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Do you aspire to belong to the house of the brave lions? If so, these life lessons will show you how to be a true Gryffindor.
Over the years, countless Harry Potter fanfictions have been created. While every author has a unique view of the wizarding world and its intricacies, most can agree on some details.
The following life lessons to learn from Gryffindor are some of the common themes I have noticed throughout many stories.
Read also: 9 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Hufflepuff
Read also: 9 Success Tips From My Hero Academia (BNHA)
1. Real life happens outside your comfort zone
Gryffindors are daring; they like the rush of the uncertainty of adrenaline that comes with stepping into the unknown.
They never stay too long inside their comfort zone but expand and shift it constantly.
Habits and routines only satisfy them for so long before they feel the need to experience more variety again.
When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone? How long since you switched up your daily routine?
If you are like most people, then too long.
If you want to embrace your inner Gryffindor, then go get uncomfortable!
2. Speak up for what you believe in
Gryffindors have strong beliefs, and when they see something they consider wrong, they have no problem speaking up and trying to set it right.
Shout-outs, demonstrations, and campaigns are tools that appeal to Gryffindors.
They will never be comfortable just turning a blind eye and looking out for their interests.
But careful, a life lesson to learn from Gryffindors is that these strong beliefs can easily make you small-minded and bigoted.
Think of James Potter, Sirius Black, Percy, and Ron Weasly – all set in their ways, judgemental, and unwilling to look beyond the stereotypes they’ve built for others.
As a Gryffindor, that is something you will always need to watch out for and counteract.
3. A cheated win is no win at all
Gryffindors are noble and proud and want to win but through their own merit and without cheating.
Think of Harry Potter, who told Cedric about the dragons for the first Triwizard