"Train your mind to see the good in everything." ~ Unknown

Every year, my instructor asks her students to write at least two goals to achieve over the coming year. Often times, we receive a worksheet with two spaces: one for a goal as an instructor, and one for a goal as a student.
This year, the sheets were not passed out, but we were still asked to come up with two goals. One thing I have heard my instructor, as well as many others, repeat over and over again is that every student has something to offer, we just need to find it. This past year, I have made it my mission to find in every student a lesson to be learned, no matter their rank or age or how well I know them.
Some people teach us by their skills and smarts. We see their intelligence or technical skill and try to learn from their study tactics and attention to detail. Sometimes, we see in people their virtues, morals, and good traits. Humility, generosity, willingness, dedication, compassion, faithfulness, loyalty, and gentle humor are all examples of these qualities. On the contrary, occasionally we learn from people's mistakes, whether the person making the mistake learns the lesson at hand or not.
There is a second half to this. Although each person can teach us something, we need to be willing to open our eyes to the possibilities, and be willing to take the applicable lessons to heart. We must seriously consider whether the lesson will positively affect us, and if so, how we will implement it into our daily lives to better ourselves.
Ever since I have made this a goal of mine, I have found myself much happier overall. Although I cannot apply every good lesson I see to my life, those I can have, thus far, greatly improved my outlook on stress, have boosted my motivation, and have made me feel more confident in my decisions. I have become a better friend, student, leader, and instructor from the lessons I've picked up from so many people of every age and rank. This goal could honestly have fit under either category on the goal sheet, but I have strived to better myself in both areas of life with this goal.
"Train your mind to see the good in everything," as well as everyone.

Thank you to all of my fellow students and instructors. My life has been bettered because of you.