Ask HN: What skills do you think are necessary to succeed in life? Assume success = happiness, fun, excitement. Skills like not being afraid of doing small things, working without distractions when needed, knowing what you want and what you don't want, etc. What would you want to go back and teach yourself? |
Curiosity - Never be afraid to learn how something works, whether it's some new programming language or a specific law or why Pop-Rocks fizz - be curious as it will make learning new things a lot more entertaining.
Speak Up - Learn how to speak up when necessary, whether it requires being assertive to put people in to place, or showing someone what you are capable of and something you have knowledge in - don't be afraid to speak your mind.
Patience - this is a very important trait - you will need it when trying to learn something new, or if you are in a position of mentoring someone. You need to understand it takes time to get things right.
Greed - yep, I'll say it - you need a certain level greed (not just with money but also in accomplishments) - not because it's a good thing in the grand scheme of things, but it can also act as a motivator to your success in life; at the same time don't let greed get the best of you and be humble about everything - even if it's a facade at times.
Curiosity - I agree with yours
Time Alone - You learn best alone, you work best alone, and you are most creative alone. Being with friends and family for me is a release from this pressure to avoid burnout.
Perfectionism - Just look at what Steve Jobs has done with a certain level of this. Your work will always absolutely be the best possible.
Competetiveness - You should WANT to be the best at everything you do. This will be what motivates you to spend that time alone pouring over new material, working through a hard problem. This will make you become a perfectionist if you aren't one because the perfect creations will be the best. I feel this is the most important skill to have because it enforces many other traits all at once.
Surround yourself with people you admire and drop those who hold you back. This is tough because many of the friends we make over the years can be toxic for our growth. Many people hate change. They'll see you start to improve and things will get weird between you. Don't let them pull you back down. If they don't want to grow with you, say goodbye.
Identify what makes you uncomfortable and do more of it. Not much of a talker? Start going to every meetup you can. Afraid of crowds? Start giving talks and presentations.
There is a great blog by Mixergy guest Todd Smith called Little Things Matter. Google it, it's great.
I'd say IQ, but that isn't a skill, now is it?
Like they say in match point:
The man who said "I'd rather be lucky than good" saw deeply into life. People are afraid to face how great a part of life is dependent on luck. It's scary to think so much is out of one's control. There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, it can either go forward or fall back. With a little luck, it goes forward, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose.
2. Forward-before driving of enemies.
3. Ability to hear and enjoy the lamentations of enemy women.