It is commonly believed that with age comes wisdom. But as much as our dadi jaan would disagree, age is not always the proverbial ladder that offers ascent to wisdom.
Contrary to popular belief, developing a shrewd approach to life isn’t age-bound. Wisdom is a combination of one’s cognitive, reflective and emotional abilities, making it not the sole purview of the elderly. Wisdom is something that can be cultivated and its potential payoffs are worth the effort. As compiled from the Men’s Health magazine and prevention.com, here are five traits that define wise people. We suggest you follow suit.
1- They know their priorities:
They put spending time with family before all else. They pay off debt prior to buying something new or splurge on a trip to, say, the French Beach with friends. Wise people know saving money can help them achieve their long-term financial goals. They give due attention to relationships, spirituality and personal growth instead of superficial markers of success.
2- They take calculated risks:
Without taking risk, there is a limited chance of success. Wise people take risks in support of their goals, without imperiling themselves or harming others. Most great stories about entrepreneurial success start with someone taking a chance.
3- They accept defeat with grace:
Wise people don’t worry about rejection when, for instance, they ask for a promotion during a job-performance review. They work on side-business ideas to earn passive income without worrying about failure.
4- They grow out of crises:
Many people who have survived and coped with a trauma are considered as wise. But that’s a prerequisite for becoming wise. Wisdom can be cultivated by managing smaller problems, such as dealing with a bad day at work or with someone overtaking your car on a busy road. You can either get riled up or rise above and address the issue at hand with patience.
5- They’re tolerant:
Compassion is a key component of wisdom. The wise don’t restrict themselves to self-reflection; they are empathetic and treat others with kindness. A doctor may be renowned for his/her aptitude, but it has limited worth if he/she lacks the tolerance to deal with patients and their worry-ridden attendants.
Compiled By: Umnia Shahid
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2014.
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