In today’s digital world, many of us are thrown by social status, materialistic items and luxuries — and how can you blame us? We’re constantly being shown that the image of perfection includes these things, with edited Instagram images and reality TV shows highlighting the elite.
In reality, however, status, designer products and expensive items are worth nothing; they won’t make you happy nor healthy. So, regardless of where you are in the world, the most important things on your list should include the following.
1. Health
Being healthy is the single, most important part of our existence — without good health, our lives can be cut short. That said, it’s important not to take good health for granted, and to instead feed our bodies the nutrients they deserve by eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can “reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), and promote your overall health”.
2. Family
While you may sometimes argue and get annoyed with your family, they are your unit and the ones that you can turn to in times of happiness and sorrow. No matter what you go through with your family, they will always be there to guide and support you and to help you learn and grow as a person.
The love from a family member is unconditional and should not be taken for granted. Some people go through life without truly appreciating just how important having their family’s support is and spend the majority their existence feeling unhappy. So, if you don’t usually show your family how much they mean to you, now is the time to start!
3. Friends
Just like family, friends are a vital part of our existence and happiness. They are people that can share the best parts of your life with you and will be there as a confidant when you need to talk about personal issues.
While real friends are hard to come by, most will have a handful of trusted friends that they can rely on. And even though you may outgrow certain friends during different stages of your life, you will have opportunities to form new relationships with people that you come across.
4. Love
Love is the epicenter of every aspect of your life — it doesn’t just relate to having a romantic partner. You will love your partner in a unique way, but you will also have unchangeable affection for your family and friends.
Love is also the feeling that will drive you throughout your career, extracurricular activities, interests and hobbies. Moreover, you will experience love in its varying forms; you may go on holiday and fall in love with a particular city, cuisine or culture. What’s vital is that you embrace everything that you love and enjoy.
5. Purpose
Having a purpose is a fundamental component of living a fulfilling life. Without purpose, we won’t have the motivation to achieve great things or even do something simple such as getting out of bed in the morning. According to psychologist Steve Taylor, not having a purpose “makes us more vulnerable to boredom, anxiety and depression”.
Meanwhile, having a strong sense of purpose can have a positive effect on our lives. If you take a page out of the books of successful entrepreneurs, most of them made it by having a drive and a sense of purpose. They worked hard because they were confident of what they could achieve — and this purpose is something that we need to follow to feel accomplished in life.
6. Passion
Along with purpose comes passion; our desires, our dreams and our hopes in life. When you’re passionate about something, you’re going to work hard to achieve it. For example, Huda Kattan was a self-established makeup artist, but her passion for cosmetics pushed her to build a beauty empire that’s now worth over $600 million.
That said, passion looks different for everyone; some people will be passionate about giving back to society, while others will have a passion for personal gain. Just ensure that your passion is for a good cause and that it brings joy not only to yourself but to others, too.
7. Wellness
Besides having a healthy body, it’s essential to have a healthy mind also! Luckily, we live in a time where mental wellbeing is at the forefront, and those who struggle with any mental health disorders are being given the treatment and care that they need to lead a happy life.
That said, there are many ways that you can improve your wellbeing. Find activities that help you relax, whether it’s meditating daily, listening to a motivational podcast or simply going for a walk to gather your thoughts. Whatever method you choose, ensure that your wellbeing is at the forefront of each of these activities.
8. Education
Having a good education will help you progress in life. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you must complete higher education to be successful. What it does mean is that you should continue to learn new things on a daily basis.
The method of education is entirely up to you — you might want to watch an educational video, documentary or film, read a book, or watch the news. What is important is the knowledge you gain from your education and how you choose to apply it within your life.
9. Time
Having the ability to value time really matters in life. Time is precious and priceless, and it should be taken advantage of.
When we have a better understanding of time, we can form good habits and structure our daily activities. We can do things that will help us progress and also schedule time to spend with family, friends and hobbies.
