10 Of The Most Valuable Lessons They Don't Teach You At School

1. The sexiest accessory (and one that suits all shapes, sizes and skin types) is confidence.

2. For a top notch resume to help you get the dream job, grab the best sentences out of references people have written for you, and put it in your resume (like the Herald Sun uses quotes to get readers' attention!) This way, you communicate who you are, as fast as possible.

3. Take control over situations you're placed in. So often we fall into a way of thinking that we must do something a certain way, because that's the way it has always been done. At school, many of us fall into the trap of believing that the ENTER score is the be-all and end-all of our future. In truth, there are many different pathways to get to where you want to be, alternative options, such as work experience. TAFE and short courses. If you can declare situations in how you want it them be, instead of being taken in by how they looks, you'll have achieved a feat many are yet to accomplish. The extent of your own desire is your only limitation.

4. Channel and take control over your thoughts. We each create and release thousands of thoughts each day. But, have you ever considered how many of these thoughts are negative, self-belittling thoughts? 'I'm ugly', 'This top looks terrible on me', 'She's so much prettier than me?'Imagine if you channelled all of your negativity and all of your pessimistic thoughts into positive ones, what sort of person you would become. Master yourself, and you can master anything.*

5. Have a goal, or several! Whether you're studying, working, or searching for a job, do it with your goal/s in mind. Even if you goal is as simple as, 'that I want to learn as much as possible', live with your goal in mind. Map out steps of how you plan to achieve it, what you need to do and know in preparation to reach it.

6. When you write a goal, write it in the present sense, as if it's already happening. If your goal is to get an A in Maths, write is as you envisage it happening, along with the feelings you imagine you'll feel upon reaching that goal. For example, you would write, 'I am looking at my final report with a big A in Mrs Smith's rounded writing, and I am absolutely over the moon!'*

7. Challenge yourself. Try and step outside of your comfort zone every day, as this is how you will truly grow mentally and spiritually. Whether it's talking to someone you've always wanted to strike up a conversation with, but have never had the guts to, or planning a trip overseas, or even going sky diving, try and do something regularly that pushes you out of that comfort zone! After all, isn't it better to regret something you've done, than regret something you never got to do?

8. Appreciate the elderly. They've seen much more than you have, and have many stories to tell and insights to share. We don't possibly have enough time in a single lifetime to make all the mistakes ourselves, so we should try and learn from others' blunders and slip-ups.

9. Never underestimate the power of networking. Network, make and maintain contacts, acquaintances and friends that range across the divides of race, age and religion.

10. Not even brains can take the place of hard work & passion. Passion is far more highly regarded than skills. Skills can be taught, but passion is the foundation for learning, and needs to come from within you.

Rachel Flitman

* These inspirational ideas came from reading 'The Mastery Club', a book about using potential to dramatically improve your life.