I was interviewing Bernie Williams at Yankee Stadium last year, and he caught my attention when he mentioned how just because someone is good at baseball, doesn't make them good at everything. It doesn't mean you're good at PR, marketing, media, or good with fans.
I felt like this statement of Bernie's could be applied to all different facets of society. In my new book Living On Purpose, I talk about how just because some kids in school got good grades on their tests doesn't necessarily mean they're the smartest in life. In fact, a lot of the time they aren't.
There is a stigma about grades and how much money you've made. One of the pillars of success is to make money; sure, but I think it's critical for parents to come up with a more realistic view of success and communicate that to their kids instead. You don't have to be the wealthiest to be the happiest.
Many people think that money is the answer to all the questions in life. It's not.
The definition of wealth is well-being. If wealth doesn't have to signify money, wealth should signify well-being, which encompasses everything: your health, family, friends, money, and more. Are you able to do what you want to do? How much of your life do you enjoy?
These days, my cry to educators is "how do we implement more of these kinds of things into our curriculum." Kids don't know how to write a check when they leave school, or be a good husband or wife.
Wouldn't you say it's more important to take a class in parenting than taking the same history class for the second or third time? With some of the major issues we're seeing so frequently across society today (spousal abuse, inappropriate behavior, etc.), is it too much to ask for more education on that?
My song of the day today is "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons. I love this song because it reminds me of my childhood. Here are some of the lyrics from the song:
"Kids were laughing in my classes
While I was scheming for the masses
Who do you think you are?
Dreaming 'bout being a big star
They say you're basic, they say you're easy
You're always riding in the backseat
Now I'm smiling from the stage
While you were clapping in the nose bleeds"
I grew up in an upper middle class neighborhood, and lots of kids treated me poorly because I was poor. But look at me now. School failed me, and I still ended up on top.
What do you think? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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Quote of the Day: "School failed me, and I failed the school" - Albert Einstein
Song of the Day: "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons
*My latest book; "Living on Purpose: Stories about Faith, Fortune and Fitness that will lead you to an Extraordinary Life", is now available for pre-order! Click here!*
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I like the overall message and I Absolutley agree that there should be real life courses taught to kids (parenting/budgeting finances/basic handyman type work around the house/etc). I don’t necessarily agree with “the school failed me” title. I like the extreme accountability message because it keeps you from being a victim and giving excuses. You don’t have to be good at school to just pass and get out of there. No one is saying you have to be valedictorian but making it through high school but still focusing on your true passion is not impossible by any stretch. Still agree with a lot of your message however and thank you for sharing.