Tom Bodett once said, "In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson." Here are five lessons which we all learn the hard way.
1. Trying to be perfect leads to failure
Everyone strives to improve themselves as an individual. But one of the most common disappointments that come from this is the pursuit of perfection. Perfection is impossible to accomplish, and the harder you work to achieve it, the further away you'll feel. The pursuit of perfection is the reason why so many of the world's greatest artists, competitors and achievers live in a steady condition of hopelessness. Year after year, they delude themselves that the next achievement will bring perfection. Don't live your life in this endless cycle that will never come. Rather, be content with the journey of continual growth.
2. Someone will always be better than you
No matter how great you become, there will always be someone who started before you or someone who works harder for it. Even if a person achieved more success, they are far from perfect. Someone else will always be smarter, richer or stronger. No matter what you achieve, there will always be another competitor. And when you focus on others, you forget about your own accomplishments. Instead, stop competing and focus on yourself. When you are better today than you were yesterday, you will thank yourself tomorrow.
3. You can't predict the future
Every day, millions of people guess what's going to happen. Experts tell us their predictions; friends gossip about who will get together; you make plans for years from now. But no one can predict the future. While it's not a good idea to give up preparation entirely, it's worse to expect the future to go as planned. You won't predict any of the devasting life circumstances you encounter. If you had, they wouldn't be devastating. Instead, be flexible. Understand that time moves on, whether you are prepared or not. Plan for the evolving future but be willing to change if required.
4. You don't care about things that come easily
This is true in all areas of life. Let's take our health as an example. Very few people take care of their health seriously. They know that if their health is not good, they won't be happy but still eat junk food and never exercise. We spend thousands on vehicles and take care of them nicely. Just imagine how well we would take care of our bodies if we had paid a huge amount to get it.
5. You have to break the rules sometimes
We should follow certain rules -- like laws and office protocol. But when it comes to your life, there are rules made to prevent you from living your life to the fullest. There's an unsaid rule that women in their 30s shouldn't wear two piece bathing suits, but you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Be bold and act courageously.
The biggest and hardest life lessons are always learned in the most difficult way. However, if you are smart enough to learn early, apply it to your life as soon as possible.