There are a few things you may not want to hear. But if you're brave enough, you’ll be better off for knowing them. Failing to understand these truths can be irritating and leave you feeling that life is confusing.

Understand these truths to grow faculty over your life:

1. The universe isn’t for or against you. Many people are under the illusion that the universe is either on their side or working against them. This is simply NOT TRUE. That can be good or bad news, depending on your perspective.  If you're struggling to come to terms with this, challenge your perspective. What If the world is on your side?

• What is the real connection between the universe and people? World renowned astrophysicist, Neil Degrasse Tyson, stated, “the very molecules that make up your body, the atoms that construct the molecules, are traceable to the crucibles that were once the centers of high mass stars that exploded their chemically rich guts into the galaxy, enriching pristine gas clouds with the chemistry of life. So that we are all connected to each other biologically, to the earth chemically and to the rest of the universe atomically”. He is essentially saying that we intrinsically are the universe and the universe is us. You have to be your biggest cheerleader.
• You can’t control or change others. This may be the hardest lesson to learn, especially in regards to romantic relationships. You find someone that comes close to what you’re looking for, except for a few ‘rough areas’. You’re certain you can turn those ‘rough areas’ into something you can live with; someone that fits YOUR description of a ‘perfect person’. In most cases, you’d be wrong.

• People naturally resist being controlled or changed. Think about how hard it is to change yourself even when you want to change. You want to eat better, lose weight, hit the gym every day, save more money, the list goes on...But how often do you say you want to make those changes without actually making them? Sometimes too often...
• Now, imagine how hard it would be to change someone that doesn’t want to change or isn’t ready to change. Then add on the fact that they’re resentful and resisting your efforts.
• Accept people for who they are. If you truly want to embrace your relationship with someone, you have to embrace who that person is, whether they are willing to change or not. If you don’t, you aren’t allowing that person to be their true self. This is not to say you should lower your expectations. You should decide for yourself what’s most important and what you’re willing to compromise on.

1. Most people only care about what’s in it for them. The majority of the world doesn’t care if you’re nice to puppies and remember your loved one’s birthday. Society is filled with people that need things. Rightfully so,  people need to feel that certain needs are met. They need money, food, clothing, self-confidence, comfort, entertainment, and perhaps, above all, to feel personal satisfaction.

• It’s important to develop skills, products, or services that satisfy the needs of society. You should acknowledge and reciprocate these needs. If you ignore societal needs you will find yourself alone feeling unappreciated.

1. Your friends and family won’t always be there for you. You’d better be able to cook, clean, make money, brush your teeth, and pay your bills on time. Your friends and family won’t always be available to bail you out when you need something. And if they have been, count your blessings. You might have to find your own way to the airport someday.
2. Failure is normal. Failure is a part of the human experience. Expect to experience several failures before attaining results that please you. The only way to avoid failure is to never try. Never trying is the perfect strategy to ensure that you never experience success. Perseverance in the face of failure is what truly defines success.

• Learn to deal with failure effectively. It’s nothing more than an undesirable result and there’s no reason to take it personally. Adjust your approach and try again.
• Do you know the truth about the world? The world is yours. You already have the tools you need to thrive. It is true that you’re on your own more than you realize. Fortunately, that puts you in the driver’s seat and ultimately makes your life your own.