Life teaches us a plethora of lessons , many of which go in one ear and out the other. It’s not until we reach a certain age that we realize the importance of these concepts, some of which even turn out to be major game-changers .
Many people consider these to be “ cheat codes ” for a more fruitful existence, which they shared in various Reddit threads . These hacks range from staying hydrated to embracing ignorance about things you don’t know about.
Scroll through and feel free to save this list as a valuable resource.
One thing that really shifted everything for me was learning to pause before reacting. Whether it’s an argument, a tough email, or just a stressful moment, taking even 10 seconds to breathe and not respond immediately has saved me so much unnecessary drama and regret.
OneHunt5428 , freepik Report
Let them - let people think whatever they want of you. Let them act how they want and then act accordingly. Let them show you who they are and then act accordingly. Detachment from expectations of how other people are supposed to be has been the biggest freedom of my life.
Any_Quarter_8386 , eugeneshemyakin9 / freepik Report
If someone doesn’t like you, move on.
nadanadaempanada , prostock-studio / freepik Report
Live for yourself. I’m not saying you should be greedy or selfish, but live the life that YOU want to live. Not what your parents or your friends or family want.
FeastingOnFelines , simonapilolla / freepik Report
Always tell the truth. That way, you don’t have to remember the lie you told three years earlier.
Expensive_Magician97 , DC Studio / freepik Report
Stop acting embarrassed if you don’t know something. If you’re learning a new skill or talking to someone about a topic that you don’t know much about, don’t say “Yeah, ok” when you have no idea what they’re talking about. Let go of your ego and ask them to explain it. You’ll become so much more educated once you embrace ignorance.
Donde_Que83 , zinkevych / freepik Report
Discipline. Doing the simple things right, everyday. This takes you miles ahead of the rest.
ThyArtIsPowder , freepik Report
Stop caring what other people think of me. I was a hardcore people pleaser in my 20s. I worked hard at it. Then when I turned 30 it was like a switch flipped. I still treat people with respect and kindness, but I’ve let go of the idea that anyone needs to like me, and therefore, validate me. I don’t like everyone, why does it matter if some people don’t like me?
AffectionateKiwi6941 , freepik Report
Nobody can save you, only you. When something bad is done to you, recovering from that and healing is your duty and responsibility. It’s unfair and freeing at the same time.
Enchanted-Bunny13 , freepik Report
You’ve got the right to make mistakes, they won’t cost your life. Pretty freeing, once you realize that you can f**k up as long as you own how it goes afterward. It’s pretty much the basis for growth.
AQuaintMako , freepik Report
Parents need to implement “Quiet Time” with their kids. No electronics for two-four hours. You can read a book, play with toys, go for a walk, etc. Just a simple reset from today’s world.
SnorkyB , volodymyr-t / freepik Report
Spend less money than you earn.
valejojohnson , boggy / freepik Report
Learn to stay calm when everything is falling apart. Most people panic, but if you can think clearly in the midst of chaos, it’s like having a cheat code in life. It gives you an advantage in everything: in discussions, in decisions, in difficult moments.
Blurred_Truths , freepik Report
Treat yourself like you would treat a good friend.
BlatantEgg4314 , freepik Report
Ditching faith and thinking like a scientist greatly reduces your chances of being swindled.
Electrical_Angle_701 , vitalii_petrushenko / freepik Report
Good sleep, good nutrition, and plenty of hydration. I never realized that all three of these areas greatly impact mental health. The “brain fog” people experience is likely just dehydration. Leaving people and places that do not serve you well is a great skill to have. It is a very difficult skill but it will improve your life.
LittleMascara7 , standret / freepik Report
Daily exercise will make your life way better.
torspice , The Yuri Arcurs Collection / freepik Report
Life isn’t a competition and the “rules” of society are completely made up.
Samantha-Blair , volodymyr-t / freepik Report
Boring is actually productive. Like people who wear the same clothes daily or eat the same food daily, they cut out the mindless decision making to focus their energy on more important things. It’s kind of cool to be honest.
