Key examples of people that were students of life are the likes of Benjamin Franklin and Winston Churchill.
Schools teach you to pass tests, exams and pursue certificates.
The certificates suggest how good you are in any discipline.
But becoming a “student of life” is not something any paper can fully specify; it’s irrespective of your level of “formal education.”
What does it mean to become a student of life?
It simply means to be focused on learning and growth rather than stagnation of the mind.
You recognize and accept the fact that we’re never done learning. You train yourself to constantly see and study a lot of how the world works.
It’s more of “Kaizen” like the Japanese would say – which means constant and never ending improvement.
You’re always learning at this University. And this is the “University of all universities” simply referred to as the universe.
You never stop learning of the universe which you’re a part of and which surrounds you.
You shouldn’t be waiting until you’re sick to start living a healthy lifestyle.
Dont wait until you’re broke to build a business.
You shouldn’t be waiting until you feel completely empty to nurture your soul.
How to become a student of life?
1) Be Open-minded:
Being willing to be taught and open to suggestion.
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” — Socrates
2) Listen more
The best way to learn during conversations is to listen more than you talk.
3) Ask questions
Being genuinely curious and asking intelligent questions signifies strength not weakness.
You clear assumptions, move faster in life.
Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.” — Samuel Johnson
4) Studying
Studying is probably one of the most important tip you can develop to become a student of life. Less of Netflix, more of books.
“In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time – none, zero.” — Charlie Munger
5) Patience
When you’re interested in learning; you’re more focused on long-term benefits rather than short-term gains. It’s about being willing to go through “temporary” anxiety and hardship.
“The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.” — M. Scott Peck
6) Rethink your assumptions
One of the clearest signs of learning is rethinking your assumptions and revising your opinions – Adam Grant.
“Knowledge has to be improved, challenged and increased constantly, or it vanishes.” — Peter Drucker
7) Have a purpose
Your purpose is your drive in any endeavor and is evident when you put your mission above your ego. Be inquisitive with a purpose.
8) Choose Discipline
The true cost of a better life is in dropping bad habits, learning new ones, remaining undeterred even after failure or rejection.
9) Be Consistent
Getting better is hardly out of luck but putting in the work and consistently showing up.
10) Get out of your comfort zone
Staying out of your comfort zone is key to happiness, confidence and daily growth.
Every day, every encounter is an opportunity to learn, learn about new things and people.
“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” — Albert Einstein
It’s a fun way to evolve physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
The goal is to make this year better than last year and you avoid repeating major mistakes no matter how old you are.