10. Water
Water is the most critical part of survival — without clean water, we wouldn’t be able to live. Our bodies are made up of up to 60% of water, and it’s used in all our cells, organs and tissues to help regulate our temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
Therefore, to ensure that we aren’t dehydrated and at risk of falling ill, we need to drink at least six glasses of water per day.
11. Food
While food can be an indulgence and a hobby, it’s also a necessary part of our existence. Our body will need carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins to function and stay healthy. So, to maintain our health, we need to rely on a healthy and balanced diet.
12. Sleep
Sleep also plays a vital role in our physical and mental wellbeing. As reported in Healthline: “Sleeping less than 7–8 hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.”
But a lack of sleep doesn’t only put our health at risk, but it also has a negative effect on our mood. Ever noticed how you’ve been grouchy and irritable when you’ve not had enough sleep? That’s because poor sleep quality is directly linked to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
13. Music
Have you ever had tears spring to your eyes when you hear a certain song? I know I have.
Music, in all its forms, is beautiful. It has the ability to bring people together, as it's a universal language that everyone can understand. No matter what culture you come from, music can unite us all.
It has the power to evoke emotions and memories, like making you think of your wedding or a road trip you took as a child. It can make us laugh, cry and dance, which is why it truly is one of the most important things in life.
14. Money
Sadly, money is also one of the most important things in our lives. Money gives us the ability to buy the things we need, like food and shelter. It also allows us to purchase the things we want, like a new car or a nice vacation.
Money also gives us a sense of security. For example, if you have money in the bank, you know that you can cover your basic living expenses if you suddenly lose your job.
In short, money is essential for a happy and comfortable life. Granted, money isn't everything and it can't buy happiness, but it can certainly make life a whole lot easier!
15. Positivity
Positivity is contagious. When you’re positive, you radiate good vibes that others around you pick up on. This creates a snowball effect of positivity, making everyone feel better.
Secondly, positivity is essential for achieving your goals. A positive attitude allows you to stay focused and motivated, even when things are tough. It attracts success, as people are drawn to those who have a positive outlook on life, and this can open doors for you professionally and personally.
So, if you want to live a happy and successful life, make sure to focus on the glass being half full instead of half empty.
16. Communication
Communication is one of the most important things in life because it allows people to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas. It also allows people to connect with others and build relationships.
When communication is effective, it can help people to understand each other better and resolve conflicts. It can also make people feel more connected to each other and build trust.
It’s important in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to work and school. Good communication skills are essential for success in all areas of life, so it’s important to learn how to communicate effectively.
17. Memories
Why are memories so important? I think it has something to do with the fact that they’re one of the few things in life that we can keep with us forever. Sure, we can hold on to material possessions, but eventually they will wear out or be lost.
But, usually, our memories stay with us until the day we die. They are a part of who we are, and they help to define our identity.
Think about it: when you look back on your life, what do you remember most vividly? The big moments, of course, like your wedding day, the birth of your child or that time you won the championship game. But also the small moments, like sitting around the campfire with friends, laughing until you cried, watching the sunset on a perfect summer day.
These are the moments that make up our lives, and they are what we hold on to when everything else is gone. Creating memories is one of the most important things in life, because in the end, they are all we have left.
18. Compassion
Compassion means being able to understand and share in the feelings of another person. It's about having empathy for someone who is going through a tough time and being able to offer support.
It’s a key interpersonal skill to have, as compassion is about being kind and caring, even when it's difficult. Having compassion is essential because it helps us to connect with others, and it allows us to see the world from their perspective. It also motivates us to help others, whether it's by volunteering our time or donating money to a worthy cause.
In a world that can often be harsh and cruel, compassion is one of the most important things that we can possess.
19. Freedom
Imagine for a moment that you’re living in a world where you’re not free. You’re not free to choose your own friends, or what you want to wear, or where you want to live. You’re not even free to think your own thoughts. Instead, you must conform to the thinking of those in power. It would be like being trapped in a prison, with no hope of ever escaping.
