There’s a stark reality about life that many of us shy away from discussing.
This reality comes down to some hard truths that are often left unspoken.
Psychology, however, is less timid when it comes to laying bare these truths. It’s unafraid to delve into topics that may make us squirm a little.
These hard truths, as uncomfortable as they may be, can provide us with valuable insights into the intricacies of life.
In this article, I’ll be unpacking seven hard truths about life that people rarely talk about, but psychology isn’t afraid to address.
Get ready for a dose of reality, served straight-up.
1) Change is inevitable
Life, as we know it, is a series of continual changes.
Psychology has always emphasized this hard truth – that change is the only constant in life. It can be daunting, even scary, to think about. But it’s an unavoidable part of our existence.
Often, we find comfort in familiarity, in the routines and patterns we’ve established. We resist change, fearing the unknown. But the fact remains that everything around us – our relationships, our jobs, our physical bodies – is subject to change.
Our reluctance to acknowledge this truth does not make it any less real. In fact, recognizing and accepting change can open doors to growth and development.
It’s not about being pessimistic or gloomy. It’s about embracing reality and learning to adapt. Because only then can we truly navigate life with resilience and grace.
So, while it may be a hard pill to swallow, remember – change is inevitable.
2) Everyone’s journey is different
Here’s another hard truth – everyone’s journey is different, and that’s perfectly okay.
I remember back in high school, I was always comparing myself to my peers. They seemed to have it all figured out – they knew which colleges they wanted to go to, what careers they wanted to pursue, and they were on track to achieving their goals. I, on the other hand, had no idea what I wanted.
Psychology points out that this comparison is not only unhelpful but also unrealistic. Everyone moves at their own pace, has their own path and faces their own set of challenges. What seems right for one person may not necessarily be right for another.
It took me a while to understand this. But once I did, I stopped comparing my journey with others and started focusing on my own growth. It was liberating!
So remember, it’s perfectly fine if your journey doesn’t align with others. What matters is that it aligns with you.
3) Happiness is subjective
Here’s a psychological truth that often gets overlooked – happiness is highly subjective.
In Bhutan, rather than focusing on gross domestic product, they measure their progress in Gross National Happiness. They believe in prioritizing their citizens’ emotional wellbeing over material wealth.
The concept of happiness varies significantly from person to person, culture to culture. What brings joy to one individual may not necessarily bring joy to another.
Our pursuit of happiness, then, becomes a highly personal journey. It’s important to understand what happiness means to us individually and not let societal pressures define it for us.
So, while the pursuit of happiness is universal, remember that the definition of happiness is unique to each one of us.
4) Failure is part of success
This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s a hard truth we often ignore – failure is an integral part of success.
Psychology teaches us that failure is not the end of the road, but rather a stepping stone towards success. Each failure provides valuable lessons and insights that can guide us to make better decisions in the future.
We live in a society that often stigmatizes failure, making it something to be feared or avoided. But in reality, failure is inevitable. It’s a part of life, a part of growth.
So, the next time you encounter failure, don’t let it dishearten you. Instead, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and improve. After all, every successful person has a history of failures behind them.
5) Perfection is an illusion
For a long time, I was caught in the trap of perfectionism. It felt like a never-ending cycle of setting impossibly high standards for myself and then feeling disappointed when I inevitably failed to meet them.
Psychology, however, shows us that perfection is an illusion. No one is flawless. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, our victories and failures.
Striving for perfection not only sets us up for disappointment but also prevents us from appreciating our accomplishments. It’s important to celebrate our progress, regardless of how small or big it may be.
So, if you’re stuck in the pursuit of perfection, remember – it’s okay to be imperfect. In fact, it’s in our imperfections that we often find our uniqueness.
6) You can’t control everything
One of the hardest truths to accept in life is that we can’t control everything.
Life is full of unpredictability and uncertainty. Despite our best efforts, things don’t always go as planned. This can cause stress and anxiety, especially for those of us who like to have everything under control.
Psychology suggests that learning to let go of the things we can’t control and focusing on what we can influence can lead to a healthier and more balanced life.
The weather, traffic, other people’s actions – these are all things beyond our control. But our reactions, attitudes, and decisions? Those are in our hands.
So remember, while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond to it. And that makes all the difference.
7) Time heals, but also leaves scars
Time is often touted as the ultimate healer. But the reality is, while time can heal, it often leaves scars.
Psychology tells us that our past experiences, especially traumatic ones, shape us in profound ways. They may fade with time, but they won’t entirely disappear.
These scars aren’t a sign of weakness, but a testament to our resilience and strength. They remind us of the battles we’ve fought and the lessons we’ve learned.
So, bear in mind – it’s perfectly okay to carry these scars. They’re a part of who you are and they tell your unique story.
