What are the most important things in life? Many people are thrown off guard by this question. But why is that? Do they not have priorities, you might ask? But it is not just that.
The world today is very different; money, fashion and luxury, social status, and material things are seen as the order of the day. We are shown only the flashy side of life on social media and TV, which is why many people lose focus and miss out on the true things in life.
However, real life is different. Everyone eventually comes off their crazy high social media scrolls one way or another, and real life presents itself to them in a shocking way. Here, social status and material things become somewhat baseless and they stop to ponder the question, “What is the most important thing in life?”
Dear reader, life itself is important and everyone experiences life in a different way but there are common things that make life bearable for everyone and these things are the most important.
If you think about it, there are things that we are so scared to lose—things that, without them, you’ll feel life is not fully lived. These are the most important things in life.
The 10 most important things on your list should be:
1. Health and wellness
Health is wealth. Psychologists, medical professionals, and even common people can all attest to that. Health is one of the 10 most important things in life. Health is the root of our being; health is the controller of all other aspects of our lives.
However, though we may pay much attention to our physical health, your mental and emotional health are equally important because if you’re not fit, it will definitely affect you and restrict you from certain areas you need to assess.
In all you do, care for your health for it is the fuel that keeps your life running.
2. Food and water
Food is another one of the 10 most important things in life. It is very necessary for our physical and even mental well-being. Food doesn’t just mean eating anything to fill our belly; it means eating nutritious meals that would both fill up our bellies and add the needed supplement for a healthy body. Our bodies need carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fats, and oils for a balanced diet and stable growth.
Not forgetting water. Water is life; it makes up a large percentage of our body; it regulates our inner organs; and it’s the fuel that keeps our body oiled and hydrated. We are encouraged by health practitioners to always drink clean and safe water, up to two or more liters daily.
3. Education
Education, as one of the most important things in life, is the future. Education is knowledge; mad knowledge, when applied, is power.
We often misunderstand the meaning of education. It’s not just about going to high school and college (yes, that’s a huge part of what it is); it is also about upgrading oneself through different methods, renewing your mind, being open to new things, reading, traveling to experience other people’s lifestyle and culture and many more.
Education is the way forward; it’s the prerequisite for progress in all areas of life. You’ll get to meet and interact with people from all walks of life. If anything, getting a higher education is one of the most important things in life.
4. Family and friends
It is one of the 10 most important things in life to have the support of your family and friends. Family is most often blood related but many people are moving away from that definition. Some people don’t have blood relatives to fall back on so they are embracing friends that stick as close as family.
Whichever it is for you, keep them close; they are your day ones as much as you are their day ones.
So, stay close to your family; these people will be there for you when you need their love and support.
5. Passion and purpose
Passion should be the driving force behind your purpose; purpose goes hand in hand with passion. These two, when combined together, give the ultimate spice of life.
When you are passionate about your goals, dreams, and pursuits in life, you will be willing to go the extra mile to get things done. But first, having a strong sense of purpose will help you know your target, motivate you to achieve something great and affect your life positively. You really need purpose to accomplish something in life.
Passion and purpose are exclusive to everyone; some have passion for music, fashion, trade, etc. Others have passions for medicine, nursing, charity, and education. They may have one purpose but different passions that, if channeled to the right places, would evoke positive results in society.
6. Money
Money makes the first list of the most important things in life. Money is one resource that controls almost all other aspects of life because with money comes financial security. With financial security, food, water, shelter, and education can easily be acquired. Money fuels one’s passion and purpose too. Money is the answer to a lot of problems people face in life.
Sadly, money creates as many problems as it solves. Many people live in calmness, knowing that there’s money in a reserve somewhere should they need it. Many others live in fear and uncertainty, knowing that there’s not much left to make ends meet.
It is more sad that most people dedicate their whole lives to the pursuit of a piece of paper that can be used to purchase things. They miss out on the fun of life because of these pursuits.
7. Love
Presh J, a surgical nurse who is usually so busy with work, said she doesn’t have the time to fall in love with someone; she isn’t looking forward to romantic relationships but she has fallen several times for her patients; she falls for their strength to keep pushing even when it seems life is given up on them; they refuse to give up. She wants to walk that journey with them, no matter how long it takes. That’s her passion, and that’s what love means to her.
Everyone needs love in their lives. This is not about romantic or erotic love (though we need that too) but natural love is what we all need. Love, like passion, is a driving force for yourself, your career, your hobbies, your family, friends, and your inner circle. Love is not just a human feeling; it is also extended to animals, plants, places, and other things. You see someone fall in love with a particular city, a particular food, or a particular lifestyle. Love is everywhere, and everyone is bound to experience it in their lifetime.
8. Time
Time is precious, time is priceless, and time is money. Time is a resource that is often misused because people often neglect the importance of time in life. Time is a valuable resource that should be taken advantage of as soon as possible because the clock keeps ticking every second.
Anyone who learns how to harness time to his or her benefit has a gold mine that will pay off in the near future.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to time, schedule your daily activities and create new habits that will be of great value to you as a person and to others around you.
Benson Siker recalls that once upon a time, during his college days, he made people pay for using his time. This habit helped him regulate his time, which helped him do only things that were relevant to his growth and wellbeing.
9. Community
“A group of individuals who share my goals and aspirations”—that’s how a fashion entrepreneur named Grace described her community.
“We are not related by blood but by passion and purpose,” she continues. “They are the ones who remind me of the path I’m on and I do the same for them. We always had each other’s back.”
Community is one of the 10 most important things in life. It is very essential for success in all areas of your life, helping you build relationships, trust, and connections with other people.
Furthermore, community is where you can share your burdens with like-minded people and get creative solutions.
10. Gratitude
After all is said and done, gratitude is very important. Gratitude helps you appreciate the little things and the big things in life. Gratitude keeps you on your toes, counting your blessings and losses, looking back, and looking forward to better things.
Why are these 10 things important?
Priorities are like guiding lights. These 10 things are your top priorities; that is, they will keep you grounded should you lose focus at any point.
These things are important because life is a race, though one with a heavy price to pay and a huge, little, or no prize to be won at the end. Still, we all run it. Having priorities will remind you of who you are and where you are going. When you run too fast and you can’t keep up with these priorities, slow down, take some time to ponder what the most important things in life are to you, and remind yourself of these things as you pick up the race from where you stopped.
Bottom line
Life is different for everyone. The order of important things in my life may not be in the same order as yours. But one thing you must keep in mind is that these 10 things listed above, with them being your driving force, can help you live life to the fullest. You just have to keep them at the center of your life and focus.
