As one of the most celebrated figures in United States history, George Washington is a national hero who continues to inspire new generations. Biographies document his battlefield exploits, management of a fledgling country, and exceptional work ethic, which make him an ideal role model.
These are just a few of the lessons a younger generation can learn from Washington’s life.
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1. Learning self-discipline takes time but gives you the power to control your actions and your future.
As retired Navy Cmdr. Charles A. Lampman wrote, Washington “started out like most, being impatient and passionate,” but through self-discipline became wise and self-confident. Self-discipline can help you become better at doing things you may be struggling with.
2. Courage comes in many forms. For Washington, one way to show courage was by suffering alongside his troops in battle and personally rallying them. Courage doesn’t have to be physical. It could mean telling the truth when you’re afraid of consequences or asking a bully to stop.
3. Great leaders lead by example. When Washington led the battle at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War, he inspired others to suffer through the brutal winter conditions and keep fighting. He did not ask anyone to do what he wasn’t willing to do himself, and he showed his men he cared about them. Instead of telling others what to do, lead by example. Collaborate and show others how you want them to act though your own actions.
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4. It’s OK to make mistakes — but it’s important to learn from them. Washington didn’t start out as a great commander and he lost more battles than he won. He made many mistakes in his early military days but didn’t give up and he believed in himself. He turned his failures around and became one of the most iconic leaders of our country.
5. Perseverance can help you achieve great things, even when the odds are against you. If Washington didn’t have the determination to win in the Revolutionary War, the United States may have never been born. His army has been described as a “ragtag” group that lacked training. The army suffered great losses and some soldiers gave up and went home. But Washington pressed on and eventually won the war that gave America its freedom. His perseverance is perhaps the greatest lesson for a younger generation.
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