How to Use Wisdom in Everyday Life [UPDATED]

Wisdom guards my thoughts, my words, and my ways.”

– Psalms 39:1

We are so wrapped up in seeking to be better, skinnier, faster, and smarter that we miss the true value of self-development. You can read all the “self-help” and personal development books in the world and apply what you learn, but one of the keys to a successful and rewarding life that is often overlooked is wisdom.

But what is wisdom? Wisdom enables us to see the big picture clearly. In short, wisdom is…

• Relational
• Valuable
• Costly
• Continuous

How do you gain more wisdom and knowledge? And then, what do you do with it? How do you learn to trust your inner wisdom and apply it to everyday life? Here are some ways to do that…

19 Ways to Use Wisdom in Your Everyday Life

1. Trust Yourself

“Trust your gut”. We’ve all heard this before, and we may even live by it. But what does this mean? And is this truly effective, or are we just succumbing to our own cognitive biases?

There is a difference between being biased and paying attention to and trusting your instincts. Learning the difference between the two can take a lot of time and soul-searching, but it is possible. This involves taking some time, separating facts from feelings, and really learning to be still and listen.

2. Find a Healthy Dose of Pride

Pride is deadly. It is the first chapter in the book of failure. However, there is such a thing as healthy pride and unhealthy pride. Here’s the difference:

Good pride = A deep sense of self-respect and confidence in your ability and confidence to do things

Bad pride = When one thinks too highly of him or herself and consistently puts his or her needs over others’ needs

Transform your moments of bad pride into good, and notice the results.

3. Acknowledge Your Weaknesses

We all have weaknesses. Even though we all have them, and we all know we have them, we often let them hold us back. Sometimes we “hide” or run from them. Facing our weaknesses is uncomfortable, intimidating, overwhelming, and maybe even a little scary.

However, not acknowledging your weaknesses will indubitably cause you more pain than if you face them.

According to Principles by Dalio, “Sticking to only what comes naturally to us will eventually lead us to crash. What happens after we crash is most important. Successful people change in ways that allow them to continue to take advantage of their strengths while compensating for their weaknesses, and unsuccessful people don’t… Beneficial change begins when you acknowledge and even embrace your weaknesses.”

4. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Our level of focus determines our mindset. Feelings are not facts! Rather, feelings determine our level of focus and directly impact neuroplasticity. In short, neuroplasticity is how we modify our brains by thinking patterns. It also plays a role in our ability to be creative and, conversely, our ability to procrastinate.

By making wise choices on what we should focus on, we can learn to “reshape” our brains. This is also known as strengthening the “System 2” in our brains, which influences our ability and capacity to feel, think, and act wisely.

5. Relinquish Control

We try to imagine how everything in our lives will play out. We also might fixate on how to solve all the world’s problems at once. However, remember that this is impossible for one person, nor is it solely your responsibility. Remember to slow down, focus on what is within your control, and take one moment at a time.

You don’t have to constantly be in the driver’s seat controlling every aspect of your life. And honestly, why would you want that responsibility? I’m not suggesting you get up every day, sit around, and think, “Welp… I’ll just sit here and wait for the universe to tell me to do something.” I’m talking about letting go of some control and trusting your inner wisdom to guide you.

If you are a “planner”, then this can be difficult. (I know because I have struggled with this for years… and still do to this day.) What have I learned? Having goals and plans to help you achieve them is okay. Create calendars, checklists, to-do lists, and so on if that helps you, but remember to be “agile” and prepared to pivot when things change. Just know that there may be a greater plan at work—even greater than you could imagine.

All in all, focus on what you can control. Focus on being the best person you can be, and bring your best to the absolute max daily. Everything else around you will fall into place.

6. Embrace Change

As humans, we dislike change. Change makes us uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. However, change is also inevitable. The best way to deal with change is to embrace it. Have your own change management model or a process for embracing change in healthy ways.

7. Journal

Journaling is a helpful activity in many ways. One item on the lengthy list of benefits is journaling to get into the proper mindset. Writing out your thoughts and feelings can help you work through challenges and see problems clearly, which then allows you to find solutions.

8. Protect Your Time

As busy individuals, it can be difficult to find time to even feed ourselves, let alone sit in stillness and have a few moments of peace to ourselves. However, this practice is incredibly important.

Schedule and protect your “focus” and reflection time. This is the time for you when you think, plan, or just be alone with your thoughts. We are often led to believe that being alone is a bad thing; however, it can be one of the most empowering things we do for ourselves. Make space for what matters.

Let’s clarify that: Loneliness can be an unhealthy thing, but regardless of your personality type, we all need time by ourselves from time to time to reset, refresh, re-center, and re-focus.