That is why having freedom is one of the most important things in life. Freedom gives us the ability to control our lives and make our own choices. It allows us to pursue our dreams and build the future we want for ourselves. And it’s only when we have freedom that we can truly be happy and fulfilled. That is why freedom is so important. It is the most basic human right.
20. Gratitude
Why is gratitude so important? Well, let’s think about it.
First of all, when we’re grateful for what we have, we’re more likely to take care of it and appreciate it. Secondly, gratitude helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives, which can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction. And, finally, gratitude creates a sense of abundance instead of scarcity. When we feel that we have enough, we’re more likely to share with others, which creates a sense of community and connection.
So, all in all, gratitude is pretty important! Why not take a moment each day to think about three things you're grateful for by practicing mindfulness? It could change your life.
21. Learning
Learning, whether formal or informal, matters due to several reasons: it can boost our confidence, improve our professional prospects, help us connect with others, and discover new things about ourselves in the process.
According to research, lifelong learning can also be very beneficial to our cognitive health, and even cause (desirable) physical changes in the brain. Much like the muscles in our bodies, “use it or lose it” applies to our cognition, too.
Therefore, try and nurture your sense of curiosity, get into the habit of asking questions and studying topics that matter to you, and enjoy the positive effects that come with it!
22. Happiness
Ah, happiness: one of the most elusive emotions — or so it seems! And yet, prioritizing the things that make us happy is of vital importance (quite literally).
According to Dr Francoise Adan, up to 80% of visits to doctors are due to symptoms that are caused or worsened by stress. The happier we feel, meanwhile, the likelier we are to experience better health, as positive emotions can lead to better habits, including habits concerning our diet and sleep.
An important thing to remember is that happiness, much like most (if not all) emotional states, is not permanent. We can add things to our lives that make us happy, whether that’s taking dance classes or volunteering at the local cat shelter, and watching our “joy meter” go up. Simultaneously, it’s good not to panic the moment we feel more neutral or a little down. The key lies in consistency and having realistic expectations!
23. Creativity
Creativity can mean different things to different people. Whatever it means to you, it’s good to set time aside to engage in creative tasks, to the extent that you are able to. It can be a great way to relax and practice being grounded in the present.
Being creative can also allow us to share parts of ourselves and our realities with others without the need for words. A painting, a photograph, a sculpture or a melody you produce can help you connect with someone you know, or even a stranger — but creative expression is just as valid (and beneficial) when you do it just for you.
24. Personal development
Without continuous development, we would be born a certain way and stay that way — at least, in terms of interests and personality — until we are old. A thought that is equal parts amusing and scary!
Investing time and effort in learning ourselves more intimately, and accepting the various changes in our needs and preferences over time, allows us to build deeper, more meaningful connections with those around us.
At the same time, it can make getting through life easier, as the more honest we are (with ourselves, first and foremost) about what we want and need can save us time and an awful lot of hassle.
25. Humbleness
Being down to earth is one of those qualities that can cause people to gravitate towards you. That’s not to say that you should ever downplay your achievements — those are meant to be celebrated! — but rather that you could benefit from always keeping things into perspective.
One victory (or a few) doesn’t make anyone invincible, and so dealing with one thing at a time, admitting mistakes and recognizing areas for improvement can allow you to problem-solve better and form healthier connections with those around you.
After all, someone who thinks and feels deeply and knows themselves well can exude confidence without the need to brag, right?
Final thoughts
While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the material things that we think make us happy, science has shown that it’s actually the intangibles that have the biggest impact on our wellbeing.
Being compassionate and grateful, having the support of loved ones, and living a meaningful life all contribute to our happiness in ways that are difficult to put a price tag on.
By focusing on material things, we lose sight of what’s really important. But by taking a step back and reframing our mindset, we can appreciate all the wonderful things life has to offer.
What do you think is most important thing in life? Join the conversation in the comments section below!
This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published in 2015, and contains contributions by Electra Michaelidou.