BRILLIANT LESSON

In this article, ‘BRILLIANT LESSON’ we will explore five valuable lessons and five important habits you can’t ignore or afford to learn or practice too late. Times have changed — people have changed emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. What hasn’t changed is the nature of life lessons and habits. 

Over the past forty-three years, I have had to endure specific life lessons, but in the end, they become habits that would impact my life forever. These life lessons and habits helped in my personal development and professional performance. Over ten years, I have spent countless hours preparing and practicing the use of these essential keys to a fulfilling and prosperous existence. 

Now. . . Let me share a short story of a young student. Being the field of education/exploration. I am faced with different issues or challenges from students. But this one reminded me of myself. This young student has a case of lost personality and values — He refuses to value the truth. He refuses to change his attitude in learning or outward behaviors toward others. I expressed to him yesterday, that if these areas didn’t change. Life’s challenges will hold greater consequences. Now I know, that someone will scoff or negatively criticize my professional style of handling situations like this because people have changed their life lessons (values & principles) and habits (attitudes). But life is a continuous journey of habits, experiences, and learning. With those areas comes growth. And with that growth comes the pain of resentment or the pain of fulfilled results. However, when we learned to appreciate these values of experience and successful habit-making. They can significantly impact your overall well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in life. These lessons and habits encompass communication, time management, relationship building, continuous learning, self-awareness, and most importantly self-care. 

LIFE LESSONS & HABIT MAKING DECISIONS 

1. Everything starts with effective internal and external communication. Many businesses and families are lost because we never learn the importance of this value. Some companies are starting to recognize that creating a positive corporate culture and diverse workforce isn’t just the right thing to do; business needs to grow. So, if it is important to businesses. Why isn’t it important for the family? I mean their businesses too!! 

1. Time is a non-renewable resource, and you can never get it back once it’s passed. I have told students for years when they distract from the learning process. They are stealing time from others and that’s a thief. So, managing your time effectively and prioritizing tasks that align with your goals, dreams, desires, and values is crucial. To make the most of your time, consider the following tips: A. Determine your short-term and long-term daily objectives, and use these to guide your daily tasks. B. Distractions kill actions — Identify common distractions in your environment, and minimize them while working or focusing on essential daily objectives or tasks. C. Energy Vampires or Mind Dumpers — Don’t let others waste your valuable energy or time. Only say “yes” to what motivates you toward your personal and professional ideas, dreams, or goals. 

1. Relationships are essential to life. Building relationships with family, friends, communities, and colleagues is essential for a well-rounded life. To build a strong foundation of relationships — we must start by providing love, compassion, inspiration, encouragement, guidance, and assistance during challenging times. Building and maintaining healthy relationships requires active participation in four stages of listening. Listening to learn. Listening to reflect. Listening to understand and listening to respond. 

1. Continuous learning revolutionized personal and professional growth. Many successful individuals, such as Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, etc. They all experienced numerous failures before achieving their dreams or goals. How? By embracing failure and learning from it!! They looked at it from a different perspective and learned how to differentiate it from the other experience. Helen Keller knew this very well, you see setbacks as opportunities for growth or improvement. That is the optimistic view. In fact, that is one of the titles of her books. 

1. Cultivate an environment of self-care. This ties into self-awareness as well, for when you’re aware that your self-care is diminishing, or in decay, you do something about it. Your mental or emotional health profoundly impacts your overall well-being and quality of life. Self-care is an essential component for maintaining balance and fostering happiness and satisfaction. Consider these tips, I have learned and am still practicing: A. Establish a habit of incorporating daily exercise, meditation, or journaling into your schedule. B. Set up boundaries is important and possible. Protect yourself by; limiting work at home, social obligations, and screen time. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate and fulfill you with a positive mental attitude and electrifying energy. C. Ask. . . Ask!! If you're going through a rough patch, seek a professional or someone more knowledgeable in the area. I struggle with this before my mid-30s. But after finding the right mentor/coach things became easier to understand. 

We often wonder what sets successful individuals apart from average individuals. In every book, I’ve read or workshop experience, I’ve attended. It turns out that daily experiences and habits play a significant role in shaping the lives, achievements, and successes of high performers. The fundamental truths of how those mentioned above along with these values; kindness, compassion, optimism, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude have advanced other civilizations in record numbers. To give a real foundation of truth to the ethical and logical view of why these two areas (lesson & habits) are indeed as important as breathing. Of course, those willing to read and practice the steps herein must remember — individual preferences and circumstances may vary, so finding the best habits for you are essential. I personally and professionally have been waking up between the hours of 3 AM thru 4 AM for continuous learning and meditation. In addition, I have been exercising regularly and attending our local church functions weekly. And I have been doubling down on family time. 

I genuinely believe by incorporating some or all of these daily lessons or habits into your life, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking your full- potential and achieving your desired achievements or successes.  The Emperor Marcus Aurelius stated this way; “How does your ruling reason manage itself?  For that is the key to everything.  Whatever else remains, be at in the power of your choice or not, is but a corpse and smoke.”  In a way, that is exactly what I have expressed.  What might you ask yourself throughout the day?  What influences the ruling reason that guides your life?  What habits do you need to stop and start today?  What phenomenal life lessons could you real start using?  

With gratitude, 

Resources: 

Growth Mindset, Carol Dweck

Energy Bus, Jon Gordon

Limitless, Jim Kwik 

Atomic Habits, James Clear

        

Coach Frank & Sarah Sagasta

Leadership & Life-Skills Instructor 

                     (c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023