Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If only I knew then, what I know now”?

Trust me, you’re not alone.

We all have those moments where we wish we could travel back in time, armed with the wisdom we’ve gained throughout our lives.

This is especially true for us women, as we often navigate tough terrains, juggling multiple roles and expectations.

Now, imagine if you could peek into the future and get a glimpse of the key lessons that most women learn too late in life.

Sounds tempting, right?

Well, according to psychology, there are 7 significant life lessons that a whopping 98% of women learn a tad too late!

Keep reading if you’re curious to know what these lessons are and perhaps, just perhaps, you might be able to learn them sooner than most.

1) Embracing imperfection

Perfection.

We chase it, we crave it, we feel the pressure to achieve it.

Here’s the truth though: Perfection is a mirage.

Psychology tells us that the pursuit of perfection often leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

It’s one of those lessons that most women learn after spending years under the weight of unrealistic expectations.

But guess what?

Embracing imperfection can be liberating.

Why?

It takes off the pressure, allows us to celebrate our unique selves and encourages us to grow at our own pace.

So, instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, let’s embrace our flaws.

After all, they’re what make us human, real and beautifully unique.

2) Saying no is okay

For the longest time, I’ve found myself saying “yes” to everything.

Whether it was taking up extra work, attending social events I had zero interest in, or even sacrificing my own needs for others.

It was as if the word “no” didn’t exist in my vocabulary.

Sound familiar?

It turns out, I’m not the only one. Many women feel a certain obligation to please others, often at their own expense.

You know what psychology has taught me?

Saying no is not just okay, it’s necessary. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is crucial for our mental well-being.

The day I started saying no, I felt a genuine sense of liberation.

Moreover, the world didn’t end. People didn’t hate me. Life went on, and it was better.

Hear me out ladies, let’s muster the courage to say no when we need to. It’s a lesson worth learning sooner rather than later.

3) Validation comes from within

We live in a world where likes, shares, and comments often seem to define our worth.

Where the approval of others can feel like a lifeline. But let’s pause for a moment.

Who decided that others get to validate our worth?

Psychology reveals that external validation is a slippery slope. It can lead us down a path of self-doubt, insecurity, and a constant need for approval.

But here’s the kicker: You don’t need anyone else to tell you that you’re good enough. That you’re smart, beautiful, or worthy.

You are enough, just as you are.

On a personal note, it’s a lesson I wish I’d learned earlier: My value is not determined by others’ opinions of me. It comes from within. From my own self-belief, my own self-love.

4) It’s okay to prioritize yourself

Self-care. Self-love. Prioritizing oneself.

These phrases are thrown around quite often, aren’t they?

Yet, so many of us, particularly women, struggle with this concept. We’re nurturers by nature, always putting others before ourselves.

But here’s the deal.

Putting ourselves last can lead to burnout, resentment, and a severe lack of self-love.

It’s one of those life lessons that I, like many women, learned the hard way.

Psychology tells us that taking care of ourselves is not selfish – it’s essential for our mental health and overall well-being.

So ladies, let’s start prioritizing ourselves. Let’s make time for self-care, for doing things we love, for simply being.

5) Failure is a stepping stone to success

Did you know that J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected by 12 publishers before her manuscript was finally accepted?

Failure. It’s a word we’re so afraid of. We’re taught to avoid it, to fear it.

Having said that, failure isn’t the end.

Contrary to common belief, it’s not a sign of weakness or incompetence. It’s simply a part of the journey towards success.

Every failure brings with it a valuable lesson, a chance to grow and improve. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.

After all, it’s often through our biggest challenges that we learn our most valuable lessons.

6) It’s okay to not have everything figured out

Life can sometimes feel like a race, can’t it?

There is this constant pressure to have it all figured out – the perfect job, the ideal partner, the dream home.

I’ve been there. I’ve felt overwhelmed, anxious, and even inadequate at times.

Believe it or not, it’s okay to not have all the answers, to be unsure, to explore, and to make mistakes.

Life is a journey of discovery. It’s about learning, growing, evolving. And that doesn’t happen when everything is perfect and planned.

So, take a deep breath.

Consider permitting yourself to not have it all figured out. 

7) Your happiness matters

Finally, in a world where we’re often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters – our own happiness.

We often put it on the back burner, telling ourselves we’ll be happy when we achieve this goal or when that thing happens. 

So make choices that bring you joy. Surround yourself with positivity. Invest time in activities you love.

Remember – your happiness matters, always.

Final thoughts

If you resonate with these lessons, know that you are not alone.

But here’s the silver lining – these lessons do not have to be learned too late.

With self-awareness and a mindful approach, we can fast-track these learnings. It starts with acknowledging where we are and where we’d like to be.

Start by recognizing your imperfections, your needs, and your boundaries. Listen to your inner voice and honor your feelings.

It’s okay to not have everything figured out, and it’s absolutely okay to prioritize your happiness.

Keep in mind, that progress may be slow. You may stumble along the way. But each step forward is a victory in itself.

So be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.

Celebrate every moment of self-realization, every act of courage, every decision that leads you closer to your authentic self.

In the end, it’s about living a life true to yourself, driven by your own happiness and growth.

May you find the wisdom to learn these lessons sooner than later.