33 Life Lessons I'm Still Learning At 33

I'm 33 as I write this.

Before I turn 34 in a couple of weeks, I wanted to put down the 33 lessons that have been most valuable to me.

I don’t claim to have mastered them—far from it. I’m learning everyday.

These lessons reflect where I am right now. Writing them down has been a challenging exercise.

You might notice some overlap or repetition. That’s okay.

I hope some of them will resonate with you in some way.

1. The masses are nearly always wrong

What the masses do:

They consume news from mainstream media and live in the matrix of misinformation.
They live shallow lives, chasing status, external validation and material possessions.
They're stuck in an ego-driven state, below 200 on the map of consciousness, trapped in negativity and conflict.
They don’t take responsibility for what’s happening to them, blaming others or circumstances.
They want change but never change themselves.
They eat unhealthy, processed food and struggle with poor health.
They choose comfort over growth, settling for mediocrity.
They spend all their free time entertaining themselves and chasing pleasure.
They mostly consume and never create.
They never look within, avoiding any self-reflection or spiritual growth.

That’s why if 99% of people go left, I’m likely going right.

Most humans are stuck.

Following the masses means staying stuck too.

2. There's nothing to conquer in this world except our mind

“You have nothing in this world to conquer apart from your own mind.” — Mooji.

Unhappiness is caused by the mind. The thinker. The constant chatter. The ego.

By learning to have more control on our mind, we can find true peace and happiness.

Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and raising our consciousness are essential tools for mastering the mind.

They teach us to observe our thoughts without being ruled by them.

This changes everything.

3. True happiness is found within, not "out there"

Modern humans are constantly running after external things to feel happier—higher salaries, better jobs, relationships, likes, cars, houses, or a better place to be.

This is one of the biggest illusions of our time.

The truth is, no external thing—success, achievement, relationships, or possessions—can give us what’s already within us.

In my latest buddhist retreat at Plum Village, Brother Phap Linh told me something that resonated a lot: "We already are what we're looking for".

It’s fine to upgrade parts of our lives.

But let's keep in mind that reaching new milestones or getting new stuff won't make us feel more fulfilled.

Real joy comes from within.

Chasing things, external validation and status is a distraction.

Instead, we can turn inward with meditation, mindfulness, introspection, and therapy.

These are paths to lasting fulfillment.

4. The only moment that exists is now

Our mind is constantly focusing on the past or worrying about the future—both are just mental constructs.

Life only happens in the present.

When we are present, we detach from the mind’s constant chatter and enter a state of peace and stillness.

Identifying with the mind and its stories causes suffering.

When staying present, we awaken to our true self.

The fullness of life can’t be found in yesterday or tomorrow. It’s only accessible now.

Book recommendation: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

5. Our beliefs define our life

Your beliefs shape your reality.

They dictate your health, wealth, relationships, and success.

If you believe you can heal, your body responds. That's the placebo effect.

It's not woo-woo, it's proven.

If you believe you’re destined to fail, you sabotage yourself.

If you believe you can earn $50k per year, you won't earn more.

Every part of your life reflects what you believe deep down.

Challenge the beliefs that hold you back. Replace them with ones that serve you.

Change your beliefs, and you change your life.

6. External progress requires inner growth

This is a quote I love from Justin C. Scott.

Most people focus on surface fixes to improve their lives.

They rely solely on medication to manage symptoms without exploring the root cause.

They agitate their environment—switching jobs, partners, or moving to new places—hoping things will get better.

But real, lasting change comes from within.

True external progress follows inner growth.

Therapy, coaching, introspection, meditation, or even reading great non-fiction books create far deeper change than any surface solution ever could.

Wealth, fulfillment, relationships, and achieving real success are much more about inner growth than anything external.

It’s an inside job.

7. Life rewards you when you align with your true self

When you step into your fullest self, life flows.

Things fall into place, opportunities come, and everything feels right.

But when you live out of alignment, life warns you.

You face friction, stress, or even health problems or accidents.

It’s life’s way of telling you you’re off track.

The more you're aligned, the more life supports you.

The less you're aligned, the more life warns you.

The less you hear the warnings, the louder the warnings.

8. You can have it all and be it all

We’re often told, “You can’t have everything.”

Like you have to pick between a successful professional life or a happy family.

Or, you can't be into spirituality and business at the same time.