Personally, I’ve learned to schedule and protect my “deep work” or “focus” time. This can be writing in my journal, writing blogs, or reading. This is when I am truly at peace, where I can organize my thoughts and feelings and focus, and also when I’m most creative.

9. Meditate, Pray, and Fast

Of course, we can’t really talk about wisdom without spirituality. If you are a spiritual being or soul, then you know the two go hand in hand. If you seek wisdom from a higher power, then the daily practice of meditation, praying, and even fasting can help you find the answers.

Wisdom is also closely tied to spiritual discernment. If better spiritual discernment is your goal, then regular meditation, prayer, and fasting can help you to recognize the deeper meanings and implications of spiritual experiences, teachings, and events.

10. Choose Joy

When receiving negative or constructive feedback, rather than get down or hard on yourself, use it as an opportunity to learn. Use it as an opportunity to think creatively. Focusing on opportunities to learn, solve, and make a difference rather than negativity is a better use of your time and energy and is far more productive. You might even be surprised to discover how this practice changes your mindset and better impacts your life.

By choosing positivity, you will find it easier to respond to and solve challenges and also turn those negatives into positives. Additionally, a positive mindset and attitude are contagious. If you are positive, others around you will catch your positive vibe.

11. Adopt an Always-learning Mindset

When you stop learning, you stop gaining wisdom and knowledge and applying it to your life and work. Remember, you are never too old to learn. Build ways to learn something new into your daily routine. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Research a topic you want to learn more about. Take an online class. Join a webinar. Network. The most intelligent people are always open to and ready to learn, and are prepared to apply their learnings in everyday life.

12. Make Decisions

We make decisions every day. We occasionally make decisions on a whim; others require more thought, deliberation, and time. Sometimes, reaching our goals seems impossible. However, by taking one day at a time, one step at a time, and one decision at a time, we get closer and closer each day.

Your current mental and emotional state can impact your decision-making abilities, both good and bad. Therefore, have a decision-making process. This could involve creating a “pros and cons” list or a decision-making matrix in a spreadsheet. By having a process, you can take the time to work through the facts, emotions, and principles to help you arrive at the best possible decision.

13. Slow Down

There’s nothing more stressful and overwhelming than when we feel forced or under extreme pressure to make a difficult decision fast. Remember, you are in control. Nothing and no one can force you to make a decision before you are ready.

Take the time you need to “un-hurry” yourself to allow yourself time to find your sense of peace through prayer, meditation, spiritual reflection, or whatever has you to pause and breathe. This will allow you to connect with your inner wisdom without all the “noise” and allow you to make the best decision.

14. Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

“Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things are.”

– Marianne Williamson

We live in an incredibly materialistic society. As humans—and consumers—we always want more. We are so focused on what we don’t have and comparing ourselves and our situations with others that we lose gratefulness. (And, yes, social media only exemplifies this.)

Gratitude is one of the healthiest human emotions you can experience. Make it a habit every morning on your way to work, over coffee, during a family dinner, or even after a long day to be grateful and thankful for what you have—a beautiful home, a warm bed, a sleeping family, clothes to wear. Millions of people would love to be in your shoes. Never take even the smallest things in life for granted. Pursue life with gratitude.

15. Remember Your Purpose

If you feel unimportant or overlooked today, don’t stop investing in your purpose. Even if your task feels small, insignificant, or trivial, focus on the impact it can make. Regardless of what you’ve been assigned to do today, give it your everything. Don’t get discouraged. Hard work is always rewarded.

16. Have Faith

Faith looks different for each person. Faith can mean believing in God or another spirit or deity. It can mean believing in your work. Remember, always have faith in yourself. Stand by your beliefs, your principles, and your boundaries.

17. Be Present and in the Moment

Every once in a while, life reminds us to slow down. There’s a reason for it. Slowing down and taking a minute to breathe, taking in a moment, and admiring something small about your environment can be empowering.

Being present in conversations with others is another wise act. This means actively listening to others, avoiding distractions, and tuning into the other person. Not only will this help you strengthen your relationships, but it will also help you to avoid missing important details and information.

18. Be Patient

Being patient with others at times can be incredibly difficult, but it is an incredibly important principle. Being patient is also the most effective way to A) resolve a conflict, B) persuade or negotiate with someone, C) develop and/or repair a relationship, and the list goes on. Patience strengthens your character.

19. Listen and Smile

We all find ourselves in awkward and difficult situations with people at times. Even if you follow your principles, stick to your guns, and deploy your best demeanor and communication tactics, sometimes people are just… difficult. This can be discouraging and make you feel like you’re at a loss. Maybe you are. But, when all else fails, listen and smile. You’ll be a better person for it.