It's crazy to me how much a person can learn within a given time span. When a baby is 6 months, they learn how to crawl. When they are about 2 years old, they are forming phrases and sentences. As they reach their pre-teen years; they have learned the idea of what a best friend is, that the tooth-fairy isn't real and how to tie their shoes. They learn the do's and don'ts of stranger danger and when and how to cross the road. As they grow older, they realize what love and heartbreak brings the wisdom and foundation they slowly create for themselves based off of life experiences. But what about the life lessons that we aren't taught? What about the trials that we didn't face until later on in life? Do we call that innocence or oblivion? Here are seven life lessons I wish I would have known about sooner:

1. Don't worry about what other people think of you.

It's going to happen. You are going to care. You might get told something about the way you look or about the way you act. You might even get stared at and become embarrassed. But there is no need to seek validation or approval from anyone but yourself. Everyone is so busy living their own lives and accomplishing their own goals and desires and you should be too. People are going to have opinions regardless, but the only opinion that should matter is the one coming from the people you value. Be determined to allow people to see the real you. Embrace any judgement you receive. It could be used to your benefit.

2. Today matters.

You are not guaranteed tomorrow. There is so much opportunity today that you could be missing out on thinking about tomorrow or your plans for next Friday night. Make the most of today. Pay attention to the people around you, in front of you, and to the tasks at hand. Whatever actions you take or choices you make today have a huge impact on what tomorrow brings.

3. It's never too late to start over.

If you aren't happy with something in your life, pick yourself up and rebuild. You have to make the most out of the life you are given. If you're not happy with your career choice, switch majors. If the guy or girl you are with isn't making you happy, address the issue. If you haven't spoken to your dad in years, make the effort to reach out to him. You deserve every chance you're given to start fresh.

4. Misery comes from past hurt.

People will hurt you. They will disappoint you. It's a learning experience and it is up to you to determine how it affects you. Point blank: you will never be satisfied with your life if you dwell on the past. Take a look at terrorist groups, for example. They are justifying their actions because of wrongdoing done hundreds of years back. It's so easy to hold onto something that affected you negatively.The challenging part is being the bigger person, all pride aside.

5. Saying "no" isn't selfish.

Simple. Know when to stand your ground. You can't please everyone.

6. Rejection isn't the worst thing in the world.

Think about it this way; with rejection, you gave something a try and you were optimistic about it. You may not have gotten what you wanted from it but, then again, you didn't fail to take action. Learn to overcome your fears, despite the outcome.

7. Talk less and listen more.

Focus on what the other person is saying and take it all in--their emotions, their facial expressions, their hand gestures, their eyes and their mouth. You can gain more information and insight as to another person's perspective and in turn, when you speak, the other person will be more willing to listen without interrupting. As a bonus, you won't say anything dumb or reveal something you will later regret.