4 Wisest Willie Nelson Life Advice Everybody Needs To Hear

Willie Nelson has witnessed everything. The Redheaded Stranger has achieved fame for much more than simply his songs, from his amazing multi-decade music career to his extraordinary health and spirit. His life is still flourishing even in his 90s. We can all learn from Willie, whether it’s through his clever observations or laid-back demeanor. Fortunately for us, he never hesitates to impart the knowledge he has acquired over his ninety-plus years. Here are some of his top tips for leading a better, more fulfilling life.

“Worry Is a Poison”

Willie Nelson has spent most of his life navigating the demanding and competitive music industry—a place that could easily leave anyone stressed and anxious. Yet, he’s mastered the art of not sweating the small stuff.

“I have this kind of philosophy that I can’t do anything about what happened yesterday or what’s going to happen tomorrow,” he shared in a 2017 interview. “But I feel in full control of what’s going on now.”

His outlook on worry is both straightforward and refreshing: “I think worry will make you sick. I’ve never seen it accomplish anything. I’ve never seen worrying about anything change it. So, I decided not to do it. If you can’t do anything about it, why in the hell worry about it? Every negative thought you have releases poison into your system and will kill you or give you cancer or tumors or whatever else you can think of.”

“How Are Things Now?”

In another interview, Willie echoed a similar sentiment about living in the moment.

“It’s all about the same thing,” he explained. “It’s about now. How are things now? You look okay. I look okay. You folks are alright. Why b**** about anything? You’re not hungry, you’re not cold, you’re not wet. Neither am I.”

For Willie, it’s all about gratitude for the present: “We’ve got plenty of food. We’re not sick. So right now, everything’s fine. And if you continue to live in the now, then things will be okay after a while.”

“Listen to Your Conscience”

Willie doesn’t claim to be perfect, but he’s always followed his heart. During a 2016 interview, he emphasized the importance of listening to your inner voice and treating others with kindness.

“You can go right into the golden rule,” he said. “Treat people like the way you’d like to be treated. I think you have to follow your feelings. Do what your conscience tells you to do. If you feel like you can do anything, whether it’s this cause or that cause, I think you’re obligated to do it. I feel like we’re all responsible for each other. If you see somebody who needs help, you help them.”

“Pay for the Day”

Willie’s longevity and vitality are awe-inspiring. So, what’s his secret? It’s all about daily maintenance.

“If you want to live a long time, you have to take care of yourself,” he revealed in a 2021 Wall Street Journal feature. “You have to pay for the day every day. As you’ve always heard, if you don’t use it, you lose it. You need to move. So, every day, I’ll jog or walk. Do some sit-ups—just a little something to pay for the day.”

Willie Nelson’s advice is as ageless as his music, whether it’s to let go of worries, live in the now, follow your inner guidance, or stay active. You may find life a bit more enjoyable if you take a cue from him.