These are the 10 most important things in life

Modern life pulls us in a thousand directions. In such intimidating chaos, it is understandable to fall for short-term goals, such as financial obligations, digital distractions and career demands. But are these the most important things in life? also checkout Work-Life Hacks and Start Prioritizing Your Work-Life Balance

Probably not. It is true that priorities can differ from person to person. But certain elements consistently shape a fulfilling, balanced life. In 2025, let’s take a detailed look at top 10 things that are the most important in life or should be offered greater importance. Explore more insights on maintaining harmony in our dedicated Work-Life Balance column, where we cover wellness, priorities, and mindful living.

Rank	Country	Happiness Score*
1	Finland	7.736
2	Denmark	7.521
3	Iceland	7.515
4	Sweden	7.345
5	Netherlands	7.306
6	Norway	7.274
7	Luxembourg	7.262
8	Costa Rica	7.234
9	Israel	7.122
10	Mexico	6.979

10 most important things in life

1. Health

That is priority 1. It should be, all the time. Good health – physical, mental and emotional – is the foundation for all sorts of aspirations in life. Being healthy doesn’t just mean ditching diseases, it is also about nurturing energy through exercises, nutrition, sleep and care.

2. Family

Your family offers a couple of the most important feelings in life – unconditional love and a sense of belonging. These bonds can be biological or chosen. But it is important to focus on mutual care and commitment, too.

3. Friendship

True friends are hard to find. Therefore, it should be even harder to let go of such friendships. These are chosen companions that are going to stand beside you for a lifetime. True friends offer honest feedback, share laughter and create beautiful memories.

4. Love

Be it deep affection or romantic love, this is an important part of life. Getting in a good relationship means that both partners support each other’s dreams, communicate openly and get through challenges together. Remember, love doesn’t need to be passionate all the time.

5. Purpose

Do you have a purpose in life? The entire human race does. But sometimes, some people get lost of their intended track. It is important to have a sense of purpose in life. It is about directions and momentum. Purpose fuels motivation and helps you pass through all obstacles.

6. Happiness

Different people hold different meanings for happiness. One things is clear: happiness is not a perpetual high, but rather a steady state of contentment and gratitude. Building happiness means letting go of perfectionism and focusing on experiences rather than possessions.

7. Time

Time doesn’t sleep. Seldom. Managing it intentionally is really important. You need to prioritise relationships, personal passions and self care. Focus on things that truly matter. Set boundaries to get rid of unnecessary distractions in life.

8. Learning

No, not just books! Learning is more than that. It is one of the most important things in life. Lifelong learning means formal education, mastering more skills, embracing challenging experiences and learning from failures (most important).

9. Gratitude

Practice gratitude, all the time. Gratitude is the gentle practice of noticing and appreciating. It can be related to basic requirements and small daily blessings, too. Practicing gratitude means fostering contentment and shifting focus from scarcity to abundance.

10. Freedom

Probably, the most important thing on this list after time. Freedom offers the opportunity to make choices and express yourself. You can be financially independent and get the courage to set healthy boundaries. This is important.

In a nutshell

The ‘10 most important things in life‘ listed in this article do not represent the complete list. There is more to it. You need to be kind to yourself and others. You should indulge in different experiences and also focus on your contributions to things beyond yourself.

Hope this list helps all of us shift our focus from some of the most impactful distractions to the important ones. Career progression and financial obligations are important. Uncover hidden truths in Five Things About Corporate Life No One Tells You, so are compassion and curiosity (actually much more important).