During our childhood years, we were conditioned to act and think like adults. We did not realize that we should not lose some of our childlike nature because those are important when we go through our adult years. We tend to get rid of all those thinking that those will hinder us from being mature and responsible adults through the years.
I believe that for us to get through life, we need to learn or relearn the following things that are inherent in children:
- Never be afraid to ask questions. One way that a child fills his or her mind is by satisfying his or her curiosity by asking questions. This supposed helpful act usually disappears when the child goes to school and subconsciously learns (a mistake) that asking questions means one is stupid. Afraid of being judged for not knowing anything, we now tend to keep quiet even rather than ask questions. How can we grow if we pretend to know all? We should never be afraid to ask questions like a curious child.
- Get excited always. As we grow older, we become more and more reserved with our emotions. We lack enthusiasm even about huge things. We must be excited like a child over a new career, a new project, or other achievements. Remember, excitement and motivation give us the driving force and play a significant role in achieving our dreams.
- Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Initially, children do whatever they want out of curiosity since they do not know the consequences. Yet, when they feel the result after doing the act, they learn to do or not to do it again. Adults should also be like that – never afraid of taking risks to learn. The more mistakes we encounter, the more lessons we learn. And the more lessons we learn, the more we improve ourselves.
- Find happiness in the minor things you do. Have you noticed how a child can be ecstatic when given candy or when seeing something for the first time? On the contrary, adults rarely even show happiness when obtaining small or significant achievements. As we grow older, we become harder to please. It is a choice. If we are grateful, we should be able to be happy even with the smallest thing. That is a secret to happiness.
- Ask for help when you need it. Just like how unhesitant they are to ask questions, children also tend never to hesitate to ask for help from others when they need it. Adults should also continue to have this will because nobody is perfect and can do everything. We need help. We need each other. To achieve what we want, we must seek help or guidance, particularly from people who have experienced unbelievable challenges and breakthroughs after breakthroughs.
- Dream big and be fearless. Do you still remember what your dream was when you were still a child? I believe most of us had such big dreams, and we’re not afraid of not fulfilling them. However, as we grew older, we became cynical due to the different factors and struggles we experienced, resulting in our dreams diminishing. This act of giving up led us to take minimal effort because we changed to dreams that we think are more achievable. This should not be the case. Let us continue to dream big because only then will we dare to take big actions.
Indeed growing is a must. However, we need to remain childlike to enjoy the wonders of life. While we continue to grow and acquire new knowledge, skills, and experiences, we should not forget to retain our childlikeness. Do you agree?
What else do you think we can learn from children?
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