Why You Lose Friends When You Improve Your Life: 10 Life Lessons That Will Teach You A Lot

Lesson one: You will be 10 times happier if you forgive your parents and stop blaming them for your problems.

Denzel Washington, a famous actor, director and producer, who not only graced the movie screen with his remarkable performances, but also made an impression as an outstanding speaker, able to convey important thoughts in a matter of minutes that literally changed people's lives.

Today, 10 timeless life lessons in which Denzel Washington shared priceless wisdom:

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1. Salary is a drug given to you to make you forget about your dreams.

Denzel Washington’s words touch on the heart of the social dilemma of balancing financial security with the pursuit of one’s dreams. A paycheck is certainly an important element in many people’s lives, providing them with financial stability and basic needs. However, it is often the pursuit of a paycheck that makes them forget about their dreams and extinguishes the inner spark. The process of self-development, creativity, and following one’s passions should not be sacrificed for a paycheck. It is important to find a balance between financial security and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Washington urges us not to sacrifice our dreams for the illusion of security, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to our passions and aspirations.

2. If you wait for the right moment, you will waste your whole life and nothing will happen.

Procrastination can be a serious obstacle to personal growth and success. Denzel Washington's insight challenges the notion of waiting for the "perfect" moment. He reminds us that time waits for no one, and opportunities can slip away if we put off action. It's important to learn to embrace the present, take risks, and seize opportunities that come our way, even when circumstances aren't ideal or everyone around you talks you out of your idea.

3. Even if you trust your friends and family, don’t tell them anything about yourself.

Trust in relationships with friends and family is key to building strong bonds. However, the question of how much detail to reveal about yourself remains an eternal dilemma. On the one hand, openness and sincerity promote closeness and mutual understanding, on the other hand, there is a risk of misunderstanding, judgment, and even possible negative consequences.

In today's society, where information is easily shared, keeping parts of your life private can create a sense of control over your personal sphere. However, it is important to find a balance between being open and maintaining personal privacy. This lesson encourages discretion in sharing personal information, emphasizing the need to maintain a balance between openness and protecting privacy and information.

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4. You will lose most of your friends if you start improving your life.

Improving your life, whether in your career, relationships or personal development, can entail changes in your daily activities and priorities. Often, success in your personal life leads to the loss of friends, some are lost because of envy, because they cannot stand your success, some are lost because they cannot “keep up” with you, some - because they do not share your new interests and hobbies. Often, changes in your personal life cause misunderstanding from others. However, this does not necessarily lead to a complete loss of friendship.

Strong and healthy relationships are built on mutual understanding, respect, and support. If your friends truly share your desire to improve your life, they will support you in your efforts. It may even inspire them to make changes of their own.

It is important to note that losing friends is not always associated with an improvement in life, but may be due to other factors, such as changes in values, interests, or circumstances.

5. You will be 10 times happier if you forgive your parents and stop blaming them for your problems.

Forgiving and stopping blaming your parents for your problems is an important step towards inner peace and happiness. Often, we unconsciously transfer our grievances and disappointments to loved ones, including parents, which can become an obstacle to true happiness.

The process of forgiveness is not always easy, especially if our parents made mistakes or were the cause of difficulties in the past. However, by letting go of resentments, we free ourselves from the burden of negative emotions and create space for new experiences and happiness. Happiness often lies in releasing the burden of resentments and guilty feelings. Forgiveness is an act of liberation not only for our parents, but for ourselves as well. By allowing ourselves to forgive, we open the door to more harmonious relationships with others and, most importantly, with ourselves, which contributes to real and long-term happiness.

6. You will become more mature by learning not to take anything to heart.

Denzel Washington advocates emotional resilience as a critical aspect of maturity. The ability to navigate life without internalizing every criticism or failure is a hallmark of emotional intelligence. By not taking everything personally, people can maintain a sense of balance and composure, fostering personal growth and inner strength.

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7. You don't need 100 books and courses on self-development, you need action and self-discipline.

In an era filled with self-help books and online courses, Denzel Washington suggests cutting through the noise with a simple truth. True self-improvement, he says, is not just about accumulating knowledge, but about taking action and cultivating self-discipline. Power comes from applying what we learn and consistently working toward our goals.

8. The hardest thing in life is to focus on your dreams, and the easiest thing is to complain about life.

Focusing on your dreams and goals can indeed be a challenge in today's distraction-filled world. Denzel Washington's words highlight the difficulty of staying focused on your dreams amidst the inevitable distractions of life, everyday life, and the development of society as a whole.

On the other hand, complaining about life is an easier path that requires minimal effort. It is a kind of defense mechanism that allows you to shift responsibility for your actions and decisions onto external circumstances. However, in the long term, complaints can become an obstacle to your own happiness and success.

Focusing on our dreams requires self-discipline, persistence, and a willingness to overcome challenges. It is a process that sometimes takes time, but which brings deep satisfaction and meaning to life. Complaining, on the other hand, often drains our energy and motivation, undermining our inner balance. This lesson encourages us to direct our efforts toward achieving our dreams rather than succumbing to negativity.

9. By age 30, your circle of friends should be focused on making money, taking care of yourself, and the well-being of your family.

Denzel Washington offers practical advice on the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people. He suggests that by age 30, people should prioritize goals related to financial stability, self-care, and family well-being. This lesson highlights the influence of our social circles in shaping our priorities and aspirations.

10. People get stuck in toxic and uncomfortable relationships because they are afraid of being alone.

Sometimes the fear of loneliness prevents us from realizing that harmful relationships are taking away our energy, strength and joy in life.

It is important to learn to value yourself and your company before you expect it from others. Solitude can be a fruitful time during which we learn to build a harmonious relationship with ourselves. Ultimately, recognizing your value and learning to be alone can become the foundation for healthy and satisfying relationships in the future. This lesson calls for the courage to prioritize your well-being over the discomfort of loneliness.

Which lesson did you like the most? Share in the comments.