15 Life Lessons I Learned by 50 (That I Wouldn’t Have Believed in My 20s)
What do 50-year-olds know that 20-year-olds often don’t? originally appeared on Quora – the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
Answer Here are some lessons I’ve learned during my half century on this planet:
- Be kind. The benefits of being kind–or at the very least courteous–far outweigh the effort you put in. Do random acts of kindness. Compliment someone. If a retail or food-service worker makes a mistake, be understanding and patient. Kind people live longer than unkind people.
- I know myself better than anyone else. I don’t let anyone else’s opinions control what I do, what I wear, or what I say. Other people’s opinions are suggestions–take them or leave them.
- Everyone else is as worried and insecure as you are. Some people just hide it better. It doesn’t mean that they are any smarter or better than you.
- Laugh it off. If you make a mistake, fall down, or do something dumb, just laugh it off. Other people (and you) will forget it a lot faster if you just let it roll off your back. EVERYONE makes dumb mistakes. Everyone. You aren’t alone, and you aren’t the biggest idiot in the world. Give yourself a break.
- “Fitting in” is highly overrated. Be you. Confidence is sexy. Besides, great leaders didn’t get where they are This question originally appeared on Quora – the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions:
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