Five lessons we can learn from our favourite TV shows
I have learned a lot of things about life, love, career, and friendship from watching these shows which high school or university never taught me
Watching Netflix is a popular pastime for teenagers and young adults. But while watching our favourite shows, we may be unaware of the life lessons these shows are trying to teach. I have learned a lot of things about life, love, career, and friendship from watching these shows which high school or university never taught me. So, I present you with five different life lessons I have learned from famous TV shows which you can apply in your own life:
F.R.I.E.N.D.S: "Follow your dreams"
F.R.I.E.N.D.S is my ultimate go-to show. I probably have watched every episode a thousand times and still go back whenever I am feeling down. This show taught me how wonderful life can be when you are lucky enough to share it with your closest friends. But the most important lesson I learned from this show is to follow your passion. Monica always loved cooking and making others happy and she converted it into her profession. Joey chose acting and had to face a lot of rejection in his career before he became successful. Chandler did not dare to choose his dreams over a high paying job initially, but later developed the courage to do something he was interested in. Ross followed his love and passion for dinosaurs and fossils and turned it into a successful career irrespective of what others thought of his job. The show encourages us to work in a field that we are passionate about to be truly content and successful.
Suits: "Find the right mentor"
The best closer of New York City has taught me a lot of valuable career lessons ranging from "First impressions matter", "Always dress to impress" and "Loyalty". But the most important lesson this show has taught me was to find the right mentor. Harvey would never be where he was without Jesicca and similarly, Mike would still be giving other students' LSATs if Harvey was not his mentor. Getting guidance from someone who is more experienced and knowledgeable than you and is in a position where you want to be in five or 10 years is a true blessing. The show teaches us to reach out and find a mentor who will guide us throughout our careers. Even though it might be awkward to ask someone to be your mentor initially, it is all worth it in the end.
Money Heist: "Planning like a Master"
The professor was the brain behind the heist of the Royal Mint of Spain. He was a master chess player. He researched every single thing extensively and planned out even the tiniest details of the heist. He had a contingency plan in case anything went wrong. From the Professor, we can learn to plan ahead, be adaptable and approach problems in an organised manner.
Gossip Girl: "Never judge a book by its cover"
No matter how they look from the outside, we should never judge someone until we know their entire story. In the show, the character Nate was the golden boy of the Upper East Side. But all his wealth and connections came with a lot of family drama. His dad ended up in jail, his grandfather cut him off forcing him to spend many nights even without electricity at his house when he was only 16. Similarly, Blair who may have been perceived as the queen bee who had her life figured out had deep insecurities about falling behind her best friend. Most people keep their shortcomings hidden from the world. So it is best not to assume anything from only what we call half-truth.
How to get away with murder: "Leaders can also be vulnerable"
This show taught me a lot recently although the biggest lesson I learned from this show was that leaders can also be very vulnerable and make mistakes. We have always grown up with an assumption that leaders who are successful in their careers can have it all. But Annalise Keating proved how vulnerable a strong leader could be. She seemed to have it all; an amazing career and a beautiful relationship with her husband but underneath everything, Annalise was mentally very disturbed. She was deeply traumatised by all the tragic events that took place in her life starting from being raped by her uncle, to losing her child and finding out her husband is actually a cold-blooded murderer. The show demonstrates that nobody has a perfect life and it is okay to be vulnerable and scared even if you are successful and ambitious.
Netflix has become an integral part of our life. It is interesting how much we can learn from the shows we watch for entertainment.
