7.5 Life Lessons I Wish I’d Learned as a Teenager

We live in an era of information overload, where opportunities to learn and grow are endless. Yet, in the midst of all the noise, many essential life skills often go untaught—especially during our teenage years. Kantis Simmons, an international speaker, STEM advocate, and education strategist, recently reflected on some powerful truths he wishes he had mastered back in high school. These aren’t just theories; they’re the kind of lessons that shape successful, resilient, and financially smart adults.

On a recent episode of The Kantis Simmons Show, he took viewers on a journey through the 7.5 life truths he believes every young person should be exposed to—truths that he personally wishes were a part of his own teenage education.

1. Personal Financial Literacy

If there’s one skill Kantis believes every teen should master, it’s understanding how money works. Not just the basics of income and expenses, but how to use money to make more money. He highlights a key mindset shift:

“Poor-minded people make money to pay bills. Middle-class people make money to buy things. Wealth-minded people make money to make more money.”

Understanding savings, investing, and leveraging financial tools are core principles Kantis wishes he had applied back when he was mowing lawns and working summer jobs in his youth.

2. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

While Kantis was fortunate to grow up in STEM environments—eventually landing roles at NASA and in materials science research—he emphasizes the universal need for young people to learn how to think critically and solve problems. These skills are not just for engineers; they’re essential for anyone aiming to bring value to the workplace and the world.

3. Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness

Understanding your emotions and how to manage them isn’t often part of a school curriculum, but Kantis argues it should be. Emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience, and mental self-awareness are critical tools for building relationships and navigating life’s inevitable challenges.

4. Entrepreneurship & Business Basics

From cutting grass at age eight to eventually building educational businesses, Kantis has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. But he wishes someone had taught him earlier how to turn skills into systems—and systems into income. Today, with platforms like YouTube and social media, young people have more access than ever to launch their own ventures, and Kantis believes we should empower them to think like creators and CEOs.

5. Time Management & Productivity

Everyone has 168 hours in a week. What separates the productive from the stagnant is how that time is used. Kantis stresses that time management is really self-management, and urges young people to be intentional with their hours—blocking out distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.

6. Public Speaking & Effective Communication

Speaking has opened countless doors in Kantis’ life, and it’s a skill he believes can transform anyone’s opportunities. Whether communicating in a classroom, boardroom, or on a stage, the ability to clearly express ideas, influence others, and confidently share your voice is an asset every teen should develop.

7. Learning How to Learn

This one’s about learning itself. Kantis believes mastering the skill of learning—knowing how to study smarter, not harder—is something that transforms every other area of life. It’s why he created resources like Study Smarter, Not Harder, to help students get better grades by learning how to learn more effectively.

7.5. Curiosity and Lifelong Growth

The “.5” in his list isn’t a full skill—it’s a mindset. It’s the attitude of being a curious, lifelong learner. Kantis closes his message by encouraging teens (and adults!) to keep asking questions, keep exploring, and never stop growing. After all, it’s not just what you know—it’s what you’re still willing to learn that makes the difference.

As Kantis puts it, these 7.5 truths aren’t just “nice to know”—they’re necessary to grow. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or an educator, his insights serve as a powerful reminder that real education happens beyond textbooks and test scores. It’s about preparing the next generation to not just survive—but thrive—in every area of life.

For more resources from Kantis, visit:

• 🔹 Study Smarter Program – Improve grades with proven strategies

• 🔹 College Funding Program – Learn how to get scholarships and pay for college