7 Life Lessons That Prove You Can Learn Something Valuable From Anything You Do
Traditional schooling is far from the only meaningful source of education in life.
instaphotos via Canva My educational journey has been far from traditional. While I didn't follow a standard academic path, I pieced together an eclectic curriculum that has served me well in life, business, and relationships.
Here are some of the key lessons I've learned along the way.
7 Life Lessons That Prove You Can Learn Something Valuable From Anything You Do
Life Lessons From Chess
From chess, I learned to think strategically and consider the consequences of my actions beyond just the first order.
Chess requires strategic insight and tactical implementation. To a great strategist, the future should never be a surprise; to a great tactician, the present should never be an obstacle.
Life Lessons From Poker
From poker, I learned that how you play the game often matters more than the hand you're dealt at the start. The best way to nullify bad luck and augment good luck is to take calculated risks, read your environment, and react accordingly.
Life Lessons From Boxing
From boxing, I learned that pain and punishment are inevitable. What defines you is how well you handle adversity. Life is hard, and then you die. Stop trying to be happy and, instead, be competent. That will help you to be happier.
Rocky Balboa said it best: "Life ain't about how hard you can hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
Life Lessons From Physics
From studying physics, I realized that complex systems can be broken down into understandable components. By studying the parts, the whole becomes less intimidating. This takes effort, and it takes a while, but it's worthwhile.
The most powerful belief you can have is that, given enough time, you can learn anything.
Life Lessons From Math
From math, I learned the power of perseverance. You can go far if you just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward, step by step. Progress compounds over time, and almost everything can be figured out.
If it can't be, don't worry — that means no one else has it figured out, either.
Life Lessons From Learning Spanish
From learning Spanish, I realized communication is much easier when you speak the other person's language.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
Life Lessons From Growing Up In The Projects
From growing up in the projects, I learned that good manners defuse tense situations and never make things worse. No one ever complained that you treated them with respect and dignity. And if someone ever does, that's a red flag.
While my education was unorthodox, the diversity of lessons has served me better than a rigid academic path ever could have. Each experience expanded my perspective and toolkit.
You can learn from anything.
Ed Latimore is a retired American professional boxer, influencer, and best-selling author. His work focuses on self-improvement and a practical approach to Stoic philosophy and he shares his writing on his newsletter.