As I’ve got older, I feel like I’ve grown a lot. But I also feel like I’m learning more and more about myself. I’m realising exactly what I want to do, who I want to be, and the people I want to surround myself with. These include inspirational quotes, motivational quotes and an increase in positive thinking.
Lately though, life has thrown a few curveballs and there are some things that made me realise there are a few pieces of advice I wish I’d taken earlier in my life.
01. Small progress is better than no progress
I’ve been noticing this lately, mainly because I’m making a lot of positive changes right now for my own wellbeing. It can be really easy to be disheartened about things not happening as quickly as you want them to. I am definitely like this. If you know me, I’m the most impatient person on the planet.
Small progress is so important though it shows you’re moving in the right direction. Progress takes time, you’ve got this.
02. Not all problems are yours to solve
I’m a problem solver, and if I see someone has a problem I like to help. But it’s important to remember that not all problems are yours. Sometimes by taking on those problems it can cause you more pain and anxiety.
Let’s be honest we all need to get rid of things that are causing us unnecessary anxiety.
Read 10 anxiety coping techniques
03. Saying no because you don’t want to is a good reason
I recently wrote an entire post on this because I truly feel like everyone can feel guilty for saying no. If you don’t want to do something you truly don’t have to. No one should ever make you feel guilty for not doing something or for saying no, and if they do then they’re truly not worth the time of day.
Look at your time and value yourself. If you can’t do something that is okay.
04. Being vulnerable is hard
I’ve always struggled with being vulnerable, mainly because by being vulnerable I feel like I’m opening myself up to it being used against me. Finding people who you can trust and who won’t use it against you, is really important.
It is also incredibly important to surround yourself with people who understand you and make you feel comfortable. These are the people who will truly make you feel safe to be vulnerable.
05. Cutting off toxic people is important
There are some relationships in your life, whether they’re family, friends, or people you know through loved ones, that suck the life out of you. They’re toxic, they bring negativity into your life and truly cause you a lot of trouble.
True relationships in your life:
- will be authentic
- won’t drain you
- will be honest
- will be supportive
- allow you to be yourself.
Anything in life that costs you your mental health, is too expensive. That sentence has truly stuck with me over the last few months and don’t think I will ever forget it. It’s been in my mind constantly.
06. Don’t give energy trying to earn the approval of others
We all want to be appreciated by others and know that the work that we are doing is important. But I feel like sometimes it will drain our energy to earn the approval of others.
Make sure that you do things that:
- make you happy
- align with what you want to achieve
- make you feel good
- don’t impact your self worth.
Giving people that kind of power over you isn’t worth it.
Read how to say no without guilt
These are the 6 pieces of advice I wish I’d heard earlier in life. What pieces of advice do you wish you’d heard earlier? Let me know in the comments!
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Cutting off toxic people is advice I wish I had listened to sooner, it could have saved me a lot of bother! A great post Amie! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Yes to all of this. I really felt like no.2 spoke to me. I so often take other people’s problems on. I think it’s that thing of being ‘too nice’ and just wanting to help. Loved reading this one. It’s so very relatable.
Claire.x
I love this post! I wish I’d heard each of these whilst growing up. There’s a lot I’d tell my younger self but I’m glad I know it now at my age so I can apply it to my everyday life. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
I love this post so much, Amie! Saying no without a reason is definitely something I am trying to allow myself to do more. If we don’t feel comfortable, why should we have to do it? I’m starting to celebrate the small wins more too 🙂 x
Any progress is good progress- and you can’t have everything you want all at once 🙂 thank you so much for sharing these wise words, I agree with your points x
yess to all of these! I learned these extremely late in my life as well. Even now when I know these life lessons, I still struggle to follow through with them. I think it’s just something that gets easier as you get older and learn to love yourself more. Great post xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
I still find it hard to say no to things just because I don’t want to, but it is definitely a valid reason!
Amy x
callmeamy.co.uk
3 and 5 hit me hard, I am forever trying to think up excuses that seem acceptable rather than just saying no because I don’t want to! I’ve started trying to cut off toxic people but honestly I still struggle with this one, will get there one day though!
These are all spot on! I love this post so much, I’m definitely saving this! Thank you so much for sharing this, Amie xx
I definitely need help learning to say no!
Love this! Especially the saying no point, that’s my thing for this year!
Courtney x
c0urrtney.blogspot.co.uk
Nodding my head to all of these! I’ve also learnt these life lessons a little later than I wish!
Corinne x
#6 really spoke to me because i can be a bit of a people pleaser. it is quite draining trying to seek approval of others.
Speaking as someone much older than you these are important lessons that I sometimes learned later in life. Good for you to be so astute! Thanks for sharing.
These are all such true things. Even though you’ve found yourself learning them later on in life, it’s better late than never, right?
This is such great advice! I’ve always struggled with being vulnerable too, it’s something I’ve tried to work on a lot but sometimes it feels like I’m making absolutely no progress. Learning to not care others’ approval is so important too! Thanks for sharing x
I wish I learned a lot of these things earlier in life. It took my A LOT to realize that not all problems were mine to solve. Once I released that, everything else flowed for me. It removed a lot of stress/hassle from my life. Amazing post! I’m 31 and still working on some of these to this day. You never stop learning.
“Not all problems are yours to solve,” is something I wish I’d heard earlier. Sometimes you have to step back, don’t you? I also wish I’d heard the advice to speak to myself in the same way as I would a friend, that would have helped hugely when I was younger. x
These are all so true – sometimes I struggle with most of these and I am working on most, especially on the saying no. Thank you for sharing these x
Love all of this! Definitely wish I had this advice myself x
So important to cut off toxic people, even if they’re family members. Life is so short and should be enjoyed x
The comment about problems aren’t always yours to solve HIT HARD – I can’t believe I never looked at it this way before xx