Whatever your talent, it always makes sense at least to finish school. The school and university route to a career is still the least risky one to take. Unless you see an opportunity that will never come again in your lifetime, complete your university education, preferably leaving with a professional qualification. The reasons are: Data consistently show that generally more education corresponds with more income. … Continue reading Complete your Education
Everything you learn, every cent you earn and save, and every dollar invested has the greatest value when you start early. Those who become financially independent early are the ones who start earning when still in school, save hard in the first few years of full-time working, and invest early. Those who do well academically are often the ones who have covered the syllabus one … Continue reading Start early
This scout’s motto works just as well for learning, earning, saving, investing, and retiring. Do your homework and get things ready before you need them. Retrenched employees who survive the best are those who monitor whether their employers would need them in the next few months, and who constantly check the market for new opportunities. Shoppers who get the best deals know what they need … Continue reading Be prepared
We often hear the advice ‘work smart, not hard’. In top management, in business and among the most accomplished professionals, it is rare to see any one who only worked smart without working hard. Early in my career, I saw a training program where a certain CEO had a lot of time on his hands – he could spend time on strategy and was always … Continue reading Work smart and hard
Writers and speakers emphasize the role of networking in earning an income, but it is also important in other areas of financial independence. See every person you meet as someone who can help you now or in the future. The mistake that many people make is to pass judgment on others, killing off potential sources of contact or information. In real life, all sorts of … Continue reading Network effectively
You cannot succeed if you cannot relax. To last the distance, one has to relax deeply at regular intervals. Traditionally in China, laborers who carried heavy loads on a pole used a rhythmic motion to alternate between carrying and resting. Research shows that athletes who perform the best are those who can concentrate deeply when performing and relax deeply in between. Observation suggests that over … Continue reading Relax deeply
The ability to concentrate is one of the key factors separating those who succeed and those who don’t. One critical element in successful concentration is strengthening your will. The more committed and motivated you are, the better you can concentrate. Commit to a clear goal. You will naturally concentrate when the idea you are learning or the task you are performing fits in with your … Continue reading Concentrate
Minimize distractions in the specific place where you work. There is never a perfect place to work, but distractions can be minimized. Have a regular place for the tasks that you do alone (in the workplace or at home). Our minds associate places with certain thoughts and activities so it is easier to focus when you have a regular place. Avoid other activities in this … Continue reading Manage your environment
Find out how you can learn most effectively. This self-knowledge is valuable not only in your academic years but also through out your career and life. There are 4 pairs: read or listen, concept or detail, numbers or description, write or talk. Make the most use of your preferred mode but cover for your weak ones. If you are a reader – scan the full … Continue reading Know your Learning Style
You might as well get the best results since school takes up 10 to 13 years of your life. Many people spend another 3 to 8 years in university. Excelling in school will help you to excel in university, get scholarships, and find a good job. It is a fact that the higher the education level, generally the higher the income. Furthermore, the gap is … Continue reading Develop good study habits
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