How to Apply Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life Skills

Written By: Chip Rudolph ~ 3/19/2024

Life skills are essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities of our everyday lives. They help us solve problems, cope with stress, communicate effectively, and achieve our goals.

But where can we learn these valuable skills? One possible source is the wisdom of the past, which has been passed down through generations in the form of proverbs, sayings, and maxims. These timeless expressions offer guidance and insight on how to live well in the present. In this blog post, we explore two examples of ancient wisdom and how they help us improve our life skills.

Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You

This proverb speaks to being grateful and respectful to those who help us, support us, or provide for us. It guides us not to harm or offend others, or we might lose favor and assistance. This is valuable for such life skills as:

• Relationships - Whether family, friends, partners, or colleagues, we should value the people who care for us and contribute to our well-being. How? We can express our gratitude, show respect, and encourage their endeavors. This fosters and strengthens trust and loyalty.
  
  
• Work: Whether an employer, client, or customer, we need to value those who give us opportunities and income. We can perform tasks diligently, follow processes and expectations, and contribute to the best of our abilities. This enhances our reputation and career prospects.
  
  
• Action Tip:
  • Who has helped, supported, or provided for you recently?
    
    
  • How can you show gratitude and respect to them?

Consider sending them a handwritten thank-you note, genuinely complimenting them, offering support, or simply saying “I appreciate you.”

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Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Don’t assume or celebrate something before it happens. Being overconfident or over-optimistic can result in disappointment and even embarrassment. This is useful for such life skills as:

• Planning: Whether for a personal or professional goal, plan carefully and realistically. Consider the possible risks/obstacles and prepare for contingencies. Don’t rely on assumptions or expectations but rather on facts and evidence.
  
  
• Decision-making: Whether a big or small choice, weigh the pros and cons, and evaluate the alternatives. Try to act rationally and logically rather than impulsively or emotionally. Don’t be swayed by wishful thinking or peer pressure but instead follow your values and judgment.
  
  
• Action Tip: Consider something you are hoping or expecting to happen soon.
  • How certain are you that it will happen?
    
    
  • What are the potential challenges or uncertainties?
    
    
  • How can you prepare for them?

You can research, seek knowledge/advice, make a backup plan, or simply refine your expectations.

Words of Wisdom have been observed since biblical times and respected leaders of that wisdom have been much sought after. From the Corner Home Office shares Words of Wisdom regularly.

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