As some people seem to know instinctively, and as study after study have shown, there is more to being successful in life than standardized test scores and good grades. Don’t get me wrong; these things are important, but they are not the only criteria for happiness and prosperity. So, how do we help young men and women learn the lessons that will enable them to do well in school and in life?
A recent article in The Muse, entitled “Why Resilient People Are Happier—and How to Be More Like Them,” discusses certain
guidelines we can follow that may allow us to be more optimistic, maintain a
sense of perspective, be able to take things in stride, and rebound after we
have encountered difficulties. These are the suggested eight “rules”:
- Get the support you need.
- Realize it’s just part of life.
- Make healthy choices.
- Remember to laugh.
- Be nice to others.
- Get the ball rolling.
- Look at the bright side.
- Don’t make the same mistake again.
Although these
guidelines may seem obvious, all too often, they are forgotten or ignored in
moments of disappointment or when people feel overwhelmed. For example,
as we often tell our students, we neither expect nor even want them to be
perfect; but we do desire that they learn from their mistakes, so they can do
better the next time and not repeat their earlier errors. We also want
students to understand the importance of eating well and the value of
exercising on a daily basis as a way to remain healthy and maintain a sense of
balance in their lives. When students feel stressed, these habits will
support their continued health. Maybe posting these eight guidelines on
the refrigerator door for all to see may help your children when they’re feeling
blue or down. If nothing else, it may generate a conversation that may
help your children as they grapple with difficult situations.
