Life is full of experiences, some mundane, some extraordinary. But there are certain experiences, according to psychology, that everyone should have at least once in their lives.
These aren’t just random bucket-list items.
These are transformative experiences that can change your perspective, boost your resilience, and even help you build a stronger, more successful business.
In the following article, I’m going to share with you seven of these essential experiences.
These are the moments that have the power to shape us into better leaders, more innovative thinkers, and overall happier individuals.
So let’s dive in and explore these seven things that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives.
1) Embracing failure
Failure is a part of life that most of us tend to avoid.
It’s uncomfortable, it’s painful, and it often feels like a setback. But according to psychology, experiencing failure is not only beneficial, it’s essential.
Psychologists assert that failure is a powerful teacher.
It presents opportunities for self-examination, growth, and resilience building. In fact, it’s through our failures that we learn to navigate life more effectively.
Consider these wise words from renowned psychologist Carl Rogers: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
This quote encapsulates the essence of embracing failure. It’s not about the final destination or achieving unerring success.
It’s about the journey, the process, and learning from our missteps along the way.
So, while failure may be tough to stomach, it’s one experience everyone should have at least once in their lives.
It teaches us about our strengths and weaknesses, pushes us out of our comfort zones, and ultimately guides us towards success in both personal and professional realms.
2) Stepping out of your comfort zone
Comfort zones are cozy and familiar, but they can also be limiting.
Psychology suggests that to truly grow and evolve, we must regularly venture beyond these self-imposed boundaries.
I remember the first time I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I was offered a speaking engagement at a significant industry event.
Public speaking was something that terrified me, but I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
The experience was nerve-wracking, but also exhilarating. I stumbled over a few words and my hands shook at times, but I did it. And guess what? The world didn’t end. In fact, it opened up.
That one event led to more speaking opportunities, broadened my network, and boosted my confidence in ways I could never have imagined.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Stepping out of your comfort zone is one of those life-altering experiences everyone should have at least once.
Whether it’s giving a speech, traveling solo, or starting a new business, embracing the unknown can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth.
3) Experiencing profound grief
Have you ever faced a loss so profound that it shook you to your core?
It’s a darker part of life that we often shy away from discussing, let alone embracing.
But experiencing profound grief, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the death of a cherished dream, is an integral part of our human experience.
Grief is raw and unfiltered. It exposes our deepest vulnerabilities and forces us to confront our own mortality.
And while it may be painful, it also has the power to transform us.
Famous psychologist Sigmund Freud said, “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.”
Grief, being one of the most poignant vulnerabilities we can experience, certainly has the power to do this.
Through grieving, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our capacity for resilience. It can make us more compassionate, more empathetic, and ultimately more human.
Experiencing profound grief is not something we would wish upon anyone, but it is an experience that shapes us in profound ways.
It’s a raw, honest experience that everyone should go through at least once in their lives.
4) Achieving a long-term goal
Setting and achieving a long-term goal is an experience like no other. It’s a testament to your determination, resilience, and the ability to stay focused in the face of obstacles.
People who set ambitious goals and maintain commitment to them not only achieve more but also express higher satisfaction with their lives.
I recall setting my own long-term goal of launching a start-up. The journey was full of unexpected challenges, sleepless nights, and countless setbacks.
But after years of hard work, when I finally achieved what I had set out to do, the sense of accomplishment was indescribable.
Achieving a long-term goal is not just about the end result. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the transformation that happens along the way.
It’s an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives – it shapes your character, boosts your confidence, and gives you a sense of fulfillment that’s unparalleled.
5) Making a tough decision
Life is full of decisions. Some are easy, others can keep you up at night. Making a difficult decision is an experience that everyone should have at least once.
It’s an opportunity to flex your problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of your values and priorities.
I remember a time when I had to make a tough call in my career. I was offered a high-paying job that required me to relocate, leaving behind my family and friends.
It was a nerve-wracking decision, but it forced me to truly reflect on what I valued most in life.
As psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl beautifully puts it, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Making tough decisions forces us to confront our fears, evaluate our options, and ultimately transform ourselves.
It’s a critical life experience that shapes our character and influences our future direction.
6) Being alone
In an increasingly connected world, the idea of being alone may seem counterintuitive. However, spending time alone is an experience that everyone should have at least once.
Alone time, as per psychology, is a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth.
It allows you to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
It’s during these quiet moments that you can truly listen to your thoughts and emotions.
Famed psychologist Carl Jung was a staunch advocate of solitude.
He said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
This quote underscores the transformative power of solitude.
Being alone might feel uncomfortable at first.
But it’s in these moments of solitude that we often find our most creative ideas, gain clarity about our desires and dreams, and build a stronger relationship with ourselves.
7) Helping others
Helping others is an enriching experience that transforms not just the receiver, but also the giver.
Renowned psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet life’s inevitable obstacles.”
Helping others gives us a sense of purpose and reinforces our connection to the community.
It’s a mutual exchange of positivity and humanity that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Final reflections
The journey of life is filled with a spectrum of experiences, some joyous, some challenging, and some transformative.
These seven experiences we’ve explored, according to psychology, serve as milestones in our personal growth and self-discovery.
They push us out of our comfort zones, expose us to our vulnerabilities, and test our resilience.
Whether it’s the sting of failure or the solitude of being alone, each experience carries a lesson.
It molds us into who we are and guides us towards who we can become.
As you navigate through your own journey, remember that these experiences aren’t just events in our lives. They’re opportunities for growth and transformation.
Cherish them, learn from them, and let them guide you towards becoming the best version of yourself.
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