Learning is a big part of growing up, and even in our early to late adulthood we still learn. Learning comes from multiples sources; learning from academic institutions, from intimate relationships, from parenting, as well as from our own actions. Most of the time there is a form of teacher that provides these lessons to learn, but not all lessons are taught by people. This blog article will discuss some life lessons that no one teaches you.
Self-Care is a priority
Everyone is dealing with their issues and their personal demons. As much as it is altruistic and selfless to think of others and to focus on their wellbeing, it does not mean that putting yourself first and being considerate of your own wellbeing is selfish and inconsiderate. We all need self-love, some self-appreciation and a break from empathising with other people (McDaniel, 2013).
The true source of happiness
Being surrounded by activities and people that make someone happy or sad is easy to think that happiness is external. The truth is that happiness comes from within, we can choose to be happy. Learning to accept life as it is with all its uncertainness allows us to fully appreciate life and everything good and bad that exists within, knowing that whatever happens, we will be ok (McDaniel, 2013).
Academic grades do not define intelligence
Your performance in academic institutions does not necessarily determine your level of abilities and intelligence. Nowadays, many of us learned to memorise material in order to succeed in an exam. However, applying that material to the real world is another case. For example, we might be very anxious, which affects our grades during exams but we might be very confident in our abilities and skills when applying them to real life. One should also note that multiple aspects of intelligence exist. For instance, one may be rated low on cognitive intelligence that has to do with memory work, but excel in social intelligence when dealing with relationships and social activities (Eaton-Cardone, 2020).
Failure is a part of success
Many feel that failure is something to be avoided, yet it is unavoidable. The more we take risks in our lives the greater the chance we have of failing. If put into perspective, failure is not the end of anything or everything. For example, losing in a football match, arriving last in a 15km race, having your ideas and work being rejected by society. If one thinks of it this way, failure much just be a learning opportunity, a lesson on the journey to success (Daskal, 2017).
When put into perspective, it seems that not all lessons are taught by teachers, some lessons may be meant to be learned by experiencing life itself. In fact, you could say that life, is one big teacher.
Lyon Vella is a Psychology graduate at the University of Malta and a Volunteer within Willingness Team.
References
McDaniel, D. (2014, August 14). What everyone should know at 20: Life lessons that nobody teaches you. Addicted 2 Success. Retrieved from: https://addicted2success.com/life/what-everyone-should-know-at-20-life-lessons-that-nobody-teaches-you/.
Eaton-Cardone, M. (2020, April 15). 6 reasons your grades do not define your intelligence. Everyday Power. Retrieved from: https://everydaypower.com/grades-dont-define-your-intelligence/.
Daskal, L. (2017, January 4). 24 of the most powerful life lessons. Inc.. Retrieved from: https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/24-of-the-most-powerful-life-lessons.html.