That’s a limiting belief.

You don’t have to choose.

By aligning with who you are and working on your beliefs, you can have it all—a thriving business, loving relationships, strong finances, and a fulfilling life.

You can be everything you aspire to be.

The only thing holding you back is your own mind, your duality.

Don’t settle.

Create a life where you have it all and are all you can be.

9. What we want is not always what we need

We all have desires. We want things to go our way.

We want the perfect partner, the ideal job, the right experiences.

But what we want is not always what we need.

Each obstacle is there to teach us something and help us grow as a person.

“You cannot advance to a higher phase of life until you learn the lesson that the current phase is trying to teach you.” - Dan Koe.

Instead of resisting, let's try to see what life is teaching us.

That’s where real growth happens.

10. Our most important job is raising our consciousness

We all have jobs that take up most of our time, but they rarely show who we truly are.

The real transformation happens through inner work— changing our beliefs, reflecting, healing, meditating.

This is what brings lasting change. This is what is rewarded by life.

When we reach our fullest potential, we can better help others and share our true gifts with the world.

One of the greatest read on consciousness: The Map of Consciousness Explained by David R Hawkins. This book was an epiphany for me.

11. True health goes far deeper than what we’re told

Most people think health is just about surface factors like diet, exercise, genetics, or random chance—getting injured or sick because of “bad luck” or catching a virus.

But true health goes much deeper.

There’s no such thing as chance in health.

The placebo effect, again, shows that what you believe actually heals you. (study from Harvard here).

Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading physician, doctor and authority on mind-body health, proved that stress and suppressed emotions directly contribute to disease.

Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer, a German doctor, linked emotional and psychological conflicts to cancer. He treated thousands of cancers without chemotherapy or surgery, before being dismissed by Big Pharma.

It’s no surprise—Big Pharma, one of the most powerful industries in the world, has zero interest in helping people heal without medication. They actually have the opposite agenda.

If we want true health, we need to educate ourselves on holistic health.

We can’t just follow the mainstream, surface-level and biased advice.

To go deeper on this topic, you can:

Watch the documentary "Heal" by Kelly Noonan, available on Prime Video
Read the books : "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, "You Are the Placebo" by Dr. Joe Dispenza, "When the Body Says No" by Dr. Gabor Maté

Learning and understanding holistic health can drastically improve your well-being and add years of healthier living to your life and the ones around you.

12. We need nature

We come from nature, not concrete. Our connection to it is essential.

Being in nature helps us feel calmer, reduces stress, and boosts our mood.

Fresh air, sunlight, and natural beauty recharge our energy and bring a sense of peace we can’t get in the city.

13. Meditation is a game changer

Again, unhappiness is caused by our thoughts—I'm not good enough, I can't do this, people don't like me, I'm stuck, I don't have what I want, etc.

The problem is we identify with these thoughts, letting them define us, like mistaking clouds for the sky.

Meditation helps you step back and witness your thoughts instead of being controlled by them.

When you do, you realize you're not your thoughts. You're the sky above the clouds.

You're the awareness above the thinker.

This shift raises your consciousness, helping you feel calmer, more serene, and confident.

14. Energy comes from alignment

Like health, energy isn’t just about surface factors like sleep, diet, or exercise.

It’s about being aligned with yourself.

When you're out of alignment, you're drained.

Spend time with the wrong people, and it drains you even more.

That's why many people feel exhausted after their working day.

They spend 8 hours per day misaligned with themselves.

It's like wearing shoes that don't fit you, all day long.

When you’re doing things that match who you are and what you love, you feel energized and alive.

Living authentically fuels you. Being out of sync drains you.

True energy comes from doing what feels right for you.

15. Minimalism is freedom

The more you own, the less free you are.

Every item adds mental weight.

This applies to everything.

In business, more investors and employees mean more stress and headaches.

At home, a bigger house means more clutter and upkeep.

The less you have, the more space and energy you free up for what truly matters.

Owning less is about clearing the mental and physical clutter so you can focus on living fully.

Less is better.

16. Creation is life-changing

In modern society, most people spend their time and money on consumption—whether it’s food, social media, music, Netflix, clothes, games, and so on.

It's all input, zero output.

Zero creation. Only consumption.

The problem with endless consumption is that it leaves us feeling empty and impacts our mental health.

We aren’t meant to stay in a hamster wheel of endlessly consuming what others create.

