4 Crucial Life Skills You Need to Learn Before You Turn 21

We live in a VUCA world - Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous - this summary has been used in the last few decades to better understand the fundamental nature of the world we live in to inspire informed planning and decision-making. But, as the world recovers from a global pandemic, VUCA now seems inadequate to appropriately describe the world around us. The more relevant acronym for the present times is BANI - Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible. And in this BANI world, your success is determined, more often than not, by the investments you make in yourself beyond the basic formal education. While formal education equips you with knowledge, there are essential life skills that are often overlooked but play a crucial role in shaping your character and future.

That being said, this article will take you through 5 essential life skills that directly predict professional and personal success. These skills will not only empower you to navigate the complexities of adulthood but also help you become the best version of yourself.

1. People Skills

Communication is the cornerstone of every successful relationship, whether personal or professional. Learning to articulate your thoughts and emotions clearly and confidently is a skill that will benefit you throughout your life, irrespective of the career path you choose. Practise active listening, empathy, and the art of constructive feedback. Mastering effective communication and essential people skills will enable you to build meaningful connections, resolve conflicts, and collaborate harmoniously with others. Remember, words have immense power, and honing your communication skills will give you an edge in all aspects of life.

2. EQ + IQ

In a world that is obsessed with academic achievements and technical skills, emotional intelligence tends to be undervalued. However, understanding and managing your own emotions while being sensitive to the emotions of others is essential for your personal and professional success. Cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. Learn to handle stress, develop coping mechanisms, and build healthy relationships. Emotional intelligence will not only help you make sound decisions in life but also help you navigate the complexities of human interactions with humility, grace, and compassion.

3. Shouldering Responsibility

Existential crises are becoming increasingly common among young adults venturing out into the professional world for the first time. People often struggle to find the most basic, intrinsic motivation to push through and succeed in everyday tasks. As existential questions pile up and you feel stuck, it becomes easy to forget that bearing the burden of some responsibility despite the difficulty is what gives meaning to our lives and inspires us in our pursuits. In today’s world where escapism is becoming the norm, it is crucial to learn to shoulder responsibilities and see them through to fruition. Not only does it dramatically improve your self-esteem and self-confidence, but it shows the anxious world around you that you are a truly reliable person, even in the most difficult of times. Although not spoken about much, it is an extremely impactful skill to have in your arsenal.?

4. Financial Literacy

As you step into adulthood, the significance of financial literacy cannot be stressed enough. The ability to manage your personal finances, create budgets, save, invest, and understand the basics of economics is crucial for long-term financial well-being. Educate yourself on topics such as taxation, debt management, credit scores, investing and long-term financial planning. With financial literacy, you will gain the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary debt, and secure a stable future.

As you prepare yourself for your professional life, remember that true success is not solely determined by academic achievements or material possessions. It is also predicated upon the development of essential life skills that will shape the quality of your life and the impact you have on others. By mastering effective communication, emotional intelligence, the ability to bear responsibility, and financial literacy, you will equip yourself with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges of adulthood with confidence and grace.