True happiness isn’t about having expensive things or achieving fame. It’s a bit more complex, and yet, so simple.

It all comes down to learning some invaluable life lessons.

These are the kind of lessons that shape us into better versions of ourselves and guide us towards a fulfilling, joyful life.

I’m about to share with you some of these crucial life lessons that I’ve gathered over the years.

So, buckle up, because here’s 6 life lessons you should know if you want to be truly happy in life.

Trust me, once you internalize these, you’ll be on your way to genuine happiness.

1) Embrace imperfection

It’s human nature to strive for perfection. We often want every aspect of our lives to be flawless – our jobs, relationships, health, and even our looks.

But life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. This is one of the first lessons you need to learn if you want to be truly happy.

Perfection is a myth, an illusion, an unattainable goal.

Chasing after it can lead to frustration, disappointment and a constant feeling of inadequacy.

Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean you stop trying to improve or settle for mediocrity.

It simply means you accept yourself and your life with all its flaws and shortcomings.

It’s about understanding that mistakes are part of life, and they provide valuable lessons for personal growth.

Instead of berating yourself for not being perfect, celebrate your uniqueness and appreciate the journey you’re on.

Remember, it’s the imperfections that make life interesting and beautiful.

And trust me, once you start embracing imperfection, you’ll find a sense of peace and happiness that no form of ‘perfection’ could ever give you.

2) Don’t fear failure

This is a big one. Fear of failure has held me back more times than I’d like to admit.

I used to think that failing at something meant that I was a failure myself.

For instance, I remember a time when I had a business idea that I was incredibly passionate about.

But the fear of it potentially failing kept me from ever getting it off the ground.

I realized, however, that failure isn’t something to be feared or ashamed of.

It’s just a part of life, and often, it’s through our failures that we learn the most valuable lessons.

Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back.

Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you towards your true happiness.

3) Practice gratitude

An interesting study found that people who wrote about things they were grateful for felt more optimistic and better about their lives overall.

And it’s true, gratitude is a powerful tool that can significantly improve your happiness.

But practicing gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”.

It’s about appreciating what you have, acknowledging the good in your life, and recognizing that the source of this goodness is outside of yourself.

Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine might be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, where you jot down a few things you’re thankful for each day.

Practicing gratitude can help you shift your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that’s already present.

This simple act can lead to increased happiness and overall life satisfaction.

4) Learn to forgive

Holding onto grudges or resentment can be like carrying a heavy weight around your neck. It drains your energy and robs you of your happiness.

I once harbored a deep grudge against a friend who had wronged me.

I stewed over it for months, letting it consume my thoughts and steal my joy.

One day, I realized that by holding onto this resentment, the only person I was hurting was myself. So, I decided to let go and forgive.

Not for them, but for me.

The moment I did, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. The anger and bitterness were replaced with peace and freedom.

This might sound counter-intuitive, but one of the most crucial life lessons is to actively seek discomfort.

We often gravitate towards comfort and avoid discomfort at all costs.

This is natural. After all, comfort is easy, familiar, and safe. Discomfort, on the other hand, can be scary and challenging.

But here’s the thing – growth and learning happen outside of our comfort zones.

Discomfort is a sign that we are pushing ourselves, trying new things, and stepping into the unknown.

Whether it’s trying a new hobby, speaking up in a meeting, or traveling to a foreign country alone – seeking discomfort can open up new opportunities and experiences that contribute to our happiness.

A life lived within the confines of comfort never leads to growth.

So dare to step outside your comfort zone.

The rewards are well worth it.

6) Prioritize self-care

In a world that glorifies busyness and productivity, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care.

But taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is significant for your overall happiness.

This could be anything from taking a quiet walk in nature, practicing yoga, reading a good book, or simply getting a good night’s sleep.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.

When you prioritize self-care, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges and contribute positively to the world around you.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

Life is a journey, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns.

Your pursuit of happiness is a part of this journey.