There’s a vast difference between growing old and growing wise.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, and I’ve learned that wisdom often comes from life experiences, not years lived.

You see, being wise beyond your years isn’t about the number of candles on your birthday cake, but rather the lessons you’ve learned and how you’ve grown from them.

If you’ve been through these 8 life experiences, chances are you’re wiser than most, regardless of your age. 

Let’s get started. 

1. You’ve experienced deep loss

Most people will experience loss at some point in their lives. But it’s the way we handle it that sets us apart.

Wisdom often comes from experiencing deep loss, be it the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship or losing something you greatly valued.

These experiences, while painful, can teach us about resilience, acceptance and the transient nature of life.

They force us to confront our mortality and can drastically shift our perspective of what truly matters.

The grieving process can be transformative, leading to profound wisdom and understanding about the nature of life and our place in it.

As renowned psychologist Carl Jung said, “The most intense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security and calm that is not easily disturbed.”

2. You’ve learnt from failure

Failure can be a tough pill to swallow. Trust me, I’ve been there.

I remember launching an online course a few years ago that I was sure would be a hit. I’d put months of work into it, and I was excited to share it with the world.

But the course flopped. Hard.

I was devastated, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, I chose to learn from the experience. I analysed where I went wrong, took feedback on board, and used it as a stepping stone to improve my future projects.

Failure doesn’t define you; it’s how you respond to it that matters. It’s about getting back up, dusting yourself off and using the experience as a lesson for growth.

3. You’ve practiced mindfulness

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword. It’s a practice that can fundamentally change the way you experience life.

As someone who has spent years studying and practicing mindfulness, I can attest to its transformative power. It’s about being present, completely engaged with what you’re doing in the moment without being distracted by ruminations on the past or worries about the future.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the practice of mindfulness from a Buddhist perspective.

The practice of mindfulness fosters self-awareness and self-compassion, which are key components of wisdom. It helps you to understand your own motivations and actions, as well as cultivate empathy for others.

According to Sylvia Boorstein “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can lead to profound wisdom and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

4. You’ve stepped out of your comfort zone

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a powerful way to grow and gain wisdom. It’s about pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself to experience new things.

Psychologically speaking, when we step out of our comfort zone, we’re exposing ourselves to new experiences and perspectives. This can lead us to question our beliefs and assumptions, which in turn can lead to deeper understanding and wisdom.

It’s not just about taking risks for the sake of it, but about learning and growing. Whether it’s traveling to a foreign country, learning a new skill, or simply trying a new type of food, these experiences can broaden your perspective and make you wiser.

As famed psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

Stepping forward into growth often means stepping out of your comfort zone, and that’s where real wisdom lies.

5. You’ve embraced solitude

In a world that’s hyper-connected, embracing solitude might seem counter-intuitive. But spending time alone can be a powerful catalyst for growth and wisdom.

Solitude allows for introspection, self-reflection and the opportunity to reconnect with yourself. It gives you the space to examine your life, your choices and your values without the noise and distractions of the outside world.

It’s not about being anti-social or isolating yourself, but about taking the time to dive deep into your own mind and understand yourself better.

In fact, multiple psychological studies have shown that solitude can boost creativity, improve mental health, and increase empathy.

As psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

And sometimes, solitude is the key to achieving that self-acceptance and the wisdom that comes with it.

6. You’ve navigated complex relationships

Navigating complex relationships is part of being human. We all have our share of ups and downs in relationships, be it with family, friends, or romantic partners.

These experiences can be challenging, but they also offer valuable lessons about empathy, compromise, and understanding different perspectives. They can teach us about our own needs and boundaries, as well as the importance of communication and respect in maintaining healthy relationships.

In fact, the wisdom gained from navigating complex relationships can help us become more compassionate and understanding individuals.

7. You’ve faced your fears

Facing your fears can be one of the most empowering experiences in life.

There was a time when public speaking was my biggest fear. The thought of standing in front of a crowd, all eyes on me, would send shivers down my spine.

But instead of running away from this fear, I embraced it. I took up opportunities to speak in public and with each experience, my fear lessened.

Confronting your fears head-on can teach you about courage and resilience. It shows you that you’re stronger than you think and capable of overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.

8. You’ve practiced gratitude

Practicing gratitude might seem simple, but its impact on our lives can be profound.

Gratitude allows us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and appreciate what we have instead of constantly chasing after what we don’t. It encourages contentment and a positive outlook on life.

More than that, practicing gratitude has been linked to improved mental health, better relationships and a greater sense of well-being. It teaches us to value the present moment and appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

The essence of wisdom

Each of these 8 life experiences offers a unique opportunity for growth and understanding. They’re not always pleasant, and they’re not always easy, but they’re crucial for developing wisdom.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how Buddhist teachings can aid in navigating through these life experiences with grace and wisdom.

Wisdom isn’t a destination, but a journey. It’s about continuously learning, growing, and evolving. It’s about understanding that life is full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures, and embracing all of it.

As the ancient philosopher Socrates once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” This humble acceptance of our own ignorance paves the way for continued growth and wisdom.