Education Gaps: What Schools Don't Teach

In school, we're introduced to a broad spectrum of subjects: math, language, geography, reading, and writing. We delve into historical literature, dissecting themes from Shakespeare to Austen, yet there's a glaring absence in our curriculum. There's no class on self-improvement, no guide on taking control of one's life, and certainly no lessons on achieving financial freedom.

The books we're assigned to read are steeped in classic literature, but they seldom touch on personal growth, understanding debt, navigating taxes, the intricacies of trading, the importance of saving, or the psychology of motivation and discipline. Our education system seems predominantly geared towards preparing us for employment, teaching skills required to perform specific jobs. While this is undeniably important, it leaves a significant void in essential life skills that we'll require well beyond our school years.

Throughout my time in high school, I noticed this gap more acutely. With the support of my family and government-backed financial aid for university, I breezed through high school, indulging in video games, fantasy novels, and social time with friends. It was only when I faced the independence of university life that I realized how unprepared I was for managing my own learning and life. The habit of procrastination grew, leading to an extended academic journey for both my bachelor's and master's degrees.

This experience underscored a fundamental truth: schools focus on academic achievement, but they often miss out on teaching us how to manage our lives holistically. Although mastering algebra or understanding historical events is valuable, the skills to handle personal finance, maintain physical and mental health, or foster personal growth are equally, if not more, crucial for a successful, well-rounded life.

This educational gap, where we're left to learn life's most practical lessons on our own, has profound implications. It means we must take it upon ourselves to bridge these gaps, to educate ourselves beyond the classroom, and to cultivate habits and knowledge that schools don't cover. This realization was the beginning of my journey towards taking charge of my own learning and life management, which I'll explore further in the following sections.

From Dependence to Independence: My Path to Self-Reliance

The transition from high school to university was a stark awakening for me. Living independently for the first time, I was suddenly responsible for managing my own time—a stark contrast to the structured environment I was accustomed to. My habits quickly shifted towards procrastination which extended my time in academia. Although I spend more time in acedemia then I would have liked, the time spend was invaluable to get to where I am now. It was during these extended years that I recognized the limitations of relying solely on external support; my success was now dependent on how I managed my own schedule and commitments. I learned to foster discipline, establishing small, daily study habits that didn't depend on fleeting motivation. This approach not only helped me complete my education but also taught me about the essence of self-reliance. The lesson was clear: support systems are vital, but they're no replacement for personal drive and habit formation. My academic journey was a profound lesson in self-management, emphasizing that true success in life requires us to master our own capabilities before anything else.

Preparing for the Golden Years: Fitness, Nutrition, Mental Health, and Financial Savvy

It wasn't until later in life that it became crystal clear to me how crucial fitness, nutrition, mental health, and financial education are for maintaining an active and independent lifestyle into your 60s and 70s.

1. Building and maintaining muscle isn't just for aesthetics; it's about preserving your ability to move freely, live independently, and enjoy activities well into old age. I learned this the hard way, realizing that regular physical activity was not optional but essential.
2. Nutrition goes beyond eating a variety of foods. It's about knowing what's in your food, the balance of nutrients, and how to avoid the pitfalls of modern diets high in sugars and processed fats. This knowledge was a game-changer for me.
3. Mental health is just as critical. Without proper care, including adequate rest and ongoing education, we risk mental exhaustion. The mind, much like the body, needs maintenance and nourishment to function at its best.
4. Despite taking an accounting class, I found myself unprepared for managing a mortgage, growing assets, or achieving financial independence. I began to fill this gap in knowledge by gathering more information online, through financial podcasts, video's and other media. This highlighted a significant gap in our education system, one that leaves us reliant on trading time for money rather than leveraging knowledge for wealth.

The lesson here was clear: we must educate ourselves, monitor our progress, and continually improve in fitness, nutrition, mental health, and finance. It's not just about knowing; it's about doing. Understanding these elements has transformed my approach to life. It's not just about surviving into old age but thriving. This journey of self-education and habit formation across fitness, nutrition, mental health, and finance is the blueprint for a truly wealthy life - one rich in health, happiness, and financial stability.

Building Better Habits: My Ongoing Journey

In my quest for a healthier, more productive life, I've slowly integrated several habits that have made significant impacts, and I'm continually working on refining these practices:

1. Nutrition Overhaul: To eat more healthily, I eliminated snacks and sodas from my household. This simple yet effective change helped curb unhealthy cravings and made nutritious choices the default option.
2. Work Environment Optimization: For better efficiency, I removed video games from my computer, creating a clear distinction between work and leisure environments. This physical separation aids in maintaining focus when it's time to work and enjoying downtime without distraction.
3. Fitness Tracking and Social Accountability: I monitor my progress in the gym meticulously, but I've also learned that sharing goals with friends can be a powerful motivator. This social accountability ensures I stay committed to my fitness goals.
4. Continuous Learning Through Podcasts: I've made it a habit to listen to podcasts daily, focusing on finance and other self-improvement topics. This keeps me informed and inspired, providing a constant stream of ideas and strategies to enhance my life.
5. Reading More: I'm currently working on increasing my book reading, understanding that literature can offer deep insights and broaden my perspective in ways few other activities can.

The primary purpose of these articles is not just to journal my personal journey but to share these insights in the hope that others might find value in them. My aim is to provide a roadmap, or at least a collection of signposts, for anyone looking to improve their life in similar areas. Whether it's through adopting healthier eating habits, optimizing your work environment, or engaging in lifelong learning, my experiences are here for you to learn from, adapt, and perhaps inspire your own path towards a wealthier life in health, mind, and finance. I would love to hear about your own habit-forming experiences or any questions you might have. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your stories—how have you managed to build or break habits in your life? Let's learn from each other!