The Life-Changing Advice That Has Shaped My Perspective: Lessons Learned from Teachers, Family, and Beyond

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Advice is a curious thing that can affect us in different ways. Sometimes we crave it when we are unsure or confused; sometimes we reject it when we are confident or stubborn. Sometimes it’s beneficial and enlightening; other times it’s harmful and misleading. But there are rare occasions when some advice stays with us for a long time. Whether it originates from your grandma’s wisdom, a friend’s experience, or a song’s lyrics, some advice connects with us on a deeper level than we ever anticipated.

Over the years I have gotten various words of wisdom from different people - some I met with physically like my teachers in secondary school and older people from my community, others I got from watching movies, reading novels or just listening to music. In the next few paragraphs I would be highliting some of best advice I've gotten and how it has shaped my life so far.

I'm going to start with an advice I got from my math teacher in secondary school. He told me “Don’t settle for mediocrity. You have to take action to achieve your goals – if you are truly passionate about something, you will find a way to make it happen. And if you think that’s too hard, it probably means you don’t care enough about it.” These words have stayed with me over the years and have motivated me to pursue excellence in all aspects of my life. They have taught me the importance of being persistent and dedicated in my pursuits, and not to settle for anything less than what I am capable of achieving.

Another valuable piece of advice that has influenced me is to "never stop being curious, always ask questions, explore the unknown and try new things. Life is about discoveries, and it doesn't help anyone to be stuck." This advice has taught me to be open-minded and to embrace new experiences. It has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore unfamiliar territories, which has broadened my perspective and allowed me to discover new passions and interests(photography and writing).

Some pictures I took in school

"Control the controllable, let the rest go," is another piece of advice that has guided me in my personal and professional life. It has taught me the value of focusing on the factors I can influence rather than lamenting the ones I cannot. By focusing my attention on the things I can alter and letting go of the things beyond of my control, this guidance has enabled me to be more productive and less anxious.

"Don't set yourself on fire to keep others warm" is another piece of advice that has had a significant impact on my life. I've learned to put my needs first and not put off taking care of myself in order to please others. This advice has helped me to establish healthy boundaries in my relationships and has taught me to value my own needs and desires.

Lastly, an advice I got from my father, "Your life is your responsibility," has taught me to take ownership of my life and the decisions I make. It has taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my actions and the impact they have on my life and the lives of those around me. This advice has motivated me to be accountable for my own success and happiness, rather than relying on others to provide it for me.

In conclusion, the advice we receive in life can have a significant impact on us. Whether it comes from our teachers, family members, friends, or even strangers, the right advice can shape our perspective, guide our decisions, and influence our lives in ways we never thought possible. The advice I have received has taught me to strive for excellence, embrace new experiences, focus on what I can control, prioritize my own needs, and take ownership of my life.