Some of the most powerful truths in life don’t seem to make sense at first glance.
Life can be surprising. Lived experience can show us that many things we might have thought were obvious turn out to be just the opposite. If we’re not paying attention, we might develop incorrect notions or place unnecessary restraints on ourselves out of ignorance when we should have been operating with an inverse understanding.
Exercise for More Energy
For example, it might seem perfectly reasonable to think that exercise expends our energy and makes us feel sluggish and tired. It turns out, though, that regular exercise actually increases energy and uplifts one’s mood.Helping Isn’t Always Helpful
Sometimes, the best way to help people isn’t to do things for them, but to actually do less for them and encourage them to take on more responsibility.You might think that you’re helping your aging parents by taking over their laundry or administering their bills, but if they can still do those things for themselves, even with a little bit of struggle, it’s often better to allow them to exercise that agency over their lives. Similarly, you might want to step in and stop your child from making a mistake, but sometimes the better path is to allow the failure to happen. Life sure is funny sometimes.
More Structure, More Freedom
Have you ever noticed that placing restrictions on yourself actually increases your sense of freedom? Dictating to yourself that you must wake up every morning at 5 a.m. might sound tyrannical to some. However, the act of waking early and consistently at the same time each day can have enormous benefits, allowing you to make those early morning hours what you will.Want To Be More Productive? Try Resting
Spending time on leisure activities might actually boost your productivity. Sometimes, your brain needs a break, and inspiration tends to strike when we let go of the pursuit of an epiphany and go for a walk, talk with a friend, or even take a nap.Admitting That You Don’t Know Can Make You Wiser
When you’re able to admit that you don’t know something, that actually makes you seem smarter. Nobody knows everything, and it takes wisdom and composure to be honest, humble, and curious to learn more.Saying ‘No’ Can Lead to Bigger Yeses
You might think that the best way to invite opportunities into your life is to say “yes” to every possibility that comes your way, but sometimes saying “no” can actually lead to bigger and better things. There’s an opportunity cost to everything.Generosity Can Grow Your Wealth
Giving can actually lead to greater wealth. When you are generous, you expand your goodwill and network, and more often than not, your generosity comes back to you in multiples. One may assume that to become wealthy, you should hold on tightly to every penny and every dollar that comes your way, but perhaps generosity is a key component of building wealth. This may be especially true if the intent is not necessarily to build wealth, but to offer care, compassion, and kindness to others.
