10 Unfair Things in Life and How to Deal with Them

Life’s not always fair. Whether it’s the influence of social and economic forces, the impact of physical appearances, or the irrational nature of our thought processes, unfairness seems to be an inherent part of the human experience. In this article, we explore ten things that just aren’t fair and offer practical ways to deal with them.

1. Packaging influences taste perception

Research has shown that packaging affects our perception of how food tastes. From the label design to the size of portions to the texture of the box, the values conveyed by packaging influence our feelings about what’s inside. To counteract this effect, try to compare similar foods that are free of packaging or just remind yourself not to judge a book by its cover.

2. Relationships trump deals

People are more likely to do business with people they know or have relationships with, rather than those offering the best prices or deals. To capitalize on this reality, it’s important to focus on providing value in every other way, while developing social relationships through networking.

3. Many jobs are not advertised

A significant number of jobs are never advertised and news of opportunities often travels through social networks. To increase your chances of finding employment, focus on expanding your social network using online networking sites like LinkedIn or other niche sites in your field. Attend events in your industry and make sure to announce your availability through every channel available to you.

4. Attractiveness bias

Attractive people are often considered smarter, nicer, and more moral than unattractive people. While confidence is a big part of what makes people find you attractive, work on projecting confidence in yourself and make sure that whatever you do has merit in its own right. As far as your opinion of other people, try finding ways to see others as attractive whatever their appearance, and remind yourself that you can easily be misled by the way someone looks.

5. The power of conformity

Humans are social animals, and we often go with the crowd even when we think they’re wrong. To avoid being a sheep, ask yourself what, exactly, you have to gain from following other people’s leads. The point isn’t to avoid doing what others are doing, but to avoid doing it because other people are doing it.

6. Talent doesn’t always equate to success

In many cases, hard work, determination, and persistence are more important predictors of success than raw talent. Sometimes people with lesser skills can surpass talented individuals who lack these attributes. To succeed, it’s essential to focus on developing a strong work ethic, perseverance, and consistency.

7. Life is unpredictable

Life is full of surprises, and many of them can be negative. From job loss to illness to divorce, unexpected events can disrupt our lives and affect our emotional and mental well-being. To deal with these challenges, it’s essential to develop resilience, positive optimism, and a support system of friends and family that you can turn to in times of need.

8. We all have different starting points

Not everyone starts from the same place in life. Some people have greater advantages due to their family background, education, or social status. It’s crucial to recognize that while this may seem unfair, it’s not something that can be changed. Instead, focus on what you can control and work hard to achieve your goals, recognizing that success often involves overcoming adversity.

9. Life is short

Time is a precious commodity, and none of us knows how much we have. It’s important to make the most of every moment, prioritizing the things that matter most and finding joy and meaning in the present. This might involve spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies or passions, or finding ways to give back to others.

10. Not everyone will like us

No matter how hard we try, not everyone will like us. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of our worth as a person, but rather a reflection of the complex interplay of personal preferences, biases, and experiences. Rather than seeking to please everyone, focus on being true to yourself, developing healthy relationships with those who share your values, and accepting that some people simply won’t be a good match.

In conclusion, life isn’t always fair, but we have the power to choose how we respond to unfairness. By recognizing and acknowledging the unfairness of life, we can develop strategies to overcome it, build resilience, and find meaning and joy in the present.