Are the Things We Were Taught Actually Effective?

We were taught to do things in a certain way, so it feels right to do them that way. We usually don't question what we've learned. We just assume that the method that feels right must be the most effective. But that's not always true!

Being Busy is Overrated

The more tasks and activities we squeeze into our days, the more important we feel. We glow with pride when we rush from one thing to the next, when we take on yet another new project.

What are we actually achieving with all this busyness? Not as much as we think. We could accomplish more by doing less, while focusing on the things that matter the most. Effective achievers take charge of their time and their priorities by making plans and by learning how to say "no."

Getting High Grades in School is Overrated Too

In school, we were taught to follow the rules and get good grades. Most people never stop to think if this is really necessary. It turns out the people who become the highest achievers as adults -- the visionaries, the people who run the world or change it -- were not the "good" students who did what they were told and tried to get high grades in every subject. Instead, they focused on their passions and cared more about learning than grades.

In fact, a study of hundreds of millionaires found that their average GPA in college was  2.9.

Don't Believe It When You Are Told You Need to Fit In

In many organizations, you may feel pressure to fit in, to adapt to the expectations of others. But think about the most successful organizations. What creates their success is innovation -- and that requires people who think differently.

You may be getting mixed messages. On the one hand, there is pressure to conform. On the other hand, in a job interview, you will probably be asked what makes you stand out.

Which message should you pay attention to? If you conform, you will probably get by, but if you want to achieve higher-than-average levels of success, you need to dare to be different.

Evaluate What You've Been Taught

Just because you've been taught to do something a certain way, doesn't mean it's the best way. Instead of acting out of habit, consciously evaluate the way you do things to discover what works best.

But most importantly - have a great Memorial day!