Well, let's assume you have successfully survived school and out in the real world. Your academic knowledge is top-notch. You have no disciplinary records and were a model student. You were even the captain of the sports team! No school record deems you as anywhere near mediocre. Perfect. All is well. Now comes the part where we will focus on the tertiary skills which school never took a class on. Stuff that are, and we stress on this, fundamentally important to cope in the jungle and excel effortlessly. These are the things you may have adapted to and learned indirectly, nothing new at all, but if you haven't yet, it may cause problems for the rest of your life.
Managing the clock
There's a reason this point starts the list, because it is most vital. Managing your day according to a schedule and fitting all the parts in is as important as adding milk to your cereal. It is one of the highest valued skills that are appreciated in the world of employment, or entrepreneurship, whichever floats your cereal. But the part where most fail isn't sticking to a plan, but making it effectively. Face it, you can't start studying at 7:50 pm when you just came home from a date at 7:40 pm, you know what you will be thinking about. Be real when laying the plan out, and stick to it.
Feeling empathy
An underestimated trait, but caring for other people and having a heart (yes you do) is needed. You must know how others feel and have the ability to empathize for them. Otherwise, how are you human? Being nice to people has an effect, it makes you feel as if your life has a meaning and a purpose behind it. There are bigger things than getting what you want. It is about how you get it.
Sleeping right
Oh yes, we won't linger here. But again, we stress that you get an ample amount of sleep and make sure that sleep was a good one. By a good one, we mean a sound snooze. A pass out at 4am to find yourself in an undefined yoga position in bed at 3pm isn't helping you in any way. Try waking up early. Your head will be clearer and you can plan your day better.
I'm okay, it's gonna be fine
You talk to yourself, don't you? Oh no we aren't judging, but rather encouraging it. Thing is, there will be times where no one will be beside you and all you have is yourself. Knowing how and when to give yourself a positive pep talk will help not only in that moment, but it will even give you more sound opinions and judgments to yourself.
Reaping today, sleeping tomorrow
Okay this one we can't stress enough, and we are even sure you were ticked off by it. The trait is being consistent. You may be amazingly efficient for a day or two (before exams for instance), but many feel they deserve a break after and “need a breather” and let go. Yes you deserve a break, and always keep some time for yourself, but you shouldn't just let go of the drive.
Excuse me?
If you are a quiet one in school, this one is for you. Asking the teacher or others for help is extremely necessary. Why? Because you clearly have a problem which they can solve and you can learn. A win-win. No one will think anything of you if you wish to learn, and many are afraid to be seen as incompetent and weak. It is in fact the opposite, for you will be seen as curious and willing to learn. If you don't know something, and need to, this trait will come in as invaluable.
Listening
Knowing when to listen, with attentiveness, is such a rare and vital trait that we can't begin to explain. Everyone is so willing to give their own opinions that they never really learned to hear out other people first. Try it, stay quiet and be attentive as others talk, and speak after. (For instant results, apply on parents)