8 wake-up calls we often receive a little too late in life (a toolkit for life)

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Hindsight is 20/20,” right?

Well, it’s often true.

Our lives are full of wake-up calls that we frequently recognize only after it’s too late to act on them.

These moments of sudden awareness can be about our health, relationships, career choices – just about any aspect of our lives.

In this article, I’m going to present eight wake-up calls that many people tend to receive a little too late in life.

My hope is that this will serve as a toolkit for you. By recognizing these signals early on, you can make proactive changes and live a more fulfilling life.

Let’s dive in.

1. Health is wealth – don’t neglect it.

It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, but how many of us truly live by it?

We often prioritize work, relationships, and countless other things over our health. Only when we face a health scare do we realize its importance. But by then, it might be too late to reverse the damage.

So, what can you do about it?

Start by making small changes in your daily routine. Incorporate more physical activity into your day. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily – it doesn’t have to be strenuous. A brisk walk or some light yoga can do wonders for your health.

Pay attention to what you eat. Try to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet and cut down on processed foods.

Remember to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep too.

Prioritizing your health doesn’t mean you have to make big sacrifices – just conscious choices.

2. Relationships require work – don’t take them for granted.

We all have important relationships in our lives – be it with family, friends, or a significant other. It’s easy to assume that these relationships will always be there. That they’ll remain strong and unchanging.

But the truth is, like anything else of value, relationships require time, effort, and nurturing.

I remember a time when I was so caught up in my work that I neglected some of my closest relationships. Before I knew it, I felt disconnected and distant from the people I cared about most.

It was a wake-up call for me to start investing more in my relationships. And if you’re in a similar situation, it can be for you too.

So how can you start strengthening your relationships?

Begin by setting aside regular time for the people who matter most to you. It could be having dinner with your family without any distractions. Or scheduling a weekly catch-up call with your best friend.

Make an effort to truly listen when they speak. Show interest and engage in their stories and experiences.

It’s the quality of time spent together, not the quantity, that makes a difference.

3. Facing your fears is necessary – don’t hide from them.

This one hits close to home for me, and I bet for many of you too.

We all have fears. They can be as simple as fear of public speaking or as complex as fear of failure or rejection. Often, our instinct is to avoid these fears, to push them away, and pretend they don’t exist.

But let me tell you something I’ve learned the hard way – ignoring your fears doesn’t make them disappear. Instead, they grow bigger and hold us back from living our fullest lives.

I’ve had my share of fears, and running from them never helped. It was only when I started facing them head-on that I truly began to overcome them.

How can you face your fears?

Well, it’s not easy, but the first step is acknowledging them. Write down what scares you and why. Then, gradually expose yourself to these fears.

If you’re afraid of public speaking, for example, start by speaking in front of a small group and gradually increase the audience size.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

In fact, Jeanette Brown’s book: A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World can guide you through this process. She provides practical advice and exercises that can help you face your fears and live a happier life.

Believe me when I say this – facing your fears is liberating! It allows you to take control of your life, instead of being controlled by your fears.

4. Saying ‘no’ is essential – don’t always be a yes-man (or yes-woman).

This one might seem counterintuitive. After all, aren’t we often told to be more agreeable, more accommodating? To seize every opportunity that comes our way?

Well, while it’s good to be open-minded and helpful, constantly saying ‘yes’ can lead to burnout and resentment. We might end up doing things we don’t enjoy or even agree with, just because we’re afraid to say ‘no’. And let me tell you, that’s not a healthy or fulfilling way to live.

Learning to say ‘no’ is empowering. It means setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs.

Now, how can you get comfortable with saying ‘no’?

Start by recognizing that it’s okay to turn down requests or opportunities that don’t align with your values or goals. Practice saying ‘no’ in low-stakes situations first.

For example, if a friend invites you for a movie but you’d rather stay in and relax, politely decline the invitation.

Saying ‘no’ doesn’t mean you’re being rude or selfish. It simply means respecting your time and energy.

5. Learning is a lifelong journey – don’t stop educating yourself.

We often associate learning with formal education. We think that once we graduate from school or university, our learning days are over.

But that’s far from the truth.

Learning is a lifelong journey, not a destination. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come after my formal education ended.

They’ve come from reading books, listening to podcasts, engaging in conversations, and simply being curious about the world around me.

The moment we stop learning is the moment we stop growing.

How can you keep this learning journey going?

Stay curious. Ask questions. Seek answers. Read widely – not just about your field of work, but about different subjects that interest you. Take up a new hobby or skill. You could learn a new language, start gardening, or even learn how to cook a new cuisine!

And don’t forget to learn from people too – everyone has a unique story or perspective to share.

6. Time waits for no one – don’t procrastinate.

Here’s a brutal truth – time is the one resource we can never get more of.

We often act like we have all the time in the world. We put off things we want to do, thinking we’ll do them ‘someday’. We delay our dreams and goals, waiting for the ‘perfect’ time.

But the reality is, that perfect time will never come. And before we know it, we’ve wasted precious time that we can never get back.

Procrastination is a trap that many of us fall into. But it’s a trap we need to escape from if we want to live our lives to the fullest.

How can you stop procrastinating?

The first step is realizing that ‘someday’ is not a day of the week. If you want to do something, start today. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks and start tackling them one by one. Create a daily schedule or to-do list and stick to it.

Action breeds motivation, not the other way around. Stop waiting for the perfect moment and start making the most of the moments you have. Because time waits for no one.

7. Self-love is not selfish – don’t neglect yourself.

This is something many of us struggle with.

We’re often so busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. We put our needs and desires on the back burner, thinking it’s selfish to prioritize ourselves.

But as the famous quote from Oscar Wilde goes, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”

Self-love is not just about pampering yourself or indulging in materialistic pleasures. It’s about respecting yourself, your needs, and your boundaries.

It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you extend to others.

How can you practice self-love?

Start by setting aside some ‘me time’ every day – even if it’s just for a few minutes. During this time, do something that brings you joy or peace. It could be reading a book, taking a walk, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in silence.

Listen to your body and give it the care it needs – whether it’s rest, exercise, or healthy food.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and celebrate your achievements – no matter how small they may seem.

8. Failure is a stepping stone – don’t fear it.

This one is very personal to me. I’ve had my fair share of failures in life. There were times when I felt like giving up, when the fear of failing again was overwhelming.

But I’ve learned that failure is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s a stepping stone to success.

Every failure teaches us something valuable. It shows us what doesn’t work and guides us towards what might. It builds resilience and determination. If you look at the most successful people in the world, you’ll see a trail of failures behind them.

How can you overcome the fear of failure?

Start by changing your perspective on failure. Instead of seeing it as a dead-end, view it as a learning opportunity. When you fail at something, take the time to analyze why it happened and what you can do differently next time.

It’s okay to fail. What’s not okay is to let the fear of failure stop you from trying in the first place.

Conclusion

Life is full of wake-up calls – some loud and clear, others subtle and gentle. The key is to recognize these signals and act upon them before it’s too late.

It’s never too late to start making positive changes in your life. Whether it’s prioritizing your health, nurturing your relationships, facing your fears, or embracing failure – each step brings you closer to a more fulfilling life.

And as you embark on this journey of self-improvement, remember you’re not alone.

Resources like Jeanette Brown’s book: A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World can provide the guidance and motivation you need.

In the end, life isn’t about avoiding wake-up calls. It’s about answering them, learning from them, and growing into the best version of yourself.