
Leadership | Some life lessons for teens & young adults
Develop a reading habit; books help you think critically, express yourself clearly, and see the world from different perspectives; in a world of fast scrolling, reading cultivates focus, reflection, and depth
Teenage years are a whirlwind—fast-paced, confusing, exciting, and full of potential. As young people navigate this transformative phase, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget that the choices they make now will shape their future in powerful ways. That’s why it’s important to pause periodically, reflect, and ground oneself with timeless life lessons.
Time flies—make it count
If there’s one universal truth, it’s this: time flies. It doesn’t wait for anyone.
One day, they’ll look back and realise how quickly school years, friendships, and moments with family passed them by. The lesson? Be present. Spend quality time with loved ones. Laugh, share stories, and create lasting memories.
Life’s most beautiful chapters are often found in the simplest, shared experiences.
Build strong foundations
Success isn’t built on sudden leaps—it’s formed through small, consistent steps and solid habits. Learn to collaborate and communicate. These are essential life skills in any setting. Develop the habit of saving early. Learn budgeting, smart spending, and the basics of personal finance. Take care of your body. Fitness supports not just physical health but also mental clarity, self-confidence, and emotional balance.
Don’t limit yourself. Explore various interests—music, art, science, sports, coding, drama, and more. Every new skill adds depth to who you are and might even uncover passions you never knew existed.
Develop a reading habit. Books help you think critically, express yourself clearly, and see the world from different perspectives. In a world of fast scrolling, reading cultivates focus, reflection, and depth.
Know yourself deeply
The teenage years are not just about growing up—they’re also about growing inward. Ask yourself: Who am I? What do I want to become? Learn your SWOT- Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Set your priorities, and protect your time—it’s your most precious resource. Don’t avoid challenges. Face them. Every challenge is an opportunity to build resilience and character.
The central government’s Gati Shakti model — aimed at seamleSelf-awareness is power. The more deeply you understand yourself, the more confidently you’ll walk your path.
Stay hungry for knowledge
Keep your mind open and your curiosity alive. The world is evolving rapidly, and to stay relevant, you must keep learning. Take courses, watch meaningful documentaries, ask questions, explore skills beyond the classroom.
Learning isn’t just for exams—it’s how you prepare for real life.
Self-awareness is a superpower
In a noisy world, self-awareness is a quiet strength. Practice reflection.
Journal. Meditate. Understand how you think, feel, and react. Build the habit of positive self-talk. Encourage yourself, challenge yourself, and be kind to yourself—especially when you make mistakes.
Remember, the earlier you learn to prevent mistakes, the less time you’ll spend correcting them. Make thoughtful, mindful decisions. And when things don’t go as planned, learn from them—then move forward.ss inter-departmental collaboration — has shown measurable success. But why stop there? States too can adopt this approach. Regular coordination meetings led by Chief Secretaries can eliminate bureaucratic silos, ensure efficient project execution, and save valuable time and resources.
Balance is the real goal
You are not just a student or a future professional—you are a whole person. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Cultivate emotional intelligence. Rest, recharge, and reconnect with your passions.
Balance doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It means being aware of what truly matters, and giving yourself grace along the way.
No one expects you to have it all figured out. Life isn’t a straight line—it’s filled with unexpected turns, failures, discoveries, and growth. But with the right mindset—curiosity, kindness, and courage—you’ll not only handle whatever comes your way, you’ll rise above it.
Be curious. Be kind. Be courageous.
Your story is just beginning—and it has the potential to be extraordinary.
(The writer, India’s first female IPS officer, is former lieutenant governor of Puducherry)