The Super Powers of Adults Who Struggled in School When They Were Young

We often have a misguided view of people who struggle in school or get bad grades despite their propensity to lead successful lives, healthy connections, and communities that most people desperately long for in adulthood.

Their uniqueness, ambition, and courage to pursue the unorthodox are the superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young. Many examples across industries and lifestyles professionals and successful people They achieved success even if they didn’t get good grades or academic recognition as children.

Here are 11 superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young:

1. They are complex and unconventional thinkers

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Educational systems and rigid institutions often rewards traditionally intelligent “rule followers” With excellent grades and accolades, it’s no wonder that naturally curious and unconventional thinkers strive to succeed as young children.

It is this same struggle that becomes a superpower for many adults; Their curiosity, fearless interest, and complex thoughts about the world, relationships, and growth truly set them apart from everyone else. They have a unique perception of the world and set goals, find motivation, and cultivate success in ways that best suit them rather than the people around them.

2. They are durable

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Stressful life events and situations, such as those in which students experience difficulties in school, can often lead to anxiety disorders and mental health problems. A 2013 study on stress tolerance argues. But they can also foster a sense of resilience that’s impossible to ignore.

After navigating school, often without teachers’ approval or recognition of excellent grades, they had to pave the way for self-confidence, self-esteem, and success in adulthood. These are the superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young; they now prioritize unconventional and creative means for success.

3. They find satisfaction in unique hobbies

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Many adults with unique and fulfilling hobbies live by choice. life coach Keya Murthy arguesPrioritize using their free time as a “vitamin” for their mind, body and soul. The child who failed to meet the criteria for success while growing up now finds ways to ignite his creativity and curiosity in confident ways.

Especially if not completed in their careers or they feel free to use their unique practices to find joy and peace while trying to meet societal standards for adulthood.

4. They have a ‘big picture’ perspective

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Like confidence coach Kathryn Brown Ramsperger She suggests that many adults who struggle with self-esteem and anxiety are stuck in a “quantitative mindset” that measures happiness and success by number of accomplishments rather than quality. But adults who struggled in school when they were young have a special superpower in seeing the “big picture.”

Without the transactional nature of academic success to cultivate this toxic mindset at a young age, many once-struggling students find balance by prioritizing quality interactions, experiences, and practices. This big-picture mindset allows them to plan for the future and set realistic goals. A unique opportunity to practice intentional gratitude in their daily lives.

5. They focus on passion rather than approval

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In the chaos of daily life, work responsibilities, and family life, many adults struggle to learn about their passions and prioritize activities that truly bring them joy. However, prioritizing self-care and unique hobbies is one of the superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young; because it has always been a way for them to feel fulfilled without the in-school success of their peers.

Like Life coach Janelle Anderson preachespassions are not presented to you easily; They are not something you find, they are something that springs from you. These unique adults spent their childhoods designing spaces to thrive and find joy, allowing them to learn about their passions early in life.

6. They are not affected by competition

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Accordingly Academy of Management’s 2008 surveyThe power hierarchies that influence our definitions of success, such as those used to implement schools and educational curricula, are heavily influenced by the human psyche. People who deviate from traditional norms of school success and academic approval also stray from the power dynamics associated with these structures.

They reject this narrow version of success, focus on competition with others, and are more conscious of success criteria and expectations.

7. They are empathetic and open-minded

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Another of the most important superpowers of adults who had difficulties in school when they were young is their tendency to empathy and open-mindedness.

They were not defined by academic validation or the power-oriented hierarchies that many schools held growing up, so as adults they were able to see uniqueness and personal strengths in others. Even if they are not rich or high status worthy of attention, connection and respectThis helps develop healthier and more satisfying relationships for these people.

8. They have great communities and healthy relationships

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Even if they’re in online communities or parasocial connections like the Northwestern professor’s “The Community Connection Experience” by Rich Gordon Research suggests that it is incredibly socially effective; One of the most critical superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young is their tendency to develop great relationships.

Driven by shared experiences, unique interests, and connection through authentic interactions unaffected by toxic power dynamics, these adults have the superpower to create equally satisfying and impactful connections with others.

9. They defend themselves persistently

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Although there are exceptions dedicated teachers and thoughtful school staffMany students who struggle academically in school are barely celebrated in the classroom context. Instead, they learned to “sell themselves” and sometimes even developed skills, talents, or hobbies that would help them add value to school environments such as sports teams, clubs, or classroom discussions.

For some, this may be humorous. For others, this may be a unique creative outlet or talent. Regardless of what it looked like, these students were able to assert their values even in an environment of rigid expectations for success.

10. They are creative

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One of the greatest superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young is creative curiosity and creativity It brought happiness not only to our culture, art and society, but also to everyone in adulthood.

From our best movies and novels to moving speeches and technological advances that only the most eccentric minds can understand, these adults are creative not only by choice but also by necessity.

11. They are caring and humble

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Like business and life coach John Capello Humility satisfies every aspect of our lives, from grappling with grief to making new connections to taking responsibility for our mistakes and shortcomings.

Adults who struggled in school may not have been praised academically, but they humbly found ways to make new friends and develop their own unique identities and perspectives. With this kind of confidence, they are equally welcoming to others and can connect with people who have experienced similar challenges.

Zayda Slabbekoorn is a News and Entertainment Writer at YourTango, focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.