Life doesn't come with a blueprint, instructions, nor a roadmap of what to expect in the days and years ahead. It does, however, contain all kinds of people who've lived life for longer than you.
Those people can be a HUGE help.
Older, wiser, and more experienced, some people have encountered--and overcome--struggles that you currently face or haven't even met yet.
The advice and guidance provided by those people, often in small, bite size pieces, can provide a very helpful array of guiding compasses to be used whenever the appropriate situation arises.
And just in case you're running low on wise people and advice in your life, a recent Reddit thread pulled together a laundry list of wise axioms.
People Break Down The Best Loophole They've Ever Exploited
Many people chose to discuss the pragmatic pieces of advice they've heard over the years. These platitudes can all go quite far in ensuring real, concrete success.
Until It's Breezy
"Study to the point where the tests seem like they're insulting your intelligence. Best calc professor Ive had" -- Fruooop
"That's a really good way of putting it. I'll have to remember that."
"Something I've read in the past, that's sort of similar: 'Don't just study until you *can* get the questions *right*. Study until you *can't* get the questions *wrong*.' " -- skullturf
Stock Up First
"Pay your savings account FIRST."
"Don't wait until the day before you get paid to move the left overs into an account."
"Never lend money you aren't prepared to lose." -- ProfessorFunky
"The saying I read quite a few years ago was 'don't lend money to friends or family unless you can afford to lose both' this has helped me in making mostly good decisions on who I ever lend money to." -- Curious-
Keep It Fresh
"If someone offers you a breath mint, take it." -- Aspy17
"That's a really good advice. I usually hand out chewing gums, when I myself take some, to feel generous. It's good nobody offered me one while not taking one themselves yet." -- Ziriath
Actions, not Words
"Anyone can replace you in the job you do. It's not your job to boast about how irreplaceable you are, but to prove to them that they don't WANT to replace you."
" 'When you're in a new area, never pass up an opportunity to pee.' -My Dad" -- DingleberryHandpump6
"I'm just realizing that on all of the road trips I've taken the last few years I can't remember the whole drive, but I can definitely remember the random areas in the woods I pulled over to pee lol." -- MrEngin33r
Other people shared the advice they've used to improve the social realm of their own life.
With friendships, romantic partnerships, and romantic relationships dominating so much of our lives, it's so important to feel sure you're handling all that as best as you can.
The Cardinal Directions
" 'When it's her moment stand behind her. When she's nervous stand beside her. When she's scared stand in front of her. The rest you'll figure out.' - My Grandmother on women" -- WholeMilkStandard
"Don't be mad when people act exactly like you expected them too." -- libertaine
"You can be disappointed without being surprised" -- RAGECOMIC_VICAR
"As I heard someone say regarding a certain 2016 presidential candidate his party nominated to his displeasure 'when someone tells you who they are you should believe them' " -- HitEmWithDatKTrain
Check Your Sources
"Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from" -- thehotdeskpodcast
"Well that rules out like 98% of the people I interact with." -- MrEngin33r
"Thank you. No need to give our power away." -- kittanjaan
People Are Not Psychics
" 'You have to ask for what you want from people, make your position clear.' "
"Don't just assume people know what your problem is, communication is key. It is great for relationships, work, friendships, school and even playing team sports or video games."
Other people discussed matters of the soul. These tidbits were all about how to handle being a human being with complex emotional states.
Let It Go
" 'You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. If words can control you, that means everyone can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.' "
"Don't be afraid to show gratitude. I don't know why, but for most of my life I was embarrassed to reach out and thank people for a variety of things."
"I'd say 'thanks' to stuff like everyone does. But feeling comfortable giving specific and thoughtful expressions of gratitude has been a journey well worth taking."
" 'It doesn't matter if someone has it worse than you, you're still having a hard time and that makes your problems valid and gives you the right for help.' " -- BenaBenaBadBad
"I remember one similar to this that was like 'just because someone else is in a full body cast, it doesn't mean that your broken arm doesn't hurt' " -- UnwaveringBear
Only So Much Control
"You can do everything right and still be wrong."
"Basically, for me that's a reminder to enjoy the moments in life and enjoy the journey. It means for me to try hard for what I want, but to not think that doing everything right means that I will get what I want."
This is by no means a full list of all the best advice out there. Every moment, people are learning from mistakes, powering through struggles, and bestowing the learned knowledge onto others in their lives.
Keep your ears open enough and you'll never stop learning from those people.
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