Things I Learned Outside School

There are things that you learn along the way after graduation.  Things that weren't taught in school and things that you experience, sometimes at a very costly manner.  These are the things I've learned so far:

1.  Trust — is something you give to those who deserve it.  Trust is not a birthright.  It is earned.  You can easily give trust but you must remember to keep your cards close to your chest as much as possible.  Your seatmate might not be able resist the chance to take a peak if you don't.

2.  Keep moving forward — don't let the initial success of graduating from college overcome your urge to learn something new everyday.  New things are discovered everyday and, as much as possible, you should try to keep yourself abreast of the current trends.

3.  Relationships — whether platonic or otherwise, to borrow a line from Forrest Gump, is like a box of chocolates.  You'll never know what you'll gonna get.  I've learned not to set high expectations in every relationship.  I just might get dissappointed.  Just go with the flow and hope that everything will turn out alright.

4.   Aim high — set your standards high so that you have room for error.  If you set your standards too low or just about right, you will never achieve your objectives.

5.  Underpromise and overdeliver — in the long run, that's the only way to ensure security in any job.

6.  Keep your eye on the ball — always stay focused.  As a leader, people will look up to you as someone who doesn't get rattled when the going gets tough.  Stay calm outside even if you're already troubled inside.

7.  Success is sweetest when it is shared –  don't be scared to teach what you know.  People will appreciate you for it.  Teach them everything you know and they will reciprocate.  You don't want to be alone at the top.  It's nice to have company during your moment of victory.

8.  Rumors — are destructive.  Never start one, never let one consume you.  Starting one is unfair for all parties concerned.  Trying to defend yourself to one will just fan the fire.  You have everything to lose.  Just give a firm stand and never talk about it again. 

9.   Never forget your past — don't forget the people who helped you.  Dive at the first opportunity to return the favor.  Don't forget the events that have shaped you.  Learn from it.

10.  Have fun — in everything you do, do your best and have fun doing it.