School of hard knocks: 10 hard truths you need to know before age 30

Often times than not, we tend to see life as a bed of roses, where we expect to get things on demand without necessarily working for them. Other times, we indulge in wishful thinking and the illusion that everyone has our best interest at heart… until we get disappointed.

In this age, we don’t have to live that way. It is high time we learn certain truths that will ensure our success in everything we do without waiting for the approval of others.

Here are 10 truths you cannot afford to be ignorant of.

You are the last line of your own defense.

We like to think that people are always available to ensure our comfort in life. Due to the fact that we have been shielded many times in our childhood and have everything handed down to us without any effort from our side, we take this illusion to adulthood. Thus we plan without having any backups, hoping that nothing will go wrong only to be disappointed.

Now remember this, no one likes you that much, except of course your immediate family. Everyone you encounter in life will use you to promote his or her interests as far as you allow. Do well to have backup plan to everything you intend doing. Ask yourself, what if I get disappointed, what will I do?

Wealth is relative.

Majority of the us see wealth as only having money, lots of them, as the only way to live comfortable lives. But let me burst your bubble. True wealth is freedom. Having the time and freedom to do the things you want to do without any limitations or hindrances.

True wealth is having the freedom to do what you wish when you wish and with whomever you wish. It is having peace of mind, living the life you want, and creating an impact in your own small way. Don’t be deceived. True wealth is being contented in the most important aspects of your life.

Wealth is measured in time, not dollars. ROBERT KIYOSAKI

You are not perfect. Don’t live in a fool’s paradise.

Recognize the fact that your personality is made up of anti-social and potentially dangerous traits, such as lasciviousness, greed, hatred, anger, insecurity, doubt etc. that works sums up with your good traits to make you who you are.

Failure to acknowledge your weaknesses and shortcomings will only serve as a disadvantage in the future. Begin to study your actions and identify the bad behaviors you exhibit, work on them, and turn them into your strengths. Seek professional help where possible.

If you’re not financially independent by age 40, you probably never will.

Everything we do evolves around money. To be financially free and independent means we don’t have to worry about money when doing the things we love doing. Often times, age 30 is seen as the threshold for which one becomes financially stable and if it extends, then it’s up to age 40.

Afterward, it becomes difficult to really be financially free as you haven’t cultivated important skills like budgeting, spending less than you earn, etc. but you know what they say. It is not too late to start something new. Be determined and you shall be financially free.

You will die someday.

Relax. This is not to make you feel creepy or frightened but it is to keep you focused and motivated in achieving your goals. As human as we are, we sometimes tend to lose focus and direction thereby indulging in activities that do not promote our personal interests and that of others.

In order to avoid this, we need to have in mind that, our life on earth is shorter than we think as such we need to only do things that will create lasting memories and impressions.

No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away…TERRY PRATCHETT 

Here are five more truths which you might want to reflect on.

1. Nothing is as important as you make it.

2. Whom and what you spend your time on determines how you live your life.

3. Expect the best but prepare for the worst.

4. Your state of mind determines your quality of life.

5. Working smart is the new deal. Hard work is overrated.