9 subtle habits of people who genuinely know how to live life, says a psychologist

In our journey as humans, it’s essential to find joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose in our lives.
This level of fulfillment, however, is no accident. It is often the result of specific habits adopted by people who truly know how to live life.
These habits are often understated and subtle but can profoundly impact one’s overall well-being and happiness.
As a psychologist, I’ve spent years studying these habits, trying to decode the secret behind genuinely living life rather than merely existing.
In this article, I will share these insights with you.
I will delve into these habits, which may initially seem insignificant but can transform our lives in an incredible way when consistently practiced.
1) They practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a subtle yet powerful habit that people who genuinely know how to live life consistently practice.
In its simplest form, mindfulness means being present in the current moment, being aware of your surroundings, your feelings, and your thoughts without any judgment.
People who master the art of living don’t let their minds wander aimlessly into the past or the future.
They focus on the ‘now.’
You might notice them taking a moment to appreciate the taste of their coffee, the sound of birds chirping, or the feel of a fresh breeze against their skin.
This habit may seem trivial, but with time, it can significantly improve our mental well-being.
It helps us to acknowledge and accept our feelings rather than being overwhelmed by them.
It also allows us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life that we often overlook.
2) They embrace change
Change is often uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s also inevitable.
Those who genuinely understand how to live life have mastered the subtle habit of embracing change instead of resisting it.
Embracing change might mean switching jobs when you’re not growing anymore, moving to a new city for better opportunities, or even ending relationships that no longer serve you.
It’s about having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and make room for new experiences and personal growth.
People who embrace change understand that it’s a part of life and a key ingredient in the recipe for personal evolution.
They view change as an opportunity rather than a threat, which allows them to adapt more efficiently and thrive in various situations.
3) They make time for solitude
While we often associate living life to the fullest with being socially active and constantly surrounded by people, those who have truly mastered the art of living understand the value of solitude.
Making time for oneself might involve taking a quiet walk alone, sitting in silence with a cup of tea, or simply disconnecting from technology for a while.
This often means creating a space to connect with oneself on a deeper level.
In these moments of solitude, they reflect on their thoughts and emotions, gain clarity about their desires and goals, and replenish their energy.
They understand that being comfortable in their own company is essential for personal growth and inner peace.
4) They’re not afraid to admit their mistakes
Life isn’t always a smooth journey, and all of us make mistakes.
But those who genuinely know how to live life have learned the importance of admitting their missteps.
They acknowledge that they are human and fallible.
They’ve learned to take responsibility for their errors, learn from them, and use those lessons to grow and improve.
For them every mistake is a stepping stone towards wisdom.
They don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold them back but see it as an integral part of their journey.
5) They practice kindness
People who truly know how to live life understand that kindness is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of strength.
They practice kindness towards others, but equally important, they are kind to themselves.
They do not shy away from lending a helping hand, expressing gratitude, or sharing a warm smile.
They realize that these small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.
At the same time, they also extend this kindness inward.
They are gentle with themselves when they stumble, patient with their own growth, and forgiving of their mistakes.
6) They value their relationships
We’ve all heard the saying, “No man is an island.”
People who genuinely know how to live life understand the profound truth in these words.
They value their relationships and dedicate time and effort to nurture them.
Whether it’s listening to a friend’s woes, spending quality time with family, or going out of their way to help a colleague, they realize that these connections give meaning to their lives.
But it’s not just about surrounding themselves with people.
It’s about fostering deep, meaningful relationships that offer support, love, and mutual respect.
We all have our busy lives and endless to-do lists, but in the end, it’s the relationships we build and maintain that enrich our lives truly.
7) They find joy in the little things
Life isn’t always about grand adventures and big achievements.
People who genuinely know how to live life understand the beauty of finding joy in the little things.
It could be as simple as savoring a delicious meal, laughing at a silly joke, dancing to a favorite song, or enjoying the warmth of a sunny day.
These small moments of joy add up and contribute significantly to our overall happiness.
They don’t wait for extraordinary events to feel joyous.
Instead, they celebrate everyday moments, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
8) They take responsibility for their lives
People who genuinely know how to live life don’t play the blame game.
They take full responsibility for their lives, their decisions, and their actions.
They understand that they are the architects of their own lives.
If something isn’t working, they don’t point fingers or play the victim. Instead, they reflect, learn, and make necessary changes.
They know that life isn’t always fair and things don’t always go as planned.
But they also recognize that how they respond to these situations ultimately shapes their lives.
So yes, taking responsibility can be tough.
It may mean admitting where you’re wrong or facing your shortcomings.
But it’s also incredibly empowering because it means you’re in control of your life.
9) They prioritize self-love
At the end of the day, the most crucial habit of people who genuinely know how to live life is prioritizing self-love.
This involves taking care of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health.
It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and putting oneself first without feeling guilty.
These individuals know that self-love isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation upon which they build their lives.
It allows them to show up as their best selves, not just for themselves but also for those around them.