Grasping life’s fundamental truths often takes years, causing many to look back with regret, wishing they had learned these lessons sooner. By adopting these seven Life Strategies, you can navigate your journey with greater confidence and fulfilment, avoiding the pitfalls that others have encountered. Embrace these principles now to set yourself on a path toward a more successful and enriching life.
If you’re in your early twenties and take the time to study and internalise these strategies, you’ll save yourself a great deal of time and effort in your pursuit of a fulfilling life.
1. Take Responsibility for Your Actions
Stop blaming others and start taking full responsibility for your actions. You alone are accountable for your decisions. Owning up to your actions empowers you to make positive changes and steer your life in the direction you want.
Example: If a project at work doesn’t succeed, instead of blaming your team, reflect on what you could have done differently and use that knowledge to improve future projects.
2. Select Your Life Partner with Thoughtful Consideration
Choosing your spouse is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll ever make. A good partner brings joy and support, while a poor choice can lead to unhappiness. Never decide in a hurry or when under pressure. Friedrich Nietzsche wisely advised, “When marrying, ask yourself this question: ‘Do you believe that you will be able to converse well with this person into your old age? Everything else in marriage is transitory.'”
Example: Imagine spending your life with someone who shares your interests and values, and with whom you can have deep, meaningful conversations. This is the foundation of a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
3. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from investing in your career development. The internet is full of resources offering vast opportunities for learning and growth. While degrees can be valuable, they don’t solely define your knowledge, wisdom, or capabilities.
Example: Many successful entrepreneurs have used online resources to learn new skills like coding, digital marketing, or design, and have built thriving businesses without formal education in those fields.
4. Adopt Gradual and Consistent Learning for Deeper Understanding and Full Internalisation.
Take your time to learn slowly, carefully, and steadily. By doing so, you’ll realise that you have the ability to achieve anything. Don’t let others discourage you. Give things a go and be prepared to fail before conceding defeat prematurely.
Example: Consider training for a marathon. At first, the goal may seem overwhelming, but by committing to a steady, incremental training plan, you build endurance and confidence over time. Each small, consistent effort contributes to your overall progress, transforming a seemingly insurmountable challenge into an achievable accomplishment. Similarly, learning a new skill or mastering a subject takes persistent, gradual effort, leading to profound understanding and success.
5. Develop the Habit of Investing and Understand the Power of Money
Start investing as early as possible. The earlier you begin, the more time your investments have to grow, providing you with financial security and freedom. Many of life’s problems can be alleviated with money. Financial stability provides the means to address challenges and seize opportunities. While money doesn’t buy happiness, it reduces stress and grants you the freedom to pursue your passions and goals.
Example: Starting an investment account with a small monthly contribution in your 20s can lead to significant savings by the time you reach retirement age, thanks to compound interest. Having a financial safety net can help you handle unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs without falling into debt or significant stress.
6. Don’t Let Regrets Hold You Back
Regrets are unproductive. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, focus on making the most of the present. Every moment spent regretting is a moment lost that could be used for positive action and growth.
Even if you’ve faced deep pain or significant losses, ask yourself, “So what?” followed by “What next?” and focus on your next steps. The past is gone and will never return, but it can sabotage your future if you allow it.
Example: Imagine you regret not taking a chance on a business idea years ago. Instead of ruminating on missed opportunities, redirect that energy into launching a new venture now. Research your market, develop a solid plan, and connect with potential mentors or investors. By focusing on actionable steps, you turn regret into motivation and create new possibilities for yourself.
7. Sleep on Important Decisions
Before making an important decision, take a pause and avoid deciding immediately. Instead, let it sit overnight. This brief delay allows you to gain clarity, giving you time to weigh the pros and cons thoughtfully, rather than being driven solely by emotions or excitement.
Example: If you receive a job offer, take a night to think it over. This allows you to assess the offer with a clear mind and make a well-considered decision.
By internalising and practising these seven strategies, you can navigate life with greater confidence, resilience, and fulfilment. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so embrace each step with an open mind and a determined heart.
example from my past. Many years ago, I was a motorcycle stuntman in Indian films, doubling for lead stars and performing death-defying stunts. In the film industry, numerous unions exist for various trades, including actors, directors, make-up artists, dancers, photographers, and others. Naturally, there was also a union for stuntmen, and I was expected to join. However, I refused to be tied down by group membership, choosing instead to remain independent. Consequently, I willingly accepted a penalty of twenty-five per cent of my earnings for not being a member. Despite this, I chose to pay the penalty each time I earned money performing stunts.
Tavamithram Sarvada 