It’s in a wise person’s nature to do these things.
Many of us like to think we’re knowledgeable and full of good advice, but there’s more to wisdom than that. Here are 12 things that set wise people apart from the rest.
1. They know when to speak up (and when to stay quiet).
Part of being wise is knowing how and when to use your knowledge. Plenty of people think they’re wise when they dole out advice or tell you how to live your life. But often the wisest are those who sit back and listen first. After all, it’s not particularly wise to give advice if it’s going to fall on deaf ears.
2. They are open-minded.
Wise people know the world has so much to teach them. They don’t close themselves off from new and different people or experiences but actively invite them into their lives. Of course, they don’t always agree with other’s beliefs or perspectives, or even enjoy the experiences, but they value what they’ve learned from them all the same.
3. They do the right thing.
Wise people don’t go for cheap wins or an easy way out. They have integrity and they live by it. That means doing the right thing, even when it’s hard or causes them pain. It’s what draws people to them. Those around them know they can be trusted to give honest advice and stand up for what’s right.
4. They let things go.
We all know that hanging on to the past is a fast track to misery, but we do it anyway. Not wise people though. They instinctively seem to know how to move on, be that from missed opportunities, mistakes, or people. Once it no longer serves them, they let it go.
5. They live and learn.
Wise people know that everything in life can be learned from. Even if that lesson is simply, “I won’t make that mistake again”. They don’t sit around bemoaning “Why me?” and then repeat the same mistakes again weeks later. They find the lesson and then move on.
6. They take responsibility.
A key part of learning from life is to accept responsibility for your part in it. And wise people do this without hesitation. You won’t find them blaming others for their mistakes or burying their heads in the sand when things go wrong. If they played a part in it, they’ll own it.
7. They embrace uncertainty.
You can waste a lot of life worrying about things that may or may not happen. Wise people don’t. They know that nothing in this life is a guarantee, so they try their best and then hand it over to the universe to deal with. Some things are within our control, others aren’t. Wise people work out which is which and move on.
8. They know when to act, and when to sit back.
Some situations require prompt action, and others benefit from a “Think first, act later” approach. Wise people seem to instinctively discern the two. They can act quickly when it’s needed, but when time is available, they use it. And they reap the benefits of measured and considered decisions as a result.
9. They seek the truth.
Wise people value honesty and integrity. They work hard not to make assumptions about people or situations. They’re open and honest with others, and expect the same in return. They’re not afraid to dig beneath the surface to get to the root of their thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and those of others as well.
10. They take their time.
Some things in life just can’t be rushed. But that doesn’t stop most of us from trying. Wise people, however, let things unfold in their own time. Unless there’s a sense of urgency, they take the time to do things properly. Be that savoring small moments or working long and hard to achieve their goals.
11. They handle change gracefully.
If there’s one thing you can’t stop, it’s change. It’s a waste of time trying, and wise people aren’t time wasters. They let the tides of change wash over them. Some things go their way, others don’t. Either way, none of it will matter in 100 years and they truly get that. So they roll with it rather than fighting against it.
12. They know their limits.
Wise doesn’t mean all-knowing. The wisest of people know just how little they really do know. They need help and advice just like the rest of us, and they aren’t afraid to admit that and seek it out. What sets them apart is that they instinctively seem to know who to turn to, who to listen to, and crucially, who to ignore.
