for the 16th time, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me here.
As a mindset coach, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals through their own paths of self-discovery and growth. Today, I want to share with you 16 invaluable insights that seem to have become the North Star guiding my journey—lessons I wish I could have grasped much earlier.
This by no means is an exhaustive list however, these are the most prominent learning for me for where I am in my journey of life right now. My hope is that these reflections resonate with you and offer a guidepost for your own journey.
1. Progress Over Perfection
Striving for perfection can be paralysing, leading to procrastination and disappointment. Enter the hero: progress. Embrace the power of incremental progress. Picture your journey as a video game—you’re not aiming for a perfect score on the first level.
Each small achievement contributes to a larger, victorious narrative. Instead of fixating on crafting the ‘perfect’ blog post, I learned that publishing regular, imperfect pieces helped me improve faster and connect more authentically with my readers.
2. Consistency Over One-Time Awesomeness
While occasional bursts of brilliance are exciting, it’s the steady, consistent efforts that create lasting impact. Just like brushing your teeth, daily consistency leads to remarkable results over time. Regular, small efforts compound over time.
For me meditation seemed like an impossible task however, dedicating just 15 minutes each day to mindful meditation gradually transformed my mental clarity, overall well-being and get consistent with the practice.
3. Gratitude is the Secret Sauce
Acknowledging life’s blessings, no matter how small, cultivates joy. Gratitude is like adding sprinkles to your daily routine—it makes everything a bit sweeter. When you sprinkle gratitude into your life, even the simplest moments become reasons to celebrate. From savouring your morning coffee to appreciating a heartfelt conversation, gratitude fills life with richness and positivity.
4. Action Gives Knowledge Meaning
Striving for perfection can be paralysing, leading to procrastination and disappointment. Enter the hero: progress. Embrace the power of incremental progress. Picture your journey as a video game—you’re not aiming for a perfect score on the first level.
Each small achievement contributes to a larger, victorious narrative. Instead of fixating on crafting the ‘perfect’ blog post, I learned that publishing regular, imperfect pieces helped me improve faster and connect more authentically with my readers.
5. Energy is Your Currency: Spend it Wisely
Your energy is a precious resource; use it with intention. Worrying is like paying a toll for a road you’re not even on. Is worrying about what already happened or what MAY happen going to change reality? Instead redirect that energy into believing in your potential, creating meaningful work, trusting the journey, nurturing your growth, and embracing healing practices. Each positive investment multiplies your personal currency.
6. That Spotlight? It’s Not That Bright
That spotlight you think is on you? It’s often dimmer than you imagine. People are more consumed by their own concerns than analysing your actions. Remember that time you stumbled over your words during a presentation? Chances are, your audience didn’t dissect it as intensely as you did. This is the “spotlight effect,” a psychological phenomenon where we overestimate how much others pay attention to us. So, take it easy on yourself, because the audience’s focus is often more scattered than you think.
7. Perspective: It’s Your Magic Lens
Life is like a kaleidoscope, and your perspective is the lens that shapes your reality. Choosing a positive perspective reframes challenges as opportunities and transforms setbacks into stepping-stones. By embracing perspectives that empower and uplift, you create a reality that aligns with your aspirations. By shifting my perspective on difficult client interactions, I transformed them into chances for deeper understanding and growth.
8. H2O: Drink Up and Thrive
Simple yet transformative, water is your body’s superhero—keeping you energised, your skin glowing, and your mind sharp. Staying hydrated supports your overall well-being and helps you tackle life’s challenges with a clear mind and a full tank.
Basically, hydration supports your physical and mental performance, contributing to a healthier, more energetic you. FUN FACT: Did you know that 85% of our brains are made up of water?
9. Want Something New? Do Something New
Much like Einstein, Thomas Jefferson’s wisdom rings true: you can’t expect fresh outcomes if you keep doing the same old thing. Think of life as a buffet; if you stick with the same dish, you miss out on tasting a variety of flavours. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to uncharted experiences and growth you never imagined.
10. Just DO. Overthinking Kills Ideas.
Overthinking can sabotage your best ideas by keeping them in the planning stage forever. Instead of letting your thoughts become a traffic jam, give yourself permission to dive in and explore. Taking action—however imperfect—is the best antidote to overthinking paralysis. I was petrified of putting out things on social media for the fear of judgment and failure but my motto now is “Done is better than Perfect”
11. Life Isn't "All or Nothing": Embrace the Grey
Life isn’t divided into absolutes; it’s a canvas of shades and nuances. Avoid the trap of black-and-white thinking. Life is a spectrum of experiences. Embrace the journey, even if it’s a combination of successes and challenges. Embrace the beauty of the grey areas, where the real magic happens. Whether it’s a journey of personal growth or a creative endeavour, progress is made through small steps and a willingness to explore the in-between spaces.
12. Continuous Learning is Vital
Learning isn’t confined to classrooms it’s a lifelong journey with no destination. Approach life as an ever-evolving curriculum, where each experience offers a chance to learn and grow. A commitment to learning fuels your personal evolution. From picking up new skills to discovering fresh perspectives, every day is an opportunity to expand your horizons. Embracing a growth mindset, know that they don’t know everything has helped many leaders rise above the rest.
13. Setting Boundaries: It's Self-Love, Not Selfish
Boundaries aren’t about building walls; they’re about creating a safe space for your well-being to flourish. By setting boundaries, you protect your energy, honour your needs, and maintain a healthy balance between giving and receiving. It’s a profound act of self-love and preservation that allows you to show up fully in your life.
14. Make Time for the Things You Love
Passions fuel your soul. Carve out time for activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s dancing, writing, or cooking up a storm, dedicating time to your passions nurtures your spirit and enhances your overall well-being.
15. If It's Not a Hell Yes, It's a No
We often end up doing things we think we should do but life’s too short to settle. If an opportunity doesn’t ignite your excitement, it might not be worth pursuing. Ever encountered something that made your heart race with excitement? That’s a “hell yes.” If something doesn’t elicit that kind of enthusiasm, it’s okay to say “no.” Saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your passions frees up space for you to curate a life that truly resonates with you. PS: if you can not make a decision in favour of the subject then it is a “no”.
16. Curveballs Happen, Swing Anyway
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes they’re not the kind you’d pick for yourself. But remember, success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about navigating them. When life throws a curveball, embrace the challenge, adjust your stance, and swing for the fences. Each challenge you overcome adds to the story of your resilience and growth.
Embarking on Your Own Wisdom Journey
These are principles that are important to me. I haven’t mastered or even excelled in them (yet) but I reckon these are things that require constant work. And I am working on them. DAILY!
So here’s the scoop: as I embark on the next chapter, I’m thrilled to share these 16 gems that have shaped my journey thus far. It’s your turn now. Embrace these insights, make them your own, and navigate your path with newfound wisdom. Life is an ongoing adventure, and with each step, you’re crafting a masterpiece filled with growth, resilience, and fulfilment.
With boundless optimism and gratitude,
Your coach,
