7 Essential Life Skills Everyone Should Learn

Money Management

• Record the amount of money you earn each month.
• List all your expenses (like rent, food, bills)
• Compare your income and expenses
• Look for ways to spend less or earn more if needed

• Try to save a little bit of money from each paycheck
• Set up a separate savings account
• Begin with manageable goals, such as saving ₹500/1000 each month.
• Increase your savings as you can

• How credit cards work
• The importance of paying bills on time
• What is the meaning of a credit score and why it matters
• The real cost of loans and credit card debt

• Saving for retirement
• Planning for big expenses (like buying a house or car)
• Establishing an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.
• Learning about different types of investments

Communication Skills

• Pay full attention when someone is talking
• Don’t interrupt
• Ask questions to make sure you understand
• Show you’re listening with nods or small comments

• Consider your message carefully before speaking.
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Use simple words and short sentences
• Check that the other person understands you

• Your facial expressions
• Your posture
• Eye contact
• Hand gestures

• Practice writing emails and messages
• Read what you’ve written before sending it
• Utilize spell-check, but avoid depending on it entirely.
• Keep your writing clear and to the point

Time Management

• Use a calendar or planner to keep track of your tasks and events
• Write down deadlines for work or school
• Include time for things you enjoy, not just work

• Decide which tasks are most important
• Do the most important things first
• It’s perfectly fine to decline less significant requests.

• Disable phone notifications while you’re working.
• If possible, choose a peaceful location to work.
• Take short breaks to help you focus better.

• Divide it into smaller, easier tasks
• Set deadlines for each small task
• Tackle one part at a time

Problem-Solving

• What exactly is the issue?
• Why is it a problem?

• What do you know about the problem?
• What more do you need to find out?

• Generate various solutions to the problem. 
• Avoid evaluating your ideas at this stage; simply write them down.

• What are the pros and cons of each option?
• Which solution seems best?

• Pick the best option
• Develop a strategy to implement your solution effectively.

• Did your solution work?
• If not, try another option or start the process again.

Emotional Intelligence

• Stay aware of your feelings as the day progresses.
• Try to name your emotions (Are you happy? Sad? Angry? Excited?)
• Notice what situations cause different emotions

• Find healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions (like taking deep breaths when you’re angry)
• Learn what helps you calm down when you’re upset
• Practice positive self-talk

• Watch for clues in others’ facial expressions and body language
• Pay close attention to both the content and tone of what others express.
• Try to put yourself in others’ shoes.

• Show empathy when others are upset
• Offer help or support when needed
• Be patient with others’ emotions

Critical Thinking

• Don’t believe everything you hear or read
• Ask where information comes from
• Look for evidence to support claims

• Try to see issues from different angles
• Listen to opinions that are different from yours
• Be willing to reconsider your opinions when you receive new information.

• Look for the main points in an argument
• Check if the reasons given support the conclusion
• Look for any weaknesses in the argument

• Base your opinions on facts and logic, not just feelings
• Think about the consequences of different choices
• Be willing to admit when you’re not sure about something

• Use the problem-solving steps we talked about earlier
• Apply critical thinking to real-life problems
• Learn from your mistakes and successes

Adaptability

• Try to see change as an opportunity, not just a problem
• Be willing to try new things
• Stay curious and keep learning

• Have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C) for important things
• Be ready to change your plans if needed
• Don’t get too attached to doing things one way

• Practice staying calm when things don’t go as planned
• Take deep breaths to help you relax
• Remember that most problems have solutions

• Reflect on how you have dealt with changes previously.
• What worked well? What didn’t?
• Use these lessons to help you with future changes.

• Try to find the good in new situations
• Focus on what you can control
• Remember that adapting to change helps you grow

Conclusion

FAQs

The Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness