“Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others?” Voltaire.

Wisdom is a quality that grows over time. It’s shaped and developed through life’s experiences both positive and negative. It’s the quality of having valuable experience, knowledge and good judgement. The trials and errors that we encounter on our life journey together with the insights we gain from having new adventures, meeting new people and our interactions and relationships with others help to build it.

Wisdom differs from knowledge as it’s the ability to discern what’s true or right for us. It rests insides us and is the quiet inner voice. If we choose to tune in, it offers us guidance on the best direction or course of action for us to take. It helps us to focus on things of real worth rather than the trivial.

We’re all fortunate to be able to tap into the wisdom of older people if we wish to. It’s sad that sometimes society doesn’t fully value and respect the knowledge and experience of older people. It’s too easy for people to be unfairly labelled “past their sell by date.”

On occasions, businesses take the decision to part company with older long serving employees and bring in young blood. In doing so, they subtly demonstrate that they prefer youth over experience. On this theme, there have been some high-profile legal cases in recent years involving television personalities who claimed that they were the victims of ageism when losing their television roles.

As with everything in life, we need a balance in society between the energy and enthusiasm of young people and the wisdom and experience of older people. When blended together effectively, working harmoniously and collaboratively, the combination of young and old in a team is very powerful.

I’ve detailed below some wisdom from old people that I found when doing some research for my book Just Be, which I wrote and published a few years ago:

  • The most important person in your life is the person who agreed to share their life with you. Treat them as such.
  • Stuff is just stuff. Don’t hold onto material objects; hold onto time and experiences instead.
  • People always say “Make sure you get a job doing what you love!’’ But that isn’t the best advice. The right job is the job you love some days, can tolerate most days, and still pays the bills. Almost nobody has a job they love every day.
  • If you’re getting overwhelmed by life, just return to the immediate present moment and savour all that is beautiful and comforting. Take a deep breath and relax.
  • Don’t take life too seriously. Even if things seem dark and hopeless, try to laugh at how ridiculous life is.
  • A true friend will come running if you call them at 2am. Everyone else is just an acquaintance.
  • Nobody ever dies wishing they had worked more. Work hard, but don’t prioritize work over family, friends or even yourself.
  • Don’t take anyone else’s advice as gospel. You can ask for advice from someone you respect, then take your situation into consideration and make your own decision. Essentially, take your own advice is my advice.
  • The joints you damage today will get their revenge later. Even if you think they’ve recovered completely. Trust me!
  • We have one time on this earth. Don’t wake up and realize that you are 60 years old and haven’t done the things you dreamed about.
  • Appreciate the small things and be present in the moment. It seems today like younger people are all about immediate gratification. Instead, why not decide to appreciate every small moment.
  • We don’t get to stay on this crazy/wonderful planet forever and the greatest pleasure can be found in the most mundane of activities. Instead of sending a text, pick up the phone and call someone. Call your mother, have a conversation about nothing in particular. Those are the moments to hold onto.

This week, why not take a few moments to pause and reflect to consider what is the best piece of wisdom that you have learned in your life. How can you use this to help others?

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk