I spent 13 years at school. I learnt about life under the Romans, the inner workings of a frog and how to operate a Bunsen burner. It’s had a deeply profound impact on my life – there’s not a day goes by when I don’t use a Bunsen burner for something!
Paul McGee
But what I didn’t learn at school was practical ways of how to get the best out of myself, how to get the best out of others and how to get the best out of life.
However, after losing my job several years ago due to the debilitating illness M.E. (or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) it triggered a quest to find answers to those crucially important life questions.
Now fully recovered and delivering motivational talks globally, here’s some lessons I’ve gained from the university of life.
Start appreciating who you are rather than regretting who you aren’t. (Every minute you spend wishing you had someone’s life is a minute spent wasting yours).
Understand that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s the key to your success and sanity. Just be careful it doesn’t lead to self-obsession.
Stop comparing your unedited life with the edited version of someone else’s. When you play the comparison game you always lose.
Resign from being general manager of the universe. Be supportive but less controlling of other people.
Avoid ‘escalators’ and ‘drama queens’. They love to escalate issues, drum up dramas and make mountains out of mole hills. They can also suck the life out of you.
Break the golden rule. Don’t treat people as you want to be treated. Treat people as they want to be treated. Recognise what floats your boat might not necessarily float other people’s.
Remember life is not an advert. It’s the main show. Soak it in. Savour it. Enjoy ‘now’ rather than continually focusing on ‘what’s next?’
Don’t hope for happy times – plan them. Life rewards action not wishful thinking.
Don’t be a T.O.A.T. – someone who Talks Only About Themselves. Share centre stage with others and develop your listening skills.
Remember it’s purpose more than pounds in your pocket that brings the greatest life satisfaction. Money is nice but discovering a sense of meaning matters more.
You might not learn these lessons at school but they really are crucial if you want to experience success, fulfillment and happiness in life.
Paul McGee is a conference speaker, seminar presenter and best-selling author. His latest book is How to Have a Great Life: 35 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Success, Fulfillment and Happiness (Capstone, June 2018). He is one of the UK’s leading speakers on change, inspiring leadership and communicating with confidence. His thought provoking, humorous and practical approach to life has seen him speak in 41 countries and he’s sold over 200,000 books worldwide. In 2002 he created the brand SUMO (Shut Up, Move On). To find out more about his work visit www.thesumoguy.com
