Often we have a flawed view of people who struggled in school or got poor grades despite their tendency to lead successful lives, healthy relationships, and communities that most people desperately yearn for at age adult.

Their uniqueness, ambition and courage to reach for the unconventional are the superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young. In all sectors and all walks of life, numerous examples of professionals and successful people deserved their success, even without maintaining good grades or gaining academic validation as children.

Here are 11 superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young:

1. They are complex and unconventional thinkers

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With education systems and rigid institutions that often reward conventionally intelligent “rule followers” With excellent grades and accolades, it’s no surprise that naturally curious and unconventional thinkers struggled to excel when they were young.

It’s this same struggle that has become a superpower for many adults: their curiosity, fearless interests, and complex thinking about the world, relationships, and growth truly set them apart from others. They have a unique view of the world and set goals, find motivation, and cultivate success in the way that best suits them rather than those around them.

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2. They are resilient

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Stressful life events and situations, similar to those students encountered at school, can often lead to anxiety disorders and mental health problems, such as a 2013 study on stress resilience argues. However, they can also foster a sense of resilience that is impossible to ignore.

After struggling through school, often without validation from teachers or recognition of their excellent grades, they were forced to chart their path to self-confidence and success as adults. These are the superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young – they now prioritize unconventional and creative ways to succeed.

3. They are fulfilled by unique hobbies

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Many adults with unique and fulfilling hobbies live by choice, such as life coach Keya Murthy saysand prioritize using their free time as “vitamins” for their mind, body and spirit. The child who was unhappy with indicators of success growing up now finds ways to stimulate their creativity and curiosity in a safe way.

Especially if they are dissatisfied in their career or struggling to meet societal norms of adulthood, they do not hesitate to use their unique practices to find joy and peace.

4. They have a global vision

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As Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, Trusted Coach states that many adults struggling with self-esteem and anxiety are stuck in a “quantitative mindset” that measures happiness and success based on number of accomplishments rather than quality. However, adults who struggled in school when they were young harness a specific superpower that allows them to see the “big picture.”

Without the transactional nature of academic success to cultivate this toxic mindset from a young age, many of these formerly struggling students find balance by prioritizing quality interactions, experiences, and practices. This holistic mindset allows them to plan for the future, set realistic goals and gives them a unique opportunity to practice intentional gratitude in their daily lives.

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5. They focus on passion rather than validation

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In the chaos of daily life, work responsibilities, and family life, many adults struggle to learn their passions and prioritize activities that truly bring them joy. However, prioritizing self-care and unique hobbies is one of the superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young because it was always a way for them to feel flourished without the academic results of their peers.

As life coach Janelle Anderson preachespassions are not easy to present to you: they are not something you find but rather something that springs from you. These unique adults spent their childhoods creating spaces to thrive and find joy, allowing them to discover their passions early in life.

6. They are not perturbed by competition

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According to 2008 Research from the Academy of ManagementThe power hierarchies that influence our definitions of success, such as those used to enforce schools and educational programs, are largely influenced by the human psyche. People who deviate from conventional norms of academic achievement and academic validation also deviate from the power dynamics associated with these structures.

They reject this narrow version of success, focus on competing with others, and are more aware of their metrics and expectations for success.

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7. They are empathetic and open-minded

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Another of the most important superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young is their tendency toward empathy and open-mindedness.

They were not defined by academic validation or the power hierarchies that govern many schools growing up, so they could see the uniqueness and personal strengths of others as adults. Even if they are not rich or have high status, they worthy of attention, connection and respectwhich helps cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships for these people.

8. They have great communities and healthy relationships

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Even if they are part of online communities or if they are parasocial connections, like the ones that the Northwestern professor Rich Gordon’s “Community Connection Experience” According to the study, they have incredible social influence, one of the most important superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young is their tendency to cultivate good relationships.

Driven by connection around shared experiences, unique interests, and authentic interactions not plagued by toxic power dynamics, these adults have the superpower to harness equally enriching and impactful connections with others.

9. They are persistent defenders

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Although there are exceptions with dedicated teachers and caring school staffmany students who struggled academically in school were hardly celebrated in the classroom context. Instead, they learned to “sell themselves” and sometimes even developed skills, talents, or hobbies that helped them add value to school environments like sports teams, clubs, or discussions. in class.

For some, this could have been humor. For others, it may have been a creative outlet or a unique talent. No matter the situation, these students could defend their worth, even in an environment where expectations for success were rigid.

10. They are imaginative

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One of the great superpowers of adults who struggled in school when they were young, imaginative curiosity and creativity have given everyone joy in adulthood, not just our culture, our art and our society.

From some of our best films and novels to impactful passing conversations and technological advances that only the most eccentric minds could understand, these adults are imaginative not only by choice but also by necessity.

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11. They are approachable and humble

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As business and life coach John Capello According to him, humility rewards all aspects of our lives, from grappling with grief to establishing new connections to taking responsibility for our mistakes and shortcomings.

Adults who struggled in school may not have been praised academically, but they found ways to humbly make new friends and develop their unique identities and perspectives. With this kind of self-confidence, they are just as welcoming to others and relate to people who have experienced similar difficulties.

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Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment editor at YourTango focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.