People often wrongly think that wisdom comes with time — it’s just not true. 

If you live a life where you don’t branch out and have a diverse range of experiences, time doesn’t mean much. 

Wisdom comes with experiences and having the reflective ability to digest and learn from those experiences. 

Some people grow wise way beyond their years. 

Why? 

Because they’ve had extreme experiences that threw them far beyond the edges of their comfort zone — and learned from them. 

So what types of experiences do people who gain wisdom early on usually have?

Let’s take a look. 

1) Embracing failure

It might sound counterintuitive, but success is actually built upon failure.

Failure isn’t something most people look forward to. But those who gain wisdom and maturity early in life often have a different perspective.

These people recognize that failure is not the end of the world, but rather a stepping stone to success.

They’ve experienced their fair share of setbacks and disappointments, but instead of letting these experiences break them, they use them as fuel to grow and improve.

Failure, to them, is an opportunity to learn something new and valuable. It’s a teacher that provides lessons no textbook or lecture ever could.

This doesn’t mean they enjoy failing. But they understand that it’s a natural part of life, and they’re not afraid to face it head-on.

Embracing failure early in life can be a powerful catalyst for wisdom and maturity.

It teaches resilience, perseverance, and the importance of continuous learning – qualities that are invaluable in navigating life’s ups and downs.

2) Experiencing loss

Loss is a universal part of life, and it’s something that has personally shaped me into the person I am today.

I lost my grandmother when I was just 12 years old. She was a significant figure in my life, always there with a warm hug, a word of wisdom, or a homemade cookie when I needed it most.

Losing her was devastating. I felt like I had lost a piece of myself. But in time, I came to realize that this loss had taught me valuable lessons.

It made me understand the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with the people we love.

It also taught me about grief and how to navigate it – how it’s okay to feel sad, to cry, to grieve.

Through this experience, I learned to appreciate life more and not take things for granted.

This early encounter with loss brought about a deep sense of maturity and wisdom in me, lessons that have guided me throughout my life.

Experiencing loss early in life can be a profound contributor to wisdom and maturity. It’s painful, but it also offers unique insights into life and our relationships with others.

3) Living in different cultures

People who possess wisdom and maturity at a young age often have experience living in various cultures.

It could be as simple as moving from one town to another or as dramatic as relocating to a different country. Either way, living in different cultures can drastically broaden a person’s perspective.

In fact, did you know that children who grow up in multilingual households tend to be better at multitasking?

They’re also more adept at understanding and accepting differences among people, as they’re exposed to various worldviews and ways of life from an early age.

Experiencing life in diverse cultural settings encourages adaptability, empathy, and open-mindedness.

It instills an understanding that there are different ways of seeing and doing things, and that no way is inherently superior to others. 

This brings me to the next point…

4) Encountering diversity

Even just being exposed to a variety of perspectives can greatly contribute to early wisdom and maturity.

Encountering diversity means being exposed to people from different races, religions, socio-economic statuses, and ways of life. It’s about understanding that every individual is unique and has their own story to tell.

This exposure can teach us to appreciate the differences among us, rather than fearing them. It encourages empathy, compassion, and understanding. It allows us to see the world from various angles and broadens our worldview.

Engaging with diversity also teaches us about equality and justice. We learn that every person deserves respect and fair treatment, regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

Experiencing diversity early in life can be a powerful catalyst for wisdom and maturity. It prepares us to navigate a world that’s beautifully diverse and complex.

5) Overcoming adversity

Life is full of challenges and hardships. It’s not always smooth sailing, and those who gain wisdom and maturity early in life understand this all too well.

These individuals have often faced significant adversity. It could be anything from dealing with a debilitating illness, enduring financial hardship, or overcoming a traumatic event.

Surviving and thriving in the face of adversity requires immense strength and resilience. It forces you to dig deep, to find resources within yourself you didn’t know you had.

Overcoming adversity also instills a sense of perspective. It teaches you to appreciate the good times, knowing that they can be fleeting. And it equips you to handle future challenges with grace and fortitude.

Overcoming adversity at a young age can serve as a powerful foundation for wisdom and maturity. It’s a tough teacher, but the lessons learned are invaluable.

6) Forming deep relationships

There’s something truly special about the bond formed in a deep, meaningful relationship. These connections, whether they’re with friends, family, or mentors, can have a transformative impact.

Those who gain wisdom and maturity early in life often have a few of these profound relationships.

They’ve experienced the joy of shared laughter, the comfort of a shoulder to lean on, and the reassurance of unconditional acceptance.

These relationships teach empathy, compassion, and the importance of open communication.

They allow us to see life from another’s perspective, helping us understand that everyone has their own struggles and stories.

In these deep connections, we learn to give and receive love generously. We learn patience, kindness, and the power of simply being there for someone else.

These are lessons that touch the heart and soul. They shape us into wiser, more mature individuals capable of nurturing our own meaningful relationships.

It’s through these heartfelt experiences that we truly grow.

7) Taking responsibility

I remember my first job like it was yesterday. I was a teenager, working at a local bookstore. It wasn’t the most glamorous job, but it was my first taste of real responsibility.

This job taught me the value of hard work and diligence. I had to manage my time, balance schoolwork with my job, and ensure that I was performing well in both areas.

Making mistakes was inevitable. There were times when I misplaced books, made errors in the cash register, or forgot about a task.

But each mistake taught me accountability. I learned to own up to my errors, correct them, and learn from them.

Taking on responsibility at an early age fosters maturity and wisdom. It teaches you the consequences of your actions and decisions. It allows you to understand the importance of reliability and dependability in life’s various roles.

Learning to be responsible is not always easy, but it’s a powerful teacher of wisdom and maturity.

8) Learning to reflect

The ability to reflect on oneself, one’s actions, decisions, and experiences, is a hallmark of wisdom and maturity.

This isn’t about being overly self-critical but about understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.

Reflection allows us to learn from our past, make sense of our present, and plan for our future. It enables us to make informed decisions, avoid repeating mistakes, and continuously strive for personal growth.

Learning to reflect early in life can contribute significantly to wisdom and maturity. It fosters self-awareness, a quality that’s crucial for personal development and successful interpersonal relationships.

It’s a lifelong skill that guides us in becoming better versions of ourselves.

Wisdom gained through trials

Wisdom doesn’t come simply with the passing of time. It comes from the rich, sometimes painful, range of life’s experiences.

Those who have endured failure, loss, and adversity, or lived in different cultures often develop wisdom far beyond their years.

Each experience, no matter how challenging, shapes their perspective, deepens their understanding and allows them to reflect on life in a meaningful way.

As they navigate these intense experiences, they gain valuable insights about resilience, personal growth, and empathy. These aren’t lessons you can learn from a book—they’re earned through living.