Shakespeare’s words, “The world is a stage…” could easily be, “The world is a university, and everyone you know is a teacher.” Life is a thing we experience as a student and everyone we meet during that experience is a teacher. This is one of those default life settings that, once you grasp it, you can begin to tailor your courses and study for exams.

The first step is to realize that you are always learning. Realizing this allows you to observe those around you from a different perspective. Everyone has something to teach you. Some teach you how not to be while others teach you how to be. Either way the people around you are sources for wisdom. The world is a university, but for the consciously observant it is a classroom.

When I find myself in a place of business I watch the employees. I have never outgrown the ability to be inspired by, say, the man rounding up shopping carts in the parking lot. I watch the way he moves as he exhibits a man with purpose, a man with a sense of urgency to get the job done. I notice the young man who is vibrant and who seeks to help. He invests himself as a servant. It is obvious that he receives a sense of satisfaction from being a part of the business, of overcoming challenges, of carrying responsibilities.

I also notice the young man who shuffles along, his mind a million miles away, eating up the minutes until he is released from his toil. He functions like a robot. He accomplishes his assigned tasks and nothing more, he is not proactive, innovative, he takes no initiative, he constantly watches the clock. I feel sad for him because I know that, unless something changes in his inner being, his future prospects are dim.

My challenge to you is to begin paying attention to those around you. As a patron in any place of business watch the employees. Ask yourself which ones you most relate to. Study them as they do their jobs. Are they proactive? Do they work like they’re part of a team holding up their end? Or do they shuffle around like someone without purpose or direction? Are they focused on their jobs or do they move like programed robots?

Here is a promise. No one is going to lay the world at your feet. No one owes you anything at all. How well you do in life will be determined by what you bring to the table. The right attitude of learning how to rise above the dead-end job, this-place-sucks, mentality will be step one in becoming someone who, first respects himself, but who also gains the respect of others. Realize that you are in school. Pay attention to the world around you. Learn how to learn, and start your journey toward success.