15 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier

We cannot turn back the hands of time, but at least we can learn from our mistakes and try to make the future better. I am 26 now, and I have no regrets, but there are some things I wish I had known sooner so the ride could have been a little bit smoother.

This article will discuss the 15 most important things I wish I had known sooner. These lessons have shaped my perspective, influenced my decisions, and ultimately led to personal growth and fulfilment. 

1. Put God First

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of putting God first in all aspects of life.

When I was younger, I used to run around thinking I could do everything with my willpower and stubbornness, it took me 5 years to calm down and go back to the basics of what my parents taught me: God.

Your faith provides strength, guidance, and peace to help you through the most challenging times. When you prioritize your spiritual life, it creates a sense of purpose and direction that grounds you, no matter your obstacles.

Growing up, I often heard the phrase, “Put God first,” but it wasn’t until I experienced life’s ups and downs that I truly understood its significance. 

Simple practices like prayer, meditation, or reading your Bible can make a significant difference. Going to church and watching a faith niche YouTube channel can also help deepen your spiritual connection. I follow Koinonia Global on YouTube, check it out.

2. The Road to Success is Paved in Failure

I used to think success was all about winning and being the best. But over time, I realized that success often comes from failing and learning from those failures. It’s not about never making mistakes but about how you handle them and what you know.

When you fail, it’s important not to give up. Instead, use it as a chance to learn and grow. Ask yourself, “What can I do differently next time?” and “How can I improve?” 

3. 90% of Talking is Listening

When we talk, we often focus on what we want to say. But did you know that listening is even more important? Most of a good conversation is actually about listening. Listening to someone shows that you care about them and what they have to say.

Listening is about more than just hearing words. It’s about understanding the feelings and thoughts behind those words. Ask questions and show genuine interest in the other person. Don’t solve their problems immediately—sometimes, people want to be heard.

Being a good listener helps you connect with others on a deeper level. It builds trust and makes people feel valued. So, next time you’re conversing, remember that 90% of talking is listening. Be humble, let others speak, and listen with your heart.

We have a listening service, where we listen to people who need someone to talk to and pray with. Click here if you want to know more about our listening services.

4. Don’t Lose Your Inner Child to This Wicked World

Your inner child loves to explore, imagine, and have fun. This part of you can help you see the world differently and find joy in small things. Don’t let the stresses of life make you forget how to play and dream.

Take time to do things you enjoyed as a kid, whether it’s coloring, drawing, or playing games. These activities can bring back a sense of wonder and excitement. 

Click here to get our coloring book. Coloring is a fun way to connect with your inner child.

5. Get Up Every Day and Keep Pushing

Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to feel discouraged when things are unplanned. But one of the most important things I’ve learned is to keep getting up and pushing forward, no matter how hard it gets.

Success doesn’t come overnight. It requires hard work, dedication, and the willingness to keep trying, even when you face setbacks.

6. Your Grades Matter Less Than You Think

Many of us grow up believing that grades are the most important thing in life. While doing well in school is valuable, it’s not the only thing that matters. Your grades don’t define your worth or your future success.

What counts is your skills, passion, and drive. 

Instead of focusing only on grades, learn and grow from your experiences. Work on developing skills that interest you, and get involved in activities you love. 

7. An Awareness of Others is an Awareness of Yourself

When you pay attention to how others feel and think, you can discover more about your feelings and beliefs.

For example, if you notice that you get upset when others are rude, it might help you understand what you value in kindness and respect. By being aware of others, you also become more aware of how you react and why.

This awareness can make you a better friend, family member, student, or worker. It helps you connect with people deeper and improves your relationships. 

By noticing how others feel and think, I realized the value of standing up for yourself and others.

8. You Have All the Time in the World and No Time at All

Time can feel like it’s moving too fast and too slow simultaneously. On one hand, you might feel like there’s always more time to do things later. On the other hand, moments can slip away quickly, and it’s easy to feel rushed.

It’s essential to find a balance. Use your time wisely by focusing on what matters to you. Set goals and work on them each day, but also remember to enjoy the present and cherish the moments you have now.

9. Everything Happens for a Reason

Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Sometimes, it’s hard to see why things happen the way they do. But believing everything happens for a reason can help you find meaning in challenging situations.

When things don’t go as planned, try to look for the lesson or opportunity they might bring. Maybe a setback is leading you to a new path or helping you grow in unexpected ways. 

10. Keep a Journal or a Diary

Writing down your thoughts and experiences can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. Keeping a journal or diary helps you organize your ideas, track progress, and understand your feelings better.

When you write regularly, you give yourself a space to explore your thoughts and emotions. It can be a way to relieve stress, set goals, and celebrate your successes. Looking back at old entries can show how much you’ve grown and your perspective has changed.

Start by writing a few sentences each day or whenever you like it. You don’t need to be perfect—just be honest and open with yourself. 

11. Be Kinder to Yourself

I woke up late this morning. I would typically be so mad at myself, but today, I decided to say nice things to myself.

It’s easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you compare yourself to others. But being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others. 

Instead of focusing on what you think you lack, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. 

12. Making Mistakes is Better Than Faking Perfection

Nobody is perfect, and trying to be perfect can hold you back. It’s okay to make mistakes because they are a part of learning and growing. Embracing your mistakes rather than trying to hide them can lead to real improvement and personal development.

When you make a mistake, see it as an opportunity to learn. Ask yourself what went wrong and how you can do better next time.

Trying to appear perfect can be exhausting and stressful. It’s more important to be authentic and genuine, even if that means showing your imperfections.

13. You Must Like Yourself, For Everybody Else, It’s Optional

At the end of the day, the most important relationship you have is with yourself. It’s crucial to like and accept who you are because that’s where true confidence comes from. When you’re comfortable with yourself, you’re less concerned about what others think and more focused on being your best self.

You don’t need everyone’s approval to be happy or prosperous. What matters most is how you feel about yourself. Embrace your strengths and work on your weaknesses, but don’t let anyone’s opinion define your self-worth.

14. When You Stand Up to People, You Gain Respect

Standing up for yourself and setting boundaries can be tough, but it’s important to earn respect. People are more likely to respect you when you speak up for your beliefs and don’t let others push you around.

Being assertive doesn’t mean being rude or aggressive. It means expressing your thoughts and needs clearly and respectfully. It’s about showing that you value yourself and expect others to do the same.

15. Invest in Yourself, Never Stop Learning

One of the best things you can do for your future is to keep learning and growing.

Investing in yourself means dedicating time and effort to develop your skills, knowledge, and talents. This doesn’t just mean formal education—it includes picking up new hobbies, reading, attending workshops, and anything else that helps you grow.

The more you learn, the more value you bring to yourself and others. It’s not just about getting paid for your time but for the skills and knowledge you offer. By continually improving yourself, you make yourself more valuable in every area of your life, from your career to your relationships.

Conclusion

Life is a journey filled with lessons; sometimes, the hardest truths are those we learn through experience. 

So my advice for younger me…

• The key is to put God first
• Embrace failures as steps toward success
• Truly listen to others
• Keep your inner child alive
• Push forward every day
• Understand that grades aren’t everything 
• Recognize the importance of self-awareness
• Make the most of your time
• Trust that everything happens for a reason
• Keep a journal to reflect on your journey
• Be kind to yourself
• Embrace your imperfections
• Stand up for yourself
• Invest in your growth, knowing that the most valuable asset is your continued learning

As you move forward, carry these lessons with you. They can help you build a fulfilling, meaningful life.

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