30 Everyday “Cheat Codes” That Actually Work in Real Life

Reddit is known for asking the big and bizarre questions, but every once in a while, a thread comes along that feels like it’s handing out free wisdom. One such gem is when a user asked: “What is something that feels like a cheat code in life?”

Thousands of responses flooded in, and many of them were thoughtful, useful, and surprisingly wholesome. These weren’t your typical “buy crypto early” kind of tips, they were real-life habits, mindset shifts, and small tricks that make life feel easier, smoother, and sometimes even magical. Here are some of the best and most relatable responses from the thread.

#1

Image source: FeastingOnFelines, simonapilolla / freepik Live for yourself. I’m not saying you should be greedy or selfish, but live the life that YOU want to live. Not what your parents or your friends or family want.

#2

Image source: Donde_Que83, zinkevych / freepik Stop acting embarrassed if you don't know something. If you're learning a new skill or talking to someone about a topic that you don't know much about, don't say "Yeah, ok" when you have no idea what they're talking about. Let go of your ego and ask them to explain it. You'll become so much more educated once you embrace ignorance.

#3

Image source: OneHunt5428, freepik One thing that really shifted everything for me was learning to *pause* before reacting. Whether it’s an argument, a tough email, or just a stressful moment, taking even 10 seconds to breathe and not respond immediately has saved me so much unnecessary drama and regret.

#4

Image source: Any_Quarter_8386, eugeneshemyakin9 / freepik Let them - let people think whatever they want of you. Let them act how they want and then act accordingly. Let them show you who they are and then act accordingly. Detachment from expectations of how other people are supposed to be has been the biggest freedom of my life.

#5

Image source: Expensive_Magician97, DC Studio / freepik Always tell the truth. That way, you don't have to remember the lie you told three years earlier.

#6

Image source: nadanadaempanada, prostock-studio / freepik If someone doesn’t like you, move on.

#7

Image source: ThyArtIsPowder, freepik Discipline. Doing the simple things right, everyday. This takes you miles ahead of the rest.

#8

Image source: AffectionateKiwi6941, freepik Stop caring what other people think of me. I was a hardcore people pleaser in my 20s. I worked hard at it. Then when I turned 30 it was like a switch flipped. I still treat people with respect and kindness, but I've let go of the idea that anyone needs to like me, and therefore, validate me. I don't like everyone, why does it matter if some people don't like me?

#9

Image source: AQuaintMako, freepik You've got the right to make mistakes, they won't cost your life. Pretty freeing, once you realize that you can f**k up as long as you own how it goes afterward. It's pretty much the basis for growth.

#10

Image source: Enchanted-Bunny13, freepik Nobody can save you, only you. When something bad is done to you, recovering from that and healing is your duty and responsibility. It’s unfair and freeing at the same time.

#11

Image source: valejojohnson, boggy / freepik Spend less money than you earn.

#12

Image source: Blurred_Truths, freepik Learn to stay calm when everything is falling apart. Most people panic, but if you can think clearly in the midst of chaos, it's like having a cheat code in life. It gives you an advantage in everything: in discussions, in decisions, in difficult moments.

#13

Image source: SnorkyB, volodymyr-t / freepik Parents need to implement “Quiet Time” with their kids. No electronics for two-four hours. You can read a book, play with toys, go for a walk, etc. Just a simple reset from today’s world.

#14

Image source: BlatantEgg4314, freepik Treat yourself like you would treat a good friend.

#15

Image source: Electrical_Angle_701, vitalii_petrushenko / freepik Ditching faith and thinking like a scientist greatly reduces your chances of being swindled.

#16

Image source: LittleMascara7, standret / freepik Good sleep, good nutrition, and plenty of hydration. I never realized that all three of these areas greatly impact mental health. The "brain fog" people experience is likely just dehydration. Leaving people and places that do not serve you well is a great skill to have. It is a very difficult skill but it will improve your life.

#17

Image source: Samantha-Blair, volodymyr-t / freepik Life isn’t a competition and the “rules” of society are completely made up.

#18

Image source: Anonynonimoose, zinkevych / freepik Boring is actually productive. Like people who wear the same clothes daily or eat the same food daily, they cut out the mindless decision making to focus their energy on more important things. It's kind of cool to be honest.

#19

Image source: torspice, The Yuri Arcurs Collection / freepik Daily exercise will make your life way better.

#20

Image source: gooossfraabaahh, tongpatong / freepik Not drinking soda. Limiting social media interaction to 10 minutes (or whatever works for you). Understanding you can only do what you can do. Stressing about the insanity of our world doesn't do anyone any good. If you're a fortunate person to be able to live a good life in a safe place, enjoy it.

#21

Image source: Ok_Goal_9982, prostock-studio / freepik Don’t take stuff personal. Even if it’s directed at you, don’t get defensive, but ask why and do a reality check with yourself.

#22

Don’t ever fight anyone who has less to loose than you do. Image source: squintyshrew9

#23

Image source: matteobuilds, freepik The day I started realizing that a lot of fears I had were the projection of internal anxiety onto external circumstances, everything changed. I started working on myself and my perceptions. I was holding myself back from doing a lot of things just because everything was scripted by my imagination.

#24

Image source: jonas00345, DC Studio / freepik Pay for experts. I used to do almost everything myself. Not always worth it.

#25

Image source: DarePotential8296, freepik Communicate and show up every day. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” No. Even if you feel like you can’t give your best, as long as you show up and try, you are almost guaranteed success.

#26

Image source: MaqicMailMann, zzbfoto / freepik Financial literacy.

#27

There will be plenty of hard times. Try to enjoy every other moment. Image source: Valuable_General9049

#28

The observer is the observed. Emotions are a necessary spice of life, but it’s equally important to recognize that you can detach yourself from them too. You can step back and watch your emotions exist and pass by as an observer. This can be done upon many iterations, detaching layer by layer - the observer can be observed. Removing all bias, judgement, or thought, and just observe the present. Not only does it clear your perspective of reality, but sometimes it helps you appreciate those emotions even more. Image source: Difficult_Past_3254

#29

Image source: Singular_Lens_37, sodawhiskey / freepik 1)Journaling regularly to better understand where I'm at in life and how I feel about it. Then, I can come up with solutions to problems and not self-sabotage so much. 2) When I was a nanny I saw that children need two hours of outdoor activity time a day or they are cranky and have trouble concentrating. It turns out that I do too. 3) Understanding that a lot of people don't really want things to turn out well for you. You have to be your own protector and ally because no one else will be.

#30

Don’t get caught up in the emotion of it all. Not everything is worth getting upset over. People will think what they think. You don’t need to worry about that. Know your self worth . You matter. Look after yourself. People are nicer to you when you look fit and healthy, clean and tidy . I guess it makes you seem more approachable and driven ? Do little things for tomorrow’s you. Lay your clothes out. Plan your week. Have the kids organised for school ect ect ect. Image source: Lost_Animator968