After graduating college and stepping into the real world, I realized that many valuable lessons were waiting for me beyond the classroom. Here are 13 lessons I wish I had learned earlier.
1. Assume You’re Dumber Than Everyone Else
You make better decisions and learn more by assuming you’re dumber than everyone else. In college, it was about showing how smart you were, but in the real world, listening and learning from others is more valuable than talking and showing off.
2. Earn Your Own Respect
The hardest respect to earn is one’s own. I had to change my behavior and start respecting myself first before others began to respect me. It’s about being someone who is respectable and acting accordingly.
3. Control What People Say About You
Equip people with the words to describe what you do. In business, it’s essential to provide a simple and clear explanation of your services so that others can easily communicate it to their friends.
4. Quality Over Quantity in Books
You get more out of reading one great book multiple times than reading many mediocre books. Focus on deeply understanding and applying the knowledge from a few excellent books rather than skimming through many.
5. Champions Lack What You Have
Most champions don’t have something you don’t; they lack something you have. They are more ruthless with their time and eliminate distractions, focusing singularly on their goals.
6. Goodwill Compounds Faster Than Money
Goodwill, or positive sentiment and influence over others, can compound much faster than money. Focus on building an audience and creating goodwill, which can later be translated into monetary value.
7. You’re Going to Die
Understanding the brevity of life puts things into perspective. If people won’t remember you shortly after you’re gone, their opinions about your life now shouldn’t matter much. Focus on living a life true to your own values.
8. Extraordinary Accomplishments from Ordinary Actions
Extraordinary accomplishments come from doing ordinary things for extraordinary periods of time. Commit to the basics and stick with them long enough to see the results.
9. If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Well
Don’t shortcut tasks. If something is worth doing, invest the time and effort to do it well. Prioritize important tasks and focus on doing them excellently.
10. Negotiate Everything Except Your Values
Be willing to negotiate prices, terms, and relationships, but never compromise on your values. True negotiation aims for a win-win situation where both parties benefit.
11. Humility Is Key
Humility is not about thinking less of yourself but thinking more of others. Serve others and give status and respect first, and you’ll receive it in return.
12. The Happy Man Has a Thousand Wishes
When you’re happy, you have many desires. When you’re sad, you only want to feel better. Focus on quieting the critical voices in your head and accepting where you are, which will free up energy for productive actions.
13. Failure Leads to Learning
Failure leads to learning, learning leads to success, success leads to complacency, and complacency leads to failure. Embrace the cyclical nature of growth and constantly seek learning and improvement.
Conclusion
These 13 lessons have shaped my perspective and approach to life after college. Embrace these insights, and you’ll navigate the real world with greater wisdom and confidence.
FAQs
How can I earn my own respect?
Start by changing your behavior to align with the person you want to be. Respect yourself first, and others will follow.
Why is humility important?
Humility is about thinking more of others and serving them. This leads to gaining respect and status in return.
How can I focus on quality over quantity in reading?
Select a few excellent books and read them multiple times, deeply understanding and applying the knowledge.
What does it mean to negotiate everything except values?
Be willing to negotiate terms and prices, but never compromise on your core values and principles.
Why is documenting my life important?
Capturing difficult moments helps you reflect on your growth and resilience, providing a powerful narrative of your journey.