Learning from others shapes who we are

 

Youth is wasted on the young? You’ve heard that saying before, haven’t you?

I think about it from time to time. I wish I’d had the confidence, joy, and self-awareness I have now when I was younger.

I feel, too much of our time is wasted on pain, heartache, regret, and worry. Sure, some of it’s inevitable and perhaps even necessary. But, I spent far too many of my earlier days sweating over the things I really didn’t need to sweat over.

I just didn’t know any better. Or, if I did, it had yet to sink in.

Thinking about it now, I guess “life lessons” are called that for a reason. You have to experience your life to learn things. And, others have to have gone through experiences to help you learn from them.

I’d say that some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my time I’ve learned from other people.

Sure, many lessons need to be learned through experience, but you don’t actually have to wait until you’re old enough to become aware of what’s really worthwhile.

What you need is a desire for self-awareness and curiosity, along with the drive for personal growth. Once you learn lessons, you can apply them in your life no matter your age and see the benefits you reap.

Here are 6 of the most important lessons I’ve learned from other people’s experiences.
  1. Friendships Must Be Nurtured
According to studies, one of the five regrets people have on their deathbed is letting friendships fade away. Friendships need attention and time. You need to prioritize them not just in word but in actions. Nurture those friendships as if they were a prized garden and you’ll see some very special payoff.
  1. Life Is Tough
Once we realize that life is difficult, we start to understand and accept it.

As we grow up, we learn that things aren’t easy. In fact, we realize that life gets tougher as your responsibilities grow.

But, we’re all only human. We need to learn how to roll with the punches and keep getting back up on our feet when we falter.
  1. Prioritize Your Experiences
The positive memories that great experiences create far outweigh material things. If you’re trying to decide between a new painting or a weekend getaway with friends, take the getaway.
  1. Kindness Goes a Long Way
Even the smallest expressions of kindness have a huge impact on other people and also your own happiness. I’ve learned that humility coupled with kindness goes a long way.

It doesn’t even take a lot to be kind. Practice every day, in every situation you find yourself in and it’ll soon be your natural way of doing things.

By the way, be humble about it. If you’re intentions are good with a post on Facebook, tweet on Twitter etc. But, if you’re doing it for recognition. That’s not genuine. You don’t need to broadcast it. We’re human beings, not human boasters.
  1. Exercise is Vital
I’ve learned things along my own fitness journey and that of the amazing health and fitness professionals I’ve met along the way.

Exercise needs to be a daily priority. It makes you mentally, physically, and even emotionally stronger. It improves your outlook and your health.

Struggling to get over a plateau or even get started? Here’s what I’ve learned: the difficult tasks and lessons are the best.
  1. Everybody Needs a Hand at Some Point
No matter how independent any of us are, we need help along the way. None of us are immune to heartbreak or disappointment and sometimes we need a helping hand to pick ourselves up. Nurture those friendships and you’ll always have loved ones around that you can rely on.

Learn from Others So You May Be the Best Version of You

My grandfather taught me that it’s important to learn from others to save years along your own journey. Nurturing friendships, being kind and humble and realizing we are just humans who need a hand now and then have become the staple lessons in my life.

 

Follow me along my journey at marksalinas.com

 

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