The majority of your time at school feels like you’re focusing on math, science, history and social studies. Beyond the test scores and endless homework are other skills you’re gaining that will help you build the successful life you truly desire.
Skills that help you develop character, courage and determination during challenging times are as important as knowing your history and math. It’s critical that you develop a belief in your own ability to succeed during this time of immense physical, emotional and intellectual change. It’s even more important that you establish a belief that God desires for you to succeed. And know that He will help you succeed with the plan that He has set before you. If you truly believe that God has a purpose for your future, you’ll be more likely to see difficult tasks as something to conquer rather than avoid.
The skills and values that will help you lead a successful life range from respecting authority to understanding that mistakes are a part of life. But here are six simple skills that can make a big impact on your future:
Learn to listen.
Your willingness to listen is a direct reflection of how much you value other people. Listening isn’t just about hearing what someone says. It’s about engaging with what they say. That means you allow their words and ideas to influence your life. The ability to listen enhances qualities like curiosity, empathy and selflessness. The best way to learn how to become a good listener is to have a mentor or other adult who consistently gives you wise insight and advice so you can intently listen. By learning to listen to others, you’ll inherently learn to hear God’s inner voice speaking to you. Through His guidance in your life, you’ll more readily understand His love for you.
Manage stress.
Stress is a substantial part of your life, therefore it’s important to understand the role it plays so you can learn how to deal with it appropriately. There are healthy and unhealthy outlets for handling stress.
Healthy outlets for stress include the following:
- exercise
- talking
- crying
- spending time with God
- creative pursuits
- venting anger through words and exercise in safe environments
Unhealthy outlets include:
- withdrawing and bottling up feelings
- overeating or restricting food
- inappropriate aggressive behavior
- relying on passive activities like TV and video games
- alcohol and drug use
- premature sexual activity
- blaming others
Stress isn’t typically something that you purposefully inflict upon yourself. Satan places heavy burdens on you. God wants to help carry your load. So, give it to God and trust Him your troubles. Only then can He free you from unnecessary hardship.
Vent anger.
Our society has created this idea that once we obtain success, we’ll no longer experience anything negative. This idea sets you up for failure and doesn’t prepare you for reality. Satan will always try to tear you down, especially as you grow closer to God. By embracing the truth that life is not always easy, you can realize healthy expectations rather than unrealistic ideals.
Knowing that negativity is part of life and that it shouldn’t be bottled up, neglected or ignored will help you feel normal when facing life’s ups and downs. By grasping the normalcy of negativity, you’re empowering yourself to deal with it in a healthy manner. Satan thrives on negativity, fear and anger, but the Holy Spirit desires kindness, gentleness, patience and peace. So, instead of holding onto anger and fear, let it go. Find relief by venting your anger and frustration and live in the fruitfulness of the Spirit.
Reject victimization.
It’s easy to feel like a victim in a society that’s failing you. You may have family members who have hurt you. You may live in a high-stressed situation involving a single parent or a mixed family. You may be influenced by poverty, oppression or sexism. There are so many people and situations in your life that cause pain, and every day you’re confronted with these realities.
You must learn to separate the experience of literally being a victim from the mentality of feeling like a victim. Society is trying to mold you into something that you are not. But God knows who you are and what you’re made of. He will never hurt nor harm you. God will give you the strength you need to rise above the situation and pursue healing. Let Christ be your rescue and rely on Him to lift you out of the pit. He hears your prayers and He already has a plan set in motion to free you from your burdens.
Value humor.
God has an extensive sense of humor, and He loves to see you laugh. Being able to laugh throughout life creates healthy healing and being a humorous person can develop happy and healthy relationships. Having friendships with people who enjoy positive humor will help you learn to trust people. You’ll also be able to build stronger, more well-rounded relationships, so learn to pursue people who enjoy the humor in life. It’s important to learn to laugh at yourself. Life is funny, so welcome amusement.
Seek God.
God is more in control of your future than you are, so seek after Him and you’ll discover His opinion of success. He’ll satisfy your every need and provide for you in unexpected ways. He will give you the strength and courage to overcome every obstacle as well as experience true joy.
While you’re heading back to school, and you’re dreading another math class, think about all the valuable lessons you can learn in and out of the classroom all year long. God created you to be a strong, beautiful woman – go and be that person.
