Psychology tells us that there are certain life lessons that 98% of women learn too late. Can you believe it?
So, if you’re curious about what those lessons are or perhaps wondering if you’re part of that 98% without even knowing it, stay tuned.
After all, it’s never too late to learn, unlearn, and relearn. So let’s shed some light on those corners of our lives that we often overlook.
1) Embracing Self-Love Isn’t Selfish
Let’s start with a big one, shall we?
Self-love, ladies. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
We often confuse self-love with selfishness. We’re wired to take care of others, often at the expense of our well-being.
The hard truth? We can’t pour from an empty cup. Psychology confirms that self-love is essential to maintaining mental health and well-being.
So permit yourself to prioritize your needs. Take the time to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
Self-love isn’t vanity; It’s a healthy mind. And unfortunately, it’s a lesson most women learn too late in life.
2) Perfection is an illusion
This affected me, let me tell you a story.
A few years ago, I was juggling a full-time job, raising kids, and trying to maintain a perfect home.
I was striving to achieve the perfect work-life balance that society praises. But what happened? I was exhausted. Burned out.
One day, my daughter came to me with her art project. She was so proud, but all I could think about was the mess I had made.
That’s when I realized it.
I was so busy chasing perfection that I was missing out on the beautiful, messy moments in life.
So, I relaxed. I embraced the mess and learned to find beauty in the imperfections.
Psychology tells us that striving for perfection can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. Life isn’t perfect; it’s meant to be lived.
Don’t wait until you’re tired to realize this. Perfection is an illusion, and it’s time to shatter it.
3) Everyone’s Opinion Doesn’t Matter
We’ve all been there.
Staying up late, replaying that awkward conversation, worrying about what they think of us. We let other people’s opinions dictate our actions, our self-worth, and sometimes even our happiness.
Sound familiar?
But here’s the liberating truth: everyone’s opinion doesn’t matter.
Dwelling on every comment or criticism is a trap that can lead to self-doubt and a negative self-image.
It took me a while to figure this out. I used to be a people pleaser, always trying to be the person others wanted me to be. It was exhausting and unfulfilling.
Then one day, I decided enough was enough.
I started filtering out which opinions mattered to me and which didn’t. I chose to focus on my values and beliefs, rather than trying to fit into other people’s mold.
It’s a liberating feeling when you realize that not everyone has a seat at the table in your life.
You are not a product of other people’s opinions. Your value is inherent and unchangeable, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
4) It’s OK to Ask for Help
For some reason, many of us view asking for help as a sign of weakness. We think we should be able to handle everything on our own.
I mean, who hasn’t muttered the words, “I can do this,” even when they’re overwhelmed?
Here’s something that psychological studies have proven: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It means acknowledging your limitations and having the courage to ask for support.
And you know what else? People generally like to be helped. It makes them feel needed and appreciated.
When I was going through a particularly tough time in my life, I felt like I was drowning. My pride told me to keep swimming on my own.
But when I finally reached out to others, I was welcomed with open arms. People were more than willing to offer their support.
RELATED:7 signs you’re a successful person (even though you don’t have much money)
So ladies, if you find yourself in a situation you can’t handle, reach out to others.
Vulnerability is strength, and it’s never hard to ask for help. We are human beings, not superheroes, after all.
5) Failure is not the end
This may surprise you, but did you know that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected by 12 publishers before Bloomsbury picked her up? Today, she is one of the most successful authors in the world.
Just like her, we all face failure. It is a universal part of life.
However, many of us see failure as a dead end. A stopping point. But it is not.
Failure is the building block of success. It is a teacher that teaches us valuable lessons and shapes us into more resilient individuals.
I have had my share of failures and each one was painful. I felt like I was giving up. But then I realized that failure doesn’t make me a failure. It makes me a fighter.
6) It’s okay to let go
Sometimes we cling to things or people, believing they are essential to our happiness. Whether it’s a toxic relationship, an unsatisfying job, or even a grudge.
We fear change and uncertainty so much that we prefer to stay in our comfort zones, even if it’s harmful.
But here’s a gentle reminder: It’s okay to let go. It’s essential to our growth and well-being.
I once held on to a friendship that was more stressful than fulfilling. I was afraid of losing the bond we had, but in reality, it was causing me more harm than good.
When I finally let go, I felt an immense sense of relief and freedom.
Letting go doesn’t mean you’re weak or giving up. It means you’re strong enough to make the best decision for your peace and happiness.
Holding on may feel secure, but letting go feels free. And that, my dear friends, is priceless.
7) Your Journey Is Unique
In this age of social media, it’s easy to compare our lives to others. We see their highlights and feel like we’re being left behind.
But know this: your journey is unique.
No one else has walked in your shoes. No one else has lived your experiences. So it’s unfair to compare your path to anyone else’s.
Your path may be winding, full of twists and turns, while others seem to have a straight path. That’s okay.
Every stumble, every twist and turn, every delay in your journey shapes you into the person you were meant to be.
So embrace your journey with all its ups and downs. Because it’s not about the destination; it’s about the growth and lessons learned along the way.
Final Thoughts
As Maya Angelou once said, “Do your best until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
And that’s exactly what we’re all trying to do—know better so we can do better. So let’s continue to learn, grow, and embrace our unique journeys.
[…] RELATED:7 things 98% of women learn too late in life, according to psychology […]