8 things in life you should stop taking for granted, according to psychology

If you’re like most people, you probably take a lot of things in life for granted. It’s easy to forget about all the little things that make our lives easier and more enjoyable.

You might not appreciate your health until you’re sick, or value your free time until it’s swamped with responsibilities. This is human nature, but according to psychology, it’s a habit we should strive to break.

The truth is, there are countless aspects of our lives that deserve more gratitude than they often receive. In neglecting to acknowledge them, we may be depriving ourselves of a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction.

Let’s take a moment to explore these overlooked blessings. Here are eight things in life you should stop taking for granted, as backed by psychology.

1) Good health

“Health is wealth”, as the saying goes. But often, we don’t truly realize the value of good health until we’re faced with illness or injury.

It’s easy to take our bodies for granted when they’re functioning well – going about our daily routines without giving a second thought to the complex processes that keep us up and running.

We might ignore the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, or getting enough sleep until we’re forced to confront the consequences of neglecting these necessities.

According to psychology, appreciating our health can do more than just motivate us to take better care of ourselves. It can also boost our overall satisfaction with life and improve our mental wellbeing.

So next time you’re able to go for a run without getting winded, or wake up without a single ache or pain, take a moment to appreciate it. Good health is a gift that’s too precious to take for granted.

2) Failure

It might seem strange to think of failure as something not to take for granted. After all, nobody wants to fail. But the truth is, failure often teaches us more than success ever could.

Think about it. When you succeed, it merely reinforces what you already know. But when you fail, it forces you to reevaluate, learn, and grow. It makes you question your assumptions, refine your strategies, and become a better problem solver.

Psychologically speaking, failure can be a powerful tool for character development and self-improvement. It can foster resilience, adaptability, and humility. It can also make our successes feel even more rewarding because we’ve truly earned them.

Rather than fearing failure or viewing it as a negative experience to be avoided at all costs, try seeing it as an opportunity for growth. It’s a valuable part of life that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

3) The ability to change

Many of us might not appreciate the power we have to change our lives. We get stuck in routines and patterns, feeling like we’re on a predetermined path with no room for deviation.

But here’s the beautiful truth: our brains are wired for change. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, persists throughout life. This means that we can learn new skills, develop new habits, and change our perspectives at any age.

Embracing this reality can open up a world of possibilities. You’re not trapped in your current situation or bound by your past mistakes. You have the power to evolve, to become a better version of yourself.

4) Moments of solitude

In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to undervalue the quiet moments when we’re alone with our thoughts. We might even see solitude as something to avoid or a sign of loneliness.

But taking time for ourselves, away from the noise and demands of the world, is crucial for our well-being. It provides space for reflection, introspection, and self-discovery.

These solitary moments can be a cup of coffee in the early morning before the world wakes up, a peaceful walk in nature, or just sitting quietly in a room. They offer a chance to reconnect with ourselves, understand our emotions, and recharge our minds.

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to take time for yourself. You deserve it. Moments of solitude are precious and should never be taken for granted.

5) The ability to learn

Think about it, every day we learn something new. Whether it’s a fact from a podcast, a cooking tip from a neighbor, or a life lesson from a mistake, our capacity to learn is ongoing and limitless.

Yet, we often overlook this incredible ability. We complain about having to learn new software at work or memorize facts for an exam, without considering the wonder of our brains absorbing and retaining new information.

This continual learning process shapes us, helps us adapt, and makes life interesting and dynamic. It’s the reason you can navigate your city, use your smartphone, or even read this article.

Next time you’re faced with something new to learn, don’t sigh in frustration. Instead, appreciate your brain’s capacity for knowledge and growth. It’s truly something not to be taken for granted.

6) Genuine friendships

We’ve all had that friend who’s been there through thick and thin. They’ve laughed with us during the best of times and offered a shoulder to lean on during the worst. They’ve listened to our ramblings, celebrated our achievements, and understood our quirks.

But in the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget to appreciate these friendships. We get caught up in our own worries and responsibilities, and we neglect to tell our friends how much they truly mean to us.

I remember a time when I was going through a particularly tough phase. Without asking, a close friend took time out of their busy schedule to check on me, providing comfort and support when I needed it the most.

Friendships like these are invaluable. They enrich our lives in ways that material possessions can’t. So don’t forget to cherish these relationships and express your gratitude for the joy and support they bring into your life.

7) Time

Let’s face it, we’ve all said “I’ll do it tomorrow” more times than we’d like to admit. We delay our dreams, put off our goals, and postpone our happiness, thinking we have endless tomorrows. But the stark reality is that time is a finite resource.

Each second that passes is a second you’ll never get back. It’s an opportunity to learn something new, to connect with a loved one, to pursue a passion, or even just to take a moment for yourself.

Time waits for no one. It keeps moving forward, indifferent to our procrastination or fear of change. So don’t waste it on things that don’t bring you joy or help you grow.

Use your time wisely. It’s one of the most precious things you have and should never be taken for granted.

8) Your own worth

Here’s the most important thing – don’t ever take your own worth for granted. It’s easy to get caught up comparing ourselves to others, focusing on our flaws, or feeling like we’re not good enough.

But you are enough, just as you are. You have unique talents and abilities that no one else possesses. You have the power to make a difference, in your life and in the lives of others.

The world might try to tell you otherwise, but don’t let it. Your worth isn’t determined by your job, your looks, or your social status. It’s inherent. It’s unchangeable.

Always remember to appreciate yourself and all that you are. Because you, and your incredible worth, should never be taken for granted.

Conclusion

We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to appreciate the simple yet significant aspects that truly enrich our lives. This article serves as a gentle reminder of those overlooked blessings.

Remember, the beauty of life often lies in the little things. Don’t let them slip by unnoticed. Cherish your health, value your failures, embrace your ability to change and grow.

Relish moments of solitude, never stop learning, celebrate genuine friendships, respect your time, and above all, recognize your inherent worth.

Ultimately, what you choose to appreciate is a personal decision. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can significantly enhance your happiness and satisfaction in life.

Here’s to a more mindful, appreciative existence!