6 Important Life Lessons That You Were Never Taught At School

 

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When I was young, everyone always told me: "Stay in school, work hard, be the top student, go to university, and get a good job." 

It stuck in my mind. 

But when I completed my university education, I realized things were different. It was discouraging to do all these things and still end up doing odd jobs. 

I realized there is more to life than what the education system teaches. 

Here are six important life lessons I was never taught at school.

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1. Failure is Good

In the traditional educational paradigm, failure is often viewed as something to be avoided at all costs. 

We are conditioned to strive for perfection, to achieve top grades, and to excel in every endeavor. 

However, this mindset fails to account for the valuable lessons that failure can teach us.

In entrepreneurship, failure is not only accepted but embraced as a crucial part of the learning process. 

Every setback is an opportunity to gain new insights, refine our approach, and ultimately, grow stronger. 

Failure teaches us resilience, creativity, and adaptability – qualities that are essential for success in the unpredictable world of business.

Moreover, failure often leads to innovation. Some of the greatest inventions and advancements in history have come as a result of failed attempts. 

Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This attitude of perseverance in the face of failure is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart.

So, failure is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a natural and necessary part of the path to success. It is through failure that we learn, grow, and ultimately, succeed.

2. It's Good to Be in Many Relationships

In school, the focus is often on individual achievement – getting good grades, excelling in exams, and standing out from the crowd. 

However, in the real world, success is often dependent on our ability to build and maintain relationships.

Networking is a crucial skill in both personal and professional life. 

Whether you're starting a business, looking for a job, or pursuing a passion project, having a strong network can open doors and create opportunities.

Moreover, relationships provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. They can offer different perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and help us grow as individuals.

While academic success is important, it's equally important to invest in relationships. Building a strong network can not only enhance our personal and professional lives but also enrich our overall experience.

3. It's Not About Many A Grades You Have in Your Transcript, Its About What Skills to Offer

The traditional education system places a heavy emphasis on academic achievement, often equating success with high grades. 

However, in the real world, success is not solely determined by the grades on your transcript but rather by the skills and abilities you bring to the table.

Entrepreneurship teaches us that practical skills and real-world experience are often more valuable than academic credentials alone. 

Employers are looking for individuals who can apply their knowledge in practical settings, think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that the skills required in the workforce are constantly evolving. 

Lifelong learning and skill development are therefore essential for staying competitive in today's job market.

While academic achievement is important, it's equally important to focus on developing practical skills and gaining real-world experience. 

By honing your skills and staying adaptable, you can position yourself for success in any field.

4. Perfectionism Has No Place in Real Life

In school, there is often pressure to strive for perfection – to excel in every subject, to have impeccable attendance, and to avoid mistakes at all costs. However, this perfectionist mindset can be detrimental in the real world.

Entrepreneurship teaches us that perfectionism can be paralyzing. Waiting for the perfect moment or idea can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. 

In a fast-paced and competitive environment, it's often better to take action and iterate than to wait for perfection.

Moreover, perfectionism can lead to burnuot and dissatisfaction. The constant pursuit of perfection can be exhausting and can prevent us from enjoying the journey.

While it's important to strive for excellence, it's equally important to recognize that perfection is unattainable. 

By letting go of the need to be perfect and embracing imperfection, we can free ourselves to take risks, learn from failures, and ultimately, succeed.

5. Life is a Journey Not a Destination

When we were young, we were often told to focus on the end goal – getting a good job, starting a family, achieving financial stability. However, this mindset overlooks the importance of the journey itself.

Entrepreneurship teaches us that life is not just about reaching a destination but about the experiences we have along the way. 

It's about the challenges we overcome, the lessons we learn, and the relationships we build.

Moreover, viewing life as a journey allows us to embrace uncertainty and change. Instead of fearing the unknown, we can see it as an opportunity for growth and exploration. 

Life is a journey to be savored and enjoyed. By focusing on the present moment and embracing the experiences that come our way, we can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

6. Hire Those Who are Better Than You

In school, there is often a culture of competition – competing for the highest grades, the best scholarships, or the most prestigious awards. 

However, in the real world, success is often dependent on collaboration rather than competition.

Entrepreneurship teaches us the value of surrounding ourselves with people who are better than us. 

By hiring individuals who possess complementary skills and abilities, we can create a stronger and more effective team.

Moreover, hiring those who are better than us can be a humbling and enriching experience. 

It allows us to learn from others, expand our horizons, and achieve more than we ever thought possible.

Instead of viewing others as competitors, we should see them as potential collaborators and mentors. 

By embracing collaboration and diversity, we can build stronger teams and achieve greater success.

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Final Thoughts

School taught us to fear failure, strive for perfection, and focus on individual achievement. 

But in reality, failure is a stepping stone, perfectionism is paralyzing, and collaboration is key. 

Life is different, and the lessons we learn outside the classroom are often the most valuable. 

So, embrace failure, seek growth, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination.



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