Anonynonimoose , zinkevych / freepik Report
The day I started realizing that a lot of fears I had were the projection of internal anxiety onto external circumstances, everything changed. I started working on myself and my perceptions. I was holding myself back from doing a lot of things just because everything was scripted by my imagination.
matteobuilds , freepik Report
Pay for experts. I used to do almost everything myself. Not always worth it.
jonas00345 , DC Studio / freepik Report
Not drinking soda. Limiting social media interaction to 10 minutes (or whatever works for you). Understanding you can only do what you can do. Stressing about the insanity of our world doesn’t do anyone any good. If you’re a fortunate person to be able to live a good life in a safe place, enjoy it.
gooossfraabaahh , tongpatong / freepik Report
Don’t ever fight anyone who has less to loose than you do.
squintyshrew9 , New Africa / freepik Report
Don’t take stuff personal. Even if it’s directed at you, don’t get defensive, but ask why and do a reality check with yourself.
Ok_Goal_9982 , prostock-studio / freepik Report
There will be plenty of hard times. Try to enjoy every other moment.
Valuable_General9049 , kroshka__nastya / freepik Report
Financial literacy.
MaqicMailMann , zzbfoto / freepik Report
Don’t get caught up in the emotion of it all. Not everything is worth getting upset over. People will think what they think. You don’t need to worry about that. Know your self worth . You matter. Look after yourself. People are nicer to you when you look fit and healthy, clean and tidy . I guess it makes you seem more approachable and driven ? Do little things for tomorrow’s you. Lay your clothes out. Plan your week. Have the kids organised for school ect ect ect.
Lost_Animator968 , Frolopiaton Palm / freepik Report
Communicate and show up every day. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” No. Even if you feel like you can’t give your best, as long as you show up and try, you are almost guaranteed success.
DarePotential8296 , freepik Report
1)Journaling regularly to better understand where I’m at in life and how I feel about it. Then, I can come up with solutions to problems and not self-sabotage so much. 2) When I was a nanny I saw that children need two hours of outdoor activity time a day or they are cranky and have trouble concentrating. It turns out that I do too. 3) Understanding that a lot of people don’t really want things to turn out well for you. You have to be your own protector and ally because no one else will be.
Singular_Lens_37 , sodawhiskey / freepik Report
The observer is the observed. Emotions are a necessary spice of life, but it’s equally important to recognize that you can detach yourself from them too. You can step back and watch your emotions exist and pass by as an observer. This can be done upon many iterations, detaching layer by layer - the observer can be observed. Removing all bias, judgement, or thought, and just observe the present. Not only does it clear your perspective of reality, but sometimes it helps you appreciate those emotions even more.
Difficult_Past_3254 , EyeEm / freepik Report
If things aren’t working out ….. say I can’t do things without messing them up, or I’m having really bad luck that day, just stop and do nothing. Eventually your brain or the universe resets and things go back to normal.
Reine-Noir , freepik Report
Relationships are everything. You can’t go through life alone. Also - interesting people are interested… be curious.
vagabending , katemangostar / freepik Report
When you’re nervous, say aloud “I’m excited” five times. Your body will auto reframe it to excitement.
spacegeneralx Report
Being attractive is a cheat.
tenshinchan , javi_indy / freepik Report
Care JUST ENOUGH. Seriously. While I’m still trying to perfect it, I sort of let my concern for a lot of things diminish significantly and not only am I able to put my concern into more pressing and/or important things, but I AM significantly happier overall. Again, it’s not perfect, and the big sad and anxiety come around every now and then, but overall, I’ve been doing a lot better. I recommend it.
Important_Lab_58 , prostock-studio / freepik Report
Mix in a spray bottle: 3/4 cup clear dishwashing detergent to 1 cup white vinegar. This will lift clothing stains without having to spend extra on stain removal products.
atticus_bird Report
Trust your gut.
