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Superpowers of adults who had problems at school as children

Superpowers of adults who had problems at school as children

We often hold false views about people who struggled in school or received bad grades, despite their tendency to grow into successful lives, healthy relationships, and communities that most people desperately long for in adulthood.

Their uniqueness, ambition and courage in pursuing the unconventional are the superpowers of adults who had difficulties at school in their youth. Many examples from various industries and environments professionals and successful people they have earned their success without even maintaining good grades or gaining academic credentials as children.

Here are 11 superpowers of adults who struggled at school as children:

1. They are complex and unconventional thinkers

A woman looking solemnly and deep in thought. GaudiLab | Shutterstock.com

With education systems and rigid institutions often reward conventionally intelligent “rule-followers” with excellent grades and praise, it is not surprising that as young children, those with innate curiosity and unconventional thinkers had difficulty achieving excellence.

It’s the same struggle that has turned into a superpower for many adults – their curiosity, fearless interests, and complex thinking about the world, relationships, and development truly set them apart from everyone else. They have a unique view of the world and set goals, find motivation, and cultivate success in ways that suit them best, not those around them.

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2. They are resistant

Confident man smiling at home. Cast of thousands | Shutterstock.com

Stressful life events and situations, similar to those students experienced in school, can often cause anxiety disorders and mental health problems, such as: 2013 study on stress resistance argues. However, they can also foster a sense of resilience that cannot be ignored.

As they made their way through school, often without teachers checking in or recognizing their excellent grades, they were forced to forge their way to self-confidence, self-confidence, and success in adulthood. These are the superpowers of adults who struggled at school as children – now they prioritize unconventional and creative ways to achieve success.

3. They are fulfilled by unique hobbies

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Many adults with unique and rewarding hobbies make a living by choice, as – convinces life coach Keya Murthyand prioritize using your free time as a “vitamin” for your mind, body and spirit. A child who didn’t meet the benchmarks for success growing up now finds ways to stimulate his or her creativity and curiosity in a self-confident way.

Especially if they are unfulfilled in their career or struggle to meet society’s standards for adulthood, they are not ashamed to use their unique practices to find joy and peace.

4. They have a broader perspective

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How confidence coach Kathryn Brown Ramsperger He argues that many adults struggling with self-esteem and anxiety are stuck in a “quantitative mindset” that measures happiness and success by the number of achievements rather than the quality. However, adults who struggled at school as children use a specific superpower to see the “big picture.”

Without the transactional nature of academic achievement, which is designed to cultivate this toxic mindset at a young age, many once-troubled students find balance by prioritizing high-quality interactions, experiences, and practices. This forward thinking allows and ensures they plan for the future and set realistic goals a unique opportunity to practice intentional gratitude in their everyday life.

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5. They focus on passion, not validation

The old man happily listens to music. BreedSopittakamol | Shutterstock.com

In the chaos of everyday life, work responsibilities and family life, many adults have difficulty discovering their passions and prioritizing activities that truly bring them joy. However, prioritizing self-care and unique hobbies is one of the superpowers of adults who struggled in school as children, because it always allowed them to feel fulfilled without the academic achievements of their peers.

How says life coach Janelle Andersonpassions are not easily presented to you – they are not something that can be found, but rather something that flows from within you. These unique adults spent their childhoods creating spaces where they could grow and find joy, allowing them to explore their passions early in life.

6. They are not afraid of competition

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According to Research by the Academy of Management from 2008Hierarchies of power that influence our definitions of success, such as those used to enforce school policies and curricula, depend largely on the human psyche. People who move away from conventional norms of school success and academic validation also move away from the power dynamics associated with these structures.

They reject this narrow version of success, focus on competing with others, and are more aware of their metrics and expectations for success.

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7. They are empathetic and open

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Another of the most important superpowers of adults who had trouble at school as children is their tendency to be empathetic and open.

They were not defined by academic validation or the power-based hierarchies that many schools regulate during adolescence, so that as adults they can see the uniqueness and personal strengths of others. Even if they are not rich or of high status, they are there worthy of attention, contact and respectwhich helps these people cultivate healthier and more satisfying relationships.

8. They have great communities and healthy relationships

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Even if they belong to online communities or have parasocial connections like the Northwestern professor’s “Experiencing Community Connection” by Rich Gordon Research shows that they have a huge impact on society. One of the most important superpowers of adults who struggled in school as children is the tendency to maintain great relationships.

Driven by the bond of shared experiences, unique interests, and real interactions untainted by toxic power dynamics, these adults have the superpower to leverage equally fulfilling and impactful relationships with others.

9. They are persistent self-advocates

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Although there are exceptions with dedicated teachers and caring school staffmany students who struggled at school were not praised in the classroom. Instead, they learned to “sell themselves” and sometimes even developed skills, talents, or hobbies that helped them add value to the school environment, such as sports teams, clubs, or classroom discussions.

For some it may have been humor. For others, it may have been a unique source of creativity or talent. No matter what it looked like, these students were able to stand up for themselves, even in an environment with rigid expectations of success.

10. They have imagination

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One of the greatest superpowers of adults who had trouble at school as children curiosity, imagination and creativity they gave everyone joy in adulthood, not only our culture, art and society.

From some of our best films and novels to touching conversations and technological advances that only the most eccentric minds can understand, these adults are imaginative not only by choice, but also by necessity.

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11. They are relatable and humble

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How business and life coach John Capello He says that humility satisfies every aspect of our lives, from dealing with sadness, to establishing new relationships, to taking responsibility for our mistakes and shortcomings.

Adults who struggled through school may not have received academic praise, but they have found ways to humbly make new friends and grow from their unique identities and perspectives. With this type of self-confidence, they are equally open to others and are able to connect with people who have experienced similar struggles.

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Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment writer at YourTango focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.