The Gap

Important lessons 2024 taught us about life

Top 10 lessons 2024 taught us about life

As always, the end of the year is the best time to do a little reflection on what happened and the way forward. 2024 is not different and as the year comes to an end, it is important to look back on the lessons we have learned from things that happened.

Why should you look back on what happened in 2024? Firstly, to give us the closure we need entering the new year. Secondly, to enter the new year with the expectation of a new beginning.

Therefore, here are the top 10 lessons 2024 taught us about life.

Top 10 lessons 2024 taught us about life

1. The most important things are not material possessions

The most important things are not material possessions

You can have all the material wealth in this world but that does not guarantee happiness. Take what you cannot lose and leave the rest. This means you should focus on the things that are important – doing things you love surrounded by people you love and who love you. Everything else is just a bonus.

As an exercise, try to declutter things you have been holding onto but they are really unnecessary. They may have a sentimental value to you. If they prove to be obstacles to better opportunities, get rid of them.

2. Avoid toxic people

Avoid toxic people
Photo credit: 2 Minutes Psychology

Toxic people are red flags you should never have in your life. Whether they are your family, romantic partner, friends or work colleagues, avoid them as much as you can. You are better off without these people. None of them is worth your time or energy unless you want to turn toxic like them.

3. Do not compromise your prestige for whatever reason

Do not compromise your prestige for whatever reason
Photo credit: Freepik

There are stories of husbands urging their wives to sleep with their boss for money, and wives pushing their husbands into heinous crimes to make money. Most times, such comprises lead to regrets. In fact, the person you compromised for may use it against you someday.

No matter how bad your situation is, do not compromise your prestige. The rewards may seem worth it but you may live to regret it in the end.

4. Live your life the way you want to

Live your life the way you want to
Photo credit: Freepik

You only get to live once, so learn to live it well. Do not live according to the expectations of others. People are going to judge you no matter what you do. Why waste your life worrying about making them happy with your lifestyle? Do you, as long as you are not breaking any laws. The rest of the world will adjust.

5. Life can happen outside your control, but how you respond to it matters

depressed Nigerian man

You may have started 2024 with big expectations – marriage, children, lucrative job, a big house, vacations in exotic places and so on. However, none seemed to have happened for you, mostly due to circumstances beyond your control.

But that is part of life – full of ups and downs. Therefore, you do not have to allow your failures weigh you down. Instead, learn from them and rise up to the occasion.

6. Believe in yourself

Believe in yourself
Photo credit: Katherine Spinney Coaching

Self confidence is a key factor to determining if you will be a successful person. Many times, you have great ideas and even have realistic plans to achieve them. However, you are not sure of yourself, second-guessing your abilities.

This mentality is a dream killer, something you should not carry with you into the new year if you want to achieve something tangible. Believe in yourself, in your gifts and your abilities, and the sky will just be a springboard.

7. You can hit rock bottom, but still rise strong

You can hit rock bottom, but still rise strong
Photo credit: Christianity.com

Life is unpredictable. There are times it gives us pleasure and other times it pushes us to the brink of extinction. However, hitting rock bottom is not the end. It is an opportunity for us to transform our lives for the better.

Sometimes, bad things happen to us to make us stronger. After all, what cannot kill us makes us stronger. Accept that life happens but try to rise from it. Focus on what is essential and live in your truth. Write a new chapter for yourself and remember, you are stronger than you think you are.

8. Getting old is a blessing

Getting old is a blessing
Photo credit: FG Trade via Getty Images

These days, age-shaming is on the rise. Calling someone old seems to be the height of insult a younger person uses on someone older, as if getting old is a curse. Take your time and visit a cemetery and you will not need anybody to tell you that getting old is one of the blessings of life.

As you go into the next year, you will be getting older by at least a year. This should teach you to appreciate life more, knowing that your time is running out. Focus on what really matters which is inside of you, not outside.

9. There is no shortcut in life

There is no shortcut in life
Photo credit: Adobe Stock

You want that six packs but you are unwilling to sweat it out in a gym. Instead you go patronising weight loss vendors who end up scamming you of your money.

See, there are no shortcuts in life. The successful people you know today worked hard to get where they are years ago. That guy or lady with perfect abs achieved that with dedicated hard work in the gym. The couple enjoying their marriage after decades together worked for it. None of those achievements happened overnight. Know this and stop trying to take shortcuts that may lead you to where you will not come back from.

10. Be kind to yourself and others

Be kind to yourself and others
Photo credit: Izusek via Getty Images

To wrap up this list, remember to be kind to yourself. Learn to forgive and forget. Nobody is perfect and every human is bound to make mistakes. If you have made a mistake, do not let it eat you away. Forgive yourself so you can develop a deeper compassion for others.

This is a truly life changing experience you should not miss as you enter the next year. You are not doing it for yourself alone, you will be making your world a better place.

ALSO READ: Celebrating your wins: Why every achievement matters

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Nonye is a Thespian, screenwriter, creative writer and an unapologetic lover of books, great movies and sports. She has over 10 years experience in content writing on entertainment, movies, sports and lifestyle. Nonye is currently a content writer at Blackdot Media and founder of litafrik.com
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