April 13, 2025 | #35 | read on The Happier Studio | Free Version
Welcome to The Happier Newsletter, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.
What’s On Today
- 5 Life Lessons I Wish I’d Learned Before 30
- A Simple Mindset Shift to Reduce Stress
5 Life Lessons I Wish I’d Learned Before 30
If I could go back in time and share a few life lessons with my younger self, these would be at the top of the list. The good news? You don’t have to wait to learn them the hard way.
1. It’s Not a Lack of Time or Energy, It’s a Lack of Priority.
For years, I told myself I didn’t have time to get back into sports.
The truth? I wasn’t prioritising it.
- I had time to go out.
- I had energy for late nights.
- I wasn’t making my health a priority.
We all get the same 24 hours. The difference isn’t in how much time we have, it’s in how we choose to spend it.
If something truly matters, it won’t fit around your schedule, you’ll build your schedule around it.
Want to write a book? Work out? Spend more time with loved ones? Start today, not “someday.”
2. Waking Up Early Is a Life Cheat Code.
I used to sleep until noon.
Then life forced me to wake up at 5:30 AM, and everything changed.
- Early mornings = zero distractions
- More focus, less chaos
- A head start on the day
It wasn’t just about productivity. It was about control.
When you wake up early, you’re not reacting to the day, you’re setting the tone for it. You have space to think, create, move, and breathe before the world starts demanding your attention.
It doesn’t have to be 5 AM, but carving out intentional time in the morning is one of the best ways to reclaim control over your life.
3. Happiness Comes From Serving Others.
I spent years searching for happiness, experimenting with habits, routines, and new goals.
But true happiness didn’t come from what I did for myself.
It came from what I did for others.
- Helping a friend in need
- Volunteering
- Supporting someone’s dream
The most fulfilled people aren’t the ones who get the most. They’re the ones who give the most.
If you ever feel stuck in your own worries, shift your focus outward. Happiness grows when it’s shared.
4. Don’t Stress Over What You Can’t Control, Focus on What You Can.
I used to obsess over perfect grades, thinking they’d define my future.
Then life threw unexpected twists:
- I missed an academic goal.
- I met my future partner.
- I took an entirely different career path.
Looking back? My grades weren’t the make-or-break factor.
What mattered was:
- My work ethic
- My attitude
- My ability to adapt
We waste so much energy worrying about things beyond our control, other people’s opinions, past mistakes, unpredictable setbacks. The moment you let go of the illusion of control, life becomes lighter.
Instead of stressing over what you can’t change, ask yourself: What can I do today to move forward?
5. Take That Leap of Faith.
You will never feel fully ready.
But if you don’t leap, you’ll spend years wondering:
"What if I had tried?"
- Moving to a new country
- Changing jobs
- Starting a passion project
The biggest regrets aren’t failures, they’re the chances you didn’t take.
Fear and uncertainty are part of every big decision. But growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone.
Every leap teaches you something.
Every risk shapes you.
Every setback is a stepping stone toward growth.
So, if you’re hesitating on something that excites you and scares you, take the leap. Your future self will thank you.
A Simple Mindset Shift to Reduce Stress
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this:
👉 Not everything deserves your energy.
It’s easy to get caught up in minor frustrations, slow traffic, an annoying email, a comment from a stranger online.
But before you react, ask yourself:
Will this matter in a week? In a month? In a year?
If not, don’t let it take up more space in your mind than it deserves.
