Train of Thought #12 - Things I've learned in HS

Written April 15th, 2024 at 11:30 pm. Published April 20th, 2024

Part of the “Train of Thought” series. See that link for more information

Here’s a list of some things I’ve learned throughout high school (in no particular order). Most of these have experiences or stories behind them.

The best way to learn is by doing and imitating: watch what someone does and imitate and improve it. Even if someone isn’t doing it perfectly, you can learn what not to do as well.
People aren’t perfect, but neither are you: don’t expect perfection from people, but also don’t expect perfection from yourself. Everyone struggles with different things.
Communication is extremely important, but it’s not always clear how and when to communicate: a lot of conflicts are caused by miscommunication or poor communication. Learning how and when to communicate well and with love is very hard sometimes.
Different groups have different cultures: you might have to adapt some, or go to other groups sometimes, or try to change the culture (though that can be very hard).
Some people are draining and others aren’t: some people or situations can be really energy draining (not just negative people), while others can be encouraging and give energy (even to an introvert).
Self awareness is very important: reflecting on your life is a great way to learn.
Confidence lessens awkwardness: the more confident you are the less awkward you will seem. If you act like you know what you’re doing, others will often believe you.
Awkwardness is rarely one sided, it is also not the end of the world: awkwardness is almost always between two people. The person you’re talking to is likely feeling as awkward as you. Also awkwardness isn’t something to be feared (especially when learning how to interact socially, which requires a lot of trial and error).
The essence of who you are cannot be put in a box: you are too complex to be defined. By a stereotype, by words, or by anything. You don’t just fit into a category.
People can react in ways you never would have expected: sometimes people react in the weirdest or extreme ways to certain actions or circumstances, and it’s not possible for you to predict it.
People are willing to help if you ask: most people say yes if you ask them to help you with something. For example, I’ve run worship nights. To build a team, get a building, etc. all I did was ask, and people were willing or excited to help.
Time is valuable. Don’t waste it, but don’t hoard it: you don’t live forever on this earth. Spend your time wisely, but don’t stress over how you use your time.
You will fail at some things, but the successes are worth it: often a success is the one time out of many failures. Each failure teaches you something new, and ultimately you often have to try many things before something succeeds.
Prayer is powerful: do not neglect prayer. Daily prayer. Prayer with others. Prayer for others. All of it is powerful.
God has no limits: He might have you do something way beyond what you could’ve imagined.
Don’t limit your imagination: Why should we have a finite imagination if we have an infinite God?
You don’t have to date someone: never date someone just to be in a relationship. Don’t settle for less. Use wisdom.
You are learning life through trial and error, don’t be too hard on yourself: especially during high school, you are testing out how life works (friendships, relationships, the world, even yourself) through trial and error. Don’t beat yourself up over the errors, since it’s how you’re learning.
You are not stuck where you are: you can change parts of you. You can change how you act. You can learn new things.
You can learn social skills: (this one is especially for homeschoolers like me.) Even if you start in high school you can still learn social skills. You have to be willing to deal with some awkwardness though.
You learn quicker the more risks you take/the more things you try: each time you take a risk you learn something new no matter whether you fail or succeed. This is also called stepping out of your comfort zone.
You have limits: you can’t do everything for everyone. You have limited time. You have limited energy. You have limited emotional energy. etc. sometimes you have to let something go to work on something else.
You can’t make everyone like you: it’s just impossible. You’re not perfect and even the perfect man (Jesus) wasn’t liked by everyone. People sometimes even dislike you for the good things you do.
Organizing things can take a lot of mental space even if it doesn’t take much of your time: after organizing a few events, the time spent organizing the event might not be much, but it ends up being in the back of your mind a lot. Keeping track of everything you’re planning on paper or a google doc or something can be helpful. Also putting things you need to do on a calendar to get them out of your head.
Have fun and don’t stress over your life: fun is important. It’s not a waste of time. It helps reduce stress and build friendships. Don’t always be planning the future or dwelling on the past. Spend time in the moment enjoying life and the people you have.