{"id":208,"date":"2021-02-04T08:23:20","date_gmt":"2021-02-04T07:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nestorescobar.com\/?p=208"},"modified":"2021-02-04T08:23:20","modified_gmt":"2021-02-04T07:23:20","slug":"40-lessons-learned-in-four-decades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nestorescobar.com\/2021\/02\/40-lessons-learned-in-four-decades\/","title":{"rendered":"40+ lessons learned in four decades"},"content":{"rendered":"
A few months ago, I turned forty. Not that I noticed any difference in my day-to-day life, but the awareness of the time that has passed made me think that life goes by very fast.<\/p>\n
At the same time, this reality has led me to ask myself what I have gained from these years. Can I say that I have learned from my experiences, or have I simply let time pass?<\/p>\n
Not long ago, I have had the opportunity to read some authors who have written their reflections of life and addressed them to their younger selves. I thought it was a curious literary exercise to share some of the ideas that have come to my mind:<\/p>\n
You are the result of your decisions, especially the ones that seem the smallest.<\/p>\n
You are not alone on this journey. There are other fellow travelers to whom you owe a lot.<\/p>\n
Your friendships determine your decisions more than you think.<\/p>\n
Adversities are nothing more than opportunities to discover what you are capable of achieving.<\/p>\n
Failures are the best learning tools, especially if those are taken with humility.<\/p>\n
Good relationships are much more valuable than you think.<\/p>\n
Help. A small gesture, which seems insignificant to you, can make a big difference to others.<\/p>\n
Accept challenges. You will be surprised at what you will accomplish if you try.<\/p>\n
Perseverance pays off, although it may take longer than you intend. Be patient.<\/p>\n
Your parents can be your best advisors. At the same time, be patient and considerate. They are also learning.<\/p>\n
Learning is continuous and often is not cumulative; on the contrary, it involves learning and unlearning.<\/p>\n
You can find wisdom in the most unexpected places, people, and moments.<\/p>\n
Learning about other cultures opens your mind to other worlds and realities that you had no idea existed.<\/p>\n
Travel. But, if you can’t do it in person, do it through reading.<\/p>\n
Your perspective may seem logical and even the only correct one. But being open to dialogue will show you that there is much more beyond your ideas.<\/p>\n
History has shown that, at times, the majority can be wrong. Remember, you and I can be wrong too.<\/p>\n
The majority opinion is not a symbol of wisdom or a guarantee of certainty but popularity.<\/p>\n
Don’t use your generosity as a bargaining chip. If you do, it ceases to be generosity and becomes extortion.<\/p>\n
Helping others does not give you power or authority over their decisions.<\/p>\n
Give without expecting anything in return. The reward will come at the most unexpected moment.<\/p>\n
It is good to seek to be an excellent professional, but it is better if it comes accompanied by being a good person.<\/p>\n
The truth will get you further than your excuses.<\/p>\n
Having initiative can open you the door to a wide variety of opportunities, many more than you now imagine.<\/p>\n
Mercy is remarkably more eloquent than punishment.<\/p>\n
The value of an opportunity given to others is incalculable.<\/p>\n
Forgive even if the other does not seem to deserve it. You, too, have been and will need to be forgiven more than once.<\/p>\n
Your best intentions may end in unfortunate results. Remember: so can the intentions of others.<\/p>\n
Step out of your comfort zone. There is much to discover beyond your limits.<\/p>\n
The best gifts cost nothing still can be worth a great deal to the recipient.<\/p>\n
There are no perfect relationships. There are relationships in which the participants act to make it possible.<\/p>\n
Your children can be one of the best sources of education for life.<\/p>\n
A true friend is still there despite time or distance.<\/p>\n
Your influence is much more powerful than you may think. Use it for good.<\/p>\n
A good education is fundamental. Continuing education is indispensable.<\/p>\n
The best way to learn is to do and teach others to do.<\/p>\n
You may or may not have a natural talent for some disciplines, but training and practice are the keys to achieving it.<\/p>\n
You may have some disadvantages if you compare yourself with the rest, but it is possible with perseverance.<\/p>\n
Be aware of your limitations, but don’t let them stop you from progressing.<\/p>\n
Your weaknesses can become your greatest strength.<\/p>\n
Being authentic is much more valuable than just good impressions.<\/p>\n
Love received and given unconditionally is the most significant source of change.<\/p>\n
Your truth is a subjective perception of reality. Therefore, it must be under continuous revision.<\/p>\n
Your real value is not in what you have, how you see yourself, how others see you, or what you consider to be your accomplishments.<\/p>\n
God is the only one who gives true meaning, purpose, and value to life. Knowing Him is the most incredible privilege and a lifelong task. Everything else passes away, and sometimes very quickly.<\/p>\n
You may not have encountered original, radical, or life-changing concepts. But many of these ideas have changed my life. Most of them are ideas that I have learned from others but have resonated with me at particular times. I am sure that I will need to remember them or even revisit some of them at some point.<\/p>\n
What have you learned over the years? Share your learning!<\/p>\n