CREDIT to Matthew Jones. Original article: 20 Brutal Truths About Life No One Wants to Admit

Recently, I came across the above article by Matthew Jones and totally agree with the truths outlined. Definitely, not all spoke to me but there were a few that caught my attention.

Your material wealth won’t make you a better or happier person.

Everyone, one way or the other is in search of happiness. However, we get lost thinking that material wealth will bring that happiness. I will say there are advantages of having wealth that may bring some happiness but that will not be the root cause of your happiness. You will need to search deeper to find true happiness. Advice is not to spend time acquiring material wealth in the search of happiness because you are most likely not going to find true happiness there.

You need to improve your relationships to have lasting happiness.

In the same breath per the previous point, happiness does come from relationships. We (humans) are relational beings. I personally believe that is where our true happiness comes from. You may agree or disagree but if you look back a single point in time that you were happy, see who was involved and reflect on the relationship you have/had with them. It is that mutual symbiotic relationship that fostered that moment of happiness. So, improving and building such relationships will provide you that lasting happiness because that is what you surround yourself with.

Your actions speak louder than your words, so you need to hold yourself accountable.

This truth is one that has grown with me and engraved in me. As much as I can sit here and write or say all these articles if I do not have the action to back them up, it is all useless. This is why for those who are in the speaking business have their body language training emphasized. The truth is that if your actions depict who you truly are, then words will come so easy. My brother just reminded me of this. He coaches and mentors kids through soccer in order to cultivate life’s skills in their minds hence become better citizens. Soccer is his action for team building because the kids can relate to this activity.

It’s not what happens, it’s how you react that matters.

This is one truth that sometimes defies Newton’s third law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. How we react really matters. In this case, we are looking for positive reactions no matter the situation. This is not easy but if we are cognizant of our reactions, it makes a big difference. This ties back to actions you take. Beware of how you react to situations in your life.

You’re going to die and everyone you love is going to die, and you don’t know when.

Lastly, this is a combination Matthews first two points. The reality is that our final destination as humans is death. It does not matter if you are President, Billionaire or whatever, we shall all die and the people we love shall also die. We are all mortal beings. The call to action is to structure your life in a meaningful way as well as make amends and re-establish meaningful relationships. In the period of time that we are fortunate to live in this world, what positive impact have you made? Death is not meant to scare you but rather give you a perspective of what meaningful life and relationships you need to live in the time you have.

So, think about what your WHY is. What is your purpose in this world and how can you be of positive influence to you and all those around you? Remember, life is about good relationships. The lesson here is, do not be complacent, make the outward reach and be the difference. Live a life that inspires others to be the best they can be.

Here is the list of 20 (Read the original article for his viewpoint).

1. You’re going to die and you have no idea when.
2. Everyone you love is going to die, and you don’t know when.
3. Your material wealth won’t make you a better or happier person.
4. Your obsession with finding happiness is what prevents its attainment.
5. Donating money does less than donating time.
6. You can’t make everyone happy, and if you try, you’ll lose yourself.
7. You can’t be perfect, and holding yourself to unrealistic standards creates suffering.
8. Your thoughts are less important than your feelings and your feelings need acknowledgment.
9. Your actions speak louder than your words, so you need to hold yourself accountable.
Be responsible and take actions that increase positivity and love.
10. Your achievements and successes won’t matter on your deathbed.
11. Your talent means nothing without consistent effort and practice.
12. Now is the only time that matters, so stop wasting it by ruminating on the past or planning the future.
13. Nobody cares how difficult your life is, and you are the author of your life’s story.
14. Your words are more important than your thoughts, so start inspiring people.
15. Investing in yourself isn’t selfish. It’s the most worthwhile thing you can do.
16. It’s not what happens, it’s how you react that matters.
17. You need to improve your relationships to have lasting happiness.
18. Pleasure is temporary and fleeting, so stop chasing fireworks and start building a constellation.
19. Your ambition means nothing without execution–it’s time to put in the work.
20. Time is your most valuable asset–you need to prioritize how you spend it.