13 Life Lessons I Learnt as a Teacher

I’ve been reflecting on the many life lessons I’ve learnt as a teacher of English. For years, my classrooms haven’t just been filled with eager teenagers willing to learn; they’ve been a breeding ground for valuable business and life lessons. While I’ve also worked on many projects outside the classroom, it is the constant interaction with young minds that has provided some of the most profound lessons I’ve ever learnt. In fact, these lessons resonate deeply not just for students, but for anyone navigating the world of business.
 I have documented 13 life lessons I learnt as a teacher. Lesson one is about failure.

Lesson 1 : Learning to Fail

An illustration of failure, discussing 13 life lessons I learned as a teacher.

More than anywhere else, I have gained a unique perspective on success, resilience, and the power of learning from mistakes in the classroom. Contrary to the common belief that the real world functions differently from the classroom, these lessons hold true no matter what station in life one is at. Here are five key lessons I have learnt about failure that will resonate deeply with anyone – students and business leaders alike:

1. Failure is a Crucial Part of the Learning Process. 
Our traditional education system often views failure as the opposite of success, something to be ashamed of. Students are constantly encouraged to strive for top marks, with those falling short facing potential discouragement and even punishment. We even see this on Open Days, where parents and teachers might gang up on students for their perceived shortcomings. But here’s the secret — failure is a crucial part of the learning process. I have seen students who faltered on tests and exercises many times but eventually aced them. If you learn how to fail, that is, to look at failure as an important part of the learning process, you become strong. Failure builds resilience. It teaches us to adapt, change strategies, and try again – a valuable skill in life, and any business venture.

2. Failure Teaches You to Grow

Imagine pouring your heart into a project, only to see it fall short. Disappointing, right? Absolutely. But failure can also be a powerful wake-up call. When the goal is important to us and we fail to reach it, that forces us to wake up, to grow. It forces us to re-evaluate our approach and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes, external factors contribute to our setbacks, but by understanding why we failed to achieve a certain goal, we can refine our plans and emerge stronger. 

3. Failure Teaches More Lessons Than Success

While success offers its own rewards, some of life’s most valuable lessons come from our failures. It might teach us the importance of teamwork, humility, or seeking help. Each misstep can offer an opportunity to grow, making us more resourceful and adaptable. Think of it as a harsh teacher delivering a crucial lesson you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

4. Failure Builds Compassion

Let’s be brutally honest, failure hurts; it stings. But within that sting lies a surprising benefit – compassion. Experiencing failure first-hand makes us more understanding of others who face similar challenges. As you navigate your own life’s journey, you’ll encounter many setbacks and roadblocks. You will also encounter many who, in their life’s journey, have also faced their own moments of failure. Your own failure will teach you to be compassionate, and extend a helping hand to those struggling on their own paths.

5. Success Is Sweeter When You Have Failed a Lot

We often focus solely on the achievements of others – the perfect grades, the record-breaking sales figures or the phenomenal growth of a company. However, rarely do we stop to consider the countless failures that may have paved their path. The top student most likely stumbled along the way. The record-breaking salesperson might have faced countless rejections. The growing company might have undergone hundreds of iterations to come up with the product or service that’s responsible for its growth. Maybe the founder failed countless times before launching the successful business. The key? They learned from their mistakes and persevered. When you achieve success after facing adversity, the victory is all the sweeter, if only you show unwavering determination.

Don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace it as a learning experience, a chance to build resilience, and ultimately, a stepping stone on your journey to success. After all, the greatest businesses often emerge from the ashes of past failures. So, the next time you face a setback, remember these lessons from the classroom and use them to propel your business or brand forward. Learning to fail is the first of 13 life lessons I learnt as a teacher.

Alexander Zulu
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