Not all advice is created equal, and some of those popular sayings don’t hold up as well as you’d think.
Sure, people mean well, but oftentimes, it’s like the blind leading the blind. After all, no one really has their own life all figured out, so how can you tell anyone else how to live theirs? Here are some classic pieces of life advice that sound good at first, but might actually lead you down the wrong path.
1. “Follow your passion, and the money will come.”
This advice sounds inspiring, but the truth is, not every passion pays the bills. Sometimes, what you love doesn’t translate into a steady income. It’s totally fine to have passions, but assuming they’ll automatically bring financial stability can lead to disappointment. Finding a balance between passion and practicality is usually the way to go.
2. “Good things come to those who wait.”
Waiting around for good things to happen isn’t exactly a foolproof plan. Opportunities usually come to those who put themselves out there and make an effort. Sitting back and hoping things fall into place can lead to missed chances. Taking action often gets you much further than simply waiting and wishing.
3. “Just be yourself.”
“Being yourself” is great advice, but it’s worth considering that sometimes a little self-improvement goes a long way. If there are areas where you could grow or adapt, sticking to “just be yourself” can keep you from evolving. Embrace who you are, but don’t be afraid to work on the parts that could use a little polish.
4. “If you ignore them, they’ll go away.”
Ignoring problems (or people causing issues) rarely makes them disappear. This advice can backfire when issues grow and become even harder to deal with later. Addressing things head-on is usually the best approach, even if it’s uncomfortable. Facing things directly often prevents bigger problems down the road.
5. “Everything happens for a reason.”
While this advice can be comforting, it’s not always realistic. Not everything in life has a clear purpose, and sometimes bad things just happen. Assuming there’s a reason for everything can make tough times feel even more confusing. Accepting that life has its random, unexplainable moments can be more grounding.
6. “Fake it ’til you make it.”
Acting confident can be helpful, but pretending you know everything can get you into tricky situations. “Faking it” doesn’t mean you have to ignore your limitations or act like you’re an expert when you’re not. It’s okay to admit what you don’t know—being genuine is often better received than putting on a show.
7. “Never settle.”
There’s a big difference between knowing your worth and setting impossible standards. Sometimes, “never settle” can lead people to miss out on real happiness because they’re holding out for perfection. Finding balance is key, and sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.
8. “Money can’t buy happiness.”
While it’s true that money isn’t everything, it’s also true that financial stability can greatly reduce stress and improve quality of life. This advice can sound dismissive, especially to those struggling to make ends meet. Money can’t buy happiness, but it does make life a bit easier when you’re not constantly worried about bills.
9. “Forgive and forget.”
Forgiving is healthy, but forgetting isn’t always realistic or wise. Sometimes, remembering what happened helps protect you from similar situations in the future. Forgiveness is about letting go of the hurt, but it doesn’t mean ignoring the lesson you learned from the experience.
10. “You have to love yourself before anyone else can love you.”
Self-love is important, but relationships can actually help us grow and find self-worth, too. This advice can make people feel like they have to be perfect before they’re “ready” for love. Love and support from other people can be incredibly healing, even if you’re still working on your relationship with yourself.
11. “Live every day like it’s your last.”
This advice can lead to a lot of impulsive decisions if taken too literally. Sometimes, you need to think about the future and plan responsibly. Living every day like it’s your last might sound exciting, but a little long-term thinking keeps life steady and balanced.
12. “Everything works out in the end.”
It’s a nice thought, but unfortunately, not everything magically resolves itself. Sometimes, things don’t work out, and that’s okay. This advice can make people feel guilty for struggling, as if they’re doing something wrong. A more realistic approach is to do your best and adapt, knowing that not everything has a perfect ending.
13. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Some “small stuff” actually matters, like paying attention to details or looking after your health. Ignoring the little things can add up to bigger issues over time. It’s about finding balance, rather than completely dismissing all the small stuff. A little attention to detail can save a lot of trouble later on.
14. “You only live once.”
YOLO might sound freeing, but it can also lead to reckless choices. Sometimes, living as if there’s no tomorrow isn’t the best strategy. Thinking about the long-term consequences can make life more rewarding. You only live once, so it’s worth making thoughtful decisions that you’ll feel good about later.
15. “Don’t change for anyone.”
Being true to yourself is important, but sometimes a bit of compromise is part of healthy relationships and personal growth. Refusing to adapt at all can make it hard to connect with people or learn from new experiences. Change isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about evolving in ways that make life better.
