Measures of success in life

In their youth, some people are average students, not outstanding, and their achievements are not particularly brilliant compared to their peers. The future and success of each individual are inherently unpredictable. However, it is certain that life depends greatly on one's mindset, character, and ability to adapt to society.

The reality is that many people who weren't outstanding in school end up being more successful and even wealthier than their classmates who excelled academically. Why is that?

Schools measure memory through grades: how many points do you get? Meanwhile, society measures ability through practical experience: what do you accomplish and how effective are you? The difference in assessment between school and real life means that the level of success for each person cannot be the same at each stage of their life development.

Life depends greatly on each person's mindset, character, and social adaptability (photo: The Wiselands Coffee).

In school, the tasks and goals are often: doing assignments correctly, without mistakes; memorizing lessons and remembering knowledge; striving for high grades to earn the title of excellent or advanced student. Grades become almost the sole measure of success. Therefore, young people often strive for high grades to please their teachers and family.

Conversely, life outside the home demands: solving practical problems; persuading others to join you; daring to take responsibility and make decisions for your work and your own destiny.

Many people, although not academically outstanding, dare to try, dare to make mistakes, and dare to act. This helps them accumulate practical skills – a crucial factor leading to luck and success.

Those with low academic records often face life's challenges early on. Meanwhile, high-achieving students tend to follow a safer path, with a more "rosy" road ahead, fewer obstacles. Conversely, less outstanding students may start working early, venture into business, and experience trial and error, struggling to make a living. This allows them to accumulate practical experience, understand money, people, and the market. From there, their "kite of the future" gradually tapers, absorbs more wind, and soars high, all thanks to their hard work and perseverance.

Success requires more EQ than IQ. IQ helps you do well on exams, but EQ helps you build relationships, persuade others, lead yourself and your team, and control your emotions in both failure and success. People with high EQ can absolutely succeed in adulthood, even if their grades were only average in school.

Grades don't reflect all abilities. Schools primarily assess IQ, focusing on memory, logical thinking, and test-taking skills. However, society demands additional abilities such as conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership, stress tolerance, and self-motivation. Many average students succeed because they excel in these "life skills."

However, high EQ doesn't automatically guarantee success. Achieving success is a combination of EQ (emotional intelligence), IQ (expertise), discipline, perseverance, and the right environment and opportunities. Even those with high EQ but lacking effort will struggle to break through. In a world rapidly changing due to technology and the market, adaptability is more important than rote memorization.

A risk-taking mindset is a quality of many successful entrepreneurs. Some academically gifted individuals often fear failure, fear making mistakes, and want everything to be absolutely certain. They live by theory and established patterns. Meanwhile, average students, those who dare to think outside the box and take risks, are ready to invest, start companies, or even leave stable jobs. They understand that wealth often comes with risk and are willing to accept it to keep moving forward.

Some billionaires dropped out of school or only had a basic education. It's not that they lacked talent, but rather that they weren't suited to the sequential, standardized education system of traditional schools.

Traditional education often doesn't place enough emphasis on business and finance. Students are rarely taught how to invest, run a business, or build income-generating systems. Many young people are financially capable but lack understanding of interest rates, credit, budget management, or investing. Meanwhile, those who experience real-world situations early on often learn through life experiences, thereby developing financial literacy and independence.

Self-reliance and the ability to learn independently are the decisive factors for the future (photo: The Wiselands Coffee)

Success is a long-term race. Self-reliance and the ability to learn independently are the decisive factors for the future. The budding years, the blossoming years, the teenage years, or Generation Z are just the beginning stages. Stability is needed at 30, but breakthroughs are possible at 35. Life isn't a smooth road, but a long journey of 40-50 years of hard work and growth.

Extra tutoring can help achieve high grades, impressive results, and create a temporary feeling of excitement. Initially, everything seems fine and satisfying: high grades, impressive results, the child is happy, and the whole family is happy, leading to increased enthusiasm and motivation for further learning. However, this habit is very dangerous for the brain: it fosters laziness, dependence, and a constant expectation of others guiding or leading. While extra tutoring isn't inherently bad, if it completely replaces self-study, we are inadvertently creating individuals with the mindset and actions of lifelong employees. Self-learning is not only a learning ability but also the foundation and basis of a creative and successful leader. Do you want to be an employee, always waiting for work, or a leader, creating jobs for others and enjoying a prosperous and happy life for yourself?

Most importantly: grades in school only reflect academic ability within the education system. Success, on the other hand, reflects the ability to create value for society and the true capabilities of each individual.

Dang Tu An

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/thuoc-do-su-thanh-dat-trong-cuoc-song.html