Ga88y7 , namii9 / freepik Report
Two things: - Pretty much everything you hear is just an opinion, not a certainty - Those who give advice are usually unable to follow it.
OniricOcelot , Wavebreak Media / freepik Report
To not fall into the myth of alchemist, there is no secret weapon like in video games that’s going to save a life. You have to build systems, even mental ones to live in peace. And systems are complex.
Possible_Donut4451 , rawpixel.com / freepik Report
Slow down. Slow is steady, steady is safe, safe is fast.
buster23459 Report
Kindness and letting it go mind set always works out well.
JohnBanaDon Report
Actually thinking about stuff, and having the willpower to do or not do.
astddf Report
Not bragging on advantages or sharing them.
DeckerXT Report
No alcohol.
lilbudge Report
People only come to you driven by a selfish desire of their own. It’s okay to be kind but don’t let others use that kindness to their advantage.
AppleCider56 , prostock-studio / freepik Report
Watching youtube at 1.5 x speed..I get all the info in less time. I’ll study all kinds of topics … I learned arc welding in 1 day (about 20 minutes youtube, the rest was actually welding).
New-Rich9409 Report
Don’t expect s**t from people–they will always let you down.
The-Booger , EmilyStock / freepik Report
Having great parents. I know it’s not a choice, so not sure it counts, but just had to add it.
Jakebakescakes93 Report
Taking a quality probiotic daily and 3 minute cold showers in the morning. Inflammation game changer.
Margaet_moon Report
Live in Europe. Work for a US-based company.
anon Report
Only listen to those who have done what you want to do. Not everyone has your best interest at heart.
tstclair2009 , yana.aybazova / freepik Report
SINGLE people working day time vs nighttime lose on average 3 less hours of free time 1hr to work with traffic 1hr home with traffic 1hr market-gas with foot traffic Nighttime jobs sleep through rush hour, get the freeways to themselves, no lines at the supermarket or gas stations, no traffic.
CantAffordzUsername , photohobo / freepik Report
Intermittent fasting as a tool to manage weight.
themafiosa , dmytro_sidelnikov / freepik Report
Pessimism with everything actually makes you overall happier because if something doesn’t happen you no longer get upset or disappointed. If it does happen then you’re usually pleasantly surprised. I also go with: prepare for the worst while striving for the best. Same idea for different situations.
That_Murse , SkelDry / freepik Report
If your child keeps being disobedient in public spaces, stick a crash helmet on them and people will just think they have special needs and won’t judge your parenting skills.
ScudSlug Report
OMAD. (I eat One Meal A Day). Lost 50 lbs in 6 months. Maintained over 6 years. My activity level went way up. Strength training. Hiking. Walking. I started running (Which I’ve done on and off - but have been mostly ON. Running 5K 2-3x a week for well over over a year). All my exercise is fasted. Feels great! No bloat!! Healthy tastes delicious. My diet cleaned itself. I tell people my taste buds were reprogrammed. You don’t realize how much time most people devote to food. That time is my own. And hunger! Totally absolutely gone. I’m never what I used to call hungry. But full? I get that every day. After my meal I don’t want any more. No fork putdowns. No will power. No guilt. Eating is a guiltless joy and pleasure. My one meal is amazing! Special time every day. Healthy and delicious. I spent a couple weeks with my sister in Colorado. She was worried about me and OMAD. But I cooked for her. She saw what I ate. Loved it. My amazing salads. Steaks. Veggies. She’s not OMAD every day but does it often. She doesn’t worry about me. My health improved dramatically. Dr about fell off his chair. All my health metrics improved dramatically. He was skeptical at first. But I’ve kept it up. Says keep doing what you’re doing! Dentist too. My gums stopped receding. They actually improved. The one and only patient that’s ever happened for in her 20+ year practice. This is a life hack hidden in plain sight. Biggest cheat code ever.
Captain-Popcorn Report
Buying a new one of the same item and returning the old one with that receipt when the item is obviously defective or broken won’t help.
Balloonhandz Report
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