Our true nature is to create, express ourselves, share our unique perspective, and give our gifts to the world.

17. The ultimate professional goal is to be paid to be 100% yourself

Most people work jobs they hate and come home exhausted every day because they’re not being true to themselves.

They wear a mask all day and betray who they really are.

But today, it’s more accessible than ever to get paid for being yourself—whether through sharing your ideas, skills, helping people, or even turning your hobbies into a business.

That’s the path I’m on.

When you’re 100% yourself, you’re always energized. You’re in alignment, and life flows effortlessly.

You feel good, and everything around you improves.

Synchronicities happen, and life rewards you for living your truth.

18. Slowing down brings deeper fulfillment than fast life

In today’s world, we’re always being pushed to move faster—do more, work harder, stay busy.

It’s like we have to fill every moment with something, and just sitting still feels wrong.

The truth is, rushing through life doesn’t help us enjoy it more.

In fact, we end up missing a lot. We end up living a shallow, superficial life.

Slowing down lets us actually be present, enjoy what we’re doing, and take it all in.

You don’t get more out of life by going faster. You get more out of life by slowing down.

When we slow down, we not only avoid burnout but also live more fully, appreciating each moment.

19. Time blocking is great for productivity

I think to-do lists suck. Here's why:

They don't have a set time to get done
They pile up fast and become a mental burden

Time blocking has made a big difference for my productivity.

It forces me to plan out how long each task will take and put it on my calendar. This makes it more action-oriented.

Instead of a long, overwhelming list, tasks are now spread out over my day, week, or even month.

I commit to getting things done at specific times, which keeps me focused and organized.

If something comes up, I just shift the time slots. There’s still structure, but with flexibility.

It’s a simple way to take control of my day and boost productivity.

20. Focus is non-negotiable in a distracted world

In a world full of distractions, focus is more important than ever.

Social media, notifications, and constant information pull our attention in every direction.

Without focus, we lose clarity and waste energy on the wrong things.

True focus means prioritizing tasks and dedicating our full attention to what really matters.

It’s about cutting through the noise and making meaningful progress.

Great books on focus: The Art of Focus by Dan Koe, Deep Work by Cal Newport

21. Being selectively ignorant is key to live a fulfilling life

We become what we consume.

Typically, mainstream news is some of the worst fuel—full of negativity, misinformation. It drags people down, propagates fear and keeps us stuck.

Being selectively ignorant means choosing carefully what you let into your mind.

Without this filter, you’re scattered, overwhelmed, and wasting time and energy.

Control what you consume so it supports your growth.

Focus on content that boosts your mental health, aligns with your purpose, and helps you reach your potential.

What you feed your mind shapes your life—so choose wisely.

22. Thinking big makes a huge difference

Thinking big means breaking out of your own limits and seeing what you’re truly capable of.

Life's too short to do little things on your own.

Thinking big sparks new ideas, pushes you to take action, and creates a bigger impact.

It’s how you grow personally and in business.

When you think bigger, you don’t just dream—you see opportunities where others see roadblocks.

It’s about daring to aim higher and challenging yourself to go further. So, let go of small thinking and open up to what’s really possible.

23. Fuck mediocrity

In my first startup job, we had a poster that said, “Fuck mediocrity.” It’s a bit of a startup cliché, but it stuck with me.

I always aim for excellence, even if, of course, I don't always succeed.

I think that’s where real mastery come from.

It’s not just about work—it’s in everything.

When I buy something, I want the best, not just something that will “do the job.”

Mediocrity is easy, but it leaves us empty. Excellence is hard, but it’s worth it.

We deserve more than average.

24. Anyone can be an entrepreneur in their own way

I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur.

But there are as many ways to be an entrepreneur as there are people.

Not everyone can lead a 1,000-person company, but being a solopreneur is a whole different game. I’ve found my place as the co-founder of a bootstrapped SaaS company.

There’s no such thing as not having “the entrepreneurial spirit”—that’s just a limiting belief.

Anyone can start their own thing, and you don’t need to know everything to begin.

Learning to earn money without relying on a boss is a valuable skill.

Most people stick to the comfort of a regular job, but being an entrepreneur pushes you to grow in ways you never imagined.

25. "Take massive action" is a bad advice for entrepreneurship

We often hear, “Take massive action,” as if working more and doing more will guarantee success.

