How To Make The Most Out Of Schooling
Today I read a post by Dave Askaripour asking if any entrepreneurs had experienced the physical hatred of school that he had come to recognise as he was finishing up University, and whether anyone had solutions to coping with the problem.
This struck a chord with me on 2 notes. Firstly, I’m still in full-time education from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon and secondly, Im having a hard time maintaining enthusiasm for school/college life. Everyday I feel like school is a drag and much like David, I feel that my time could be better spent working as an internet entrepreneur, growing my online businesses, making more money and developing my skills in an online respect.
However, as the question asked I did have a solution. This solution at the moment keeps me sane throughout the working day, and helps me to return home at the end of the day feeling invigorated and not a nervous-wreck after a hectic day at college. So what is this simple solution I hear you ask at your computer? Find aspects of each lesson and minute you spend at school, realise how it will affect your future as an entrepreneur, and enjoy doing it.
OK – I may need to break this down a bit. Say for example you’re in an Economics class (which is by far my most favourite subject) and you’re feeling bored and lethargic. Listen to what your teacher is teaching you about supply and demand, or economies of scale. Realise that this may relate to a time in the future when you’ve got a product and don’t know how much to price it at (look at the equilibrium market price). Then pay attention to what the prof is saying and start to enjoy the lessons.
In theory, this sounds easy. A short and sweet: stop, listen and learn. But we all know that the answer and the practical side is hard. There’s so many distractions at school – your mates sniggering in the back row, the football match going on outside the classroom window, that packet of crisps that you’re dying to eat, and that text message you need to send. But there’s hometime for that. Focus, focus and focus will help you through your day and by thinking ahead to your life as a fulltime ‘preneur, you’ll start to realise how other subjects will help.
English for example is a good one. Whilst you might not feel on top of the world writing a 2000 word essay, when it comes down to it, you’re merely practising your writing skills. This in turn will help communication with buyers, sellers and investors when you’re online and may also help your blogging fingers turn into turbo writers for posts.
David also mentions the social aspect of school. This is very important. School, college and university are breeding grounds for learning the marketing ropes. When you talk to your mates everyday, you’re infact learning the art of confidence which will come in handy when you’re pitching about your new Web 5.0 idea in the future.
Don’t be a recluse and think about your online earnings whilst at school (which is another point mentioned in David’s Book – Young and Hungry: The New Entrepreneur). You’re only at school once in your life so make the most of it by going out, socialising and meeting people that may turn out to be great business contacts in the future.
To conclude – school shouldn’t just be seen as a slog-house. Schools are there to teach, and whilst the history of France may not seem interesting at the time, it may just help you to swing that deal around when you’re chatting with a French contact. Live, listen and learn while you’re at school and you’ll be laughing when you’re in the real world.
