Striving Towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I often reflect on what I’ve learned outside the classroom that’s proven most valuable. While my wife and I don’t have children yet, these are the lessons I want to pass on when we do—skills that truly improve quality of life.

Essential Life Skills:

Connect with Anyone — The ability to engage strangers in conversation opens doors to rewarding relationships and opportunities.

Plan Your Days — Start each morning knowing the two or three important things you want to accomplish.

Find Meaning in Work — Beyond the paycheck, work teaches discipline and provides the irreplaceable satisfaction of a job well done.

Create Your Own Luck — Life isn’t a lottery. The only reliable luck comes from your wit and hard work.

Seek Diverse Experiences — The more you try, the faster you discover what you truly value.

Learn from Everything — No teacher follows you through life. Develop the habit of reflecting on what each experience teaches you.

Face Facts and Take Ownership — You only get full credit when you take responsibility. Always ask: “What can I do to positively impact this situation?”

Master Money Management — Earning money is common; learning to save, manage, and invest it is crucial but often neglected.

Rise Above Circumstances — Maintain dignity regardless of your situation or others’ behavior. Petty people are never an excuse to be petty.

Develop Resilience — The ability to bounce back quickly from setbacks is perhaps the most crucial life skill.

These lessons are taught through both words and actions—though actions speak loudest.