It’s part of the hustle culture. This culture is dying.

We don’t need to burn out to succeed.

A massive part of success comes from inner work—like changing your beliefs.

Of course, action is important, but actions without the right mindset or with limiting beliefs will lead to failure.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” - I like this quote from Abraham Lincoln.

Preparing yourself mentally before jumping into action can save you a lot of energy and time.

26. Getting support from a therapist and/or coach can transform your life

I’ve been in therapy for three years and recently started working with a coach.

It’s been a game-changer for my personal growth.

Therapy is like mental hygiene—everyone can benefit from it. It helps you understand yourself better and heal.

Coaching, on the other hand, pushes you to challenge yourself, take action and move towards your goals.

It’s like having a personal guide to help you become your best self.

Everyone deserves that kind of support.

27. Lifelong learning and reading: the shortcut to success and wisdom

Most people stop learning once they’re done with school.

But we’re not meant to stagnate. We’re here to keep growing and expanding.

Smart people who succeed in living the life they want are lifelong learners and readers.

We have the huge privilege of accessing the best advice available on any particular topic for a handful of dollars.

"There are million-dollar lessons hidden in $30 books."

I wrote an article on the 7 best non fiction books I've ever read.

By educating ourselves, not only we improve our life but can help have positive impact on others.

28. The internet unlocks limitless learning, impact and freedom

Internet helps us reach millions of people from anywhere in the world, right from our bedroom.

You can build a business that gives you geographic and financial freedom.

You can show your creation to the world and receive opportunities.

It’s a gateway to endless learning and possibilities.

As Naval Ravikant says, the most scalable businesses are those built on code and media—they can grow exponentially without needing more resources.

Whether you’re creating content, offering a service, or selling a product, the internet allows you to scale your impact and income like never before.

29. Money is a tool for freedom. Chasing it early is smart

Many people have a problem with money.

They see it as something bad, linked to greed or being unethical.

Some even say it's "the root of all evil".

But these are just limiting beliefs. Money is neutral.

The amount of money you make reflects the value you provide to society, even if you can debate what that value is.

Without money, you're limited.

Money gives freedom.

The freedom to explore what truly matters, reach your full potential, help others, and share your unique gifts with the world.

In that sense, it's smart to chase money early. The sooner you gain this freedom, the better.

It starts with changing your beliefs about money. Books like Secrets of the Millionaire Mind are great for this.

I read six non fiction books on money before I saw a big difference in my earnings.

Owning a business is the best path to wealth. As Naval Ravikant says, you won’t get rich renting out your time.

Money isn’t the goal, but it enables you to live life on your own terms and have a positive impact around you.

30. Making money can be spiritual

Many people, especially in the spiritual world, see business and sales as “below” them.

I used to think you had to choose between money and spirituality.

That’s just another limiting belief.

You can make money without betraying who you are.

As Dan Koe says, if ethical people don’t create businesses that provide value, then unethical ones will rise to the top, making the world worse.

A new era is coming—conscious entrepreneurship.

Making money while staying true to your values is not only possible; it’s necessary for a better future.

31. Defining a vision gives clarity and purpose

Most people don’t have a clear vision of what they truly want.

Defining your ideal day, week, month, year, and life is the first step to creating that vision.

Once you know what your ideal looks like, you can start building towards it, making everything else secondary.

Life is too short to waste on things that don’t matter. Focus on what does.

This clarity gives you direction and purpose.

Check out my article: Your Ideal Day: How To Define It And Why It Matters (A Lot)

32. We’re responsible for everything that happens to us

Most people blame others or circumstances for their problems.

That’s the victim position. Nobody grows or gets what they want from life in that position.

Taking full responsibility for your life is a game changer.

It shifts your mindset from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I do about it?”

When you take responsibility, you reclaim your power.

That’s where real growth starts.

33. Suffering is part of being human

I learned this one late.

I've always thought that to be happy, I had to eliminate all suffering I had. That suffering is not compatible with happiness, they're opposite.

I actually realized it when going to a buddhist retreat at Plum Village, summer 2024.

In reality, suffering is part of being human, it's not something to erase, but to accept, to embrace.

Final word

That's it, these are the 33 most valuable lessons I've learned by 33.

I hope some of them resonated with you.

Feel free to comment this article if you like.

With much love,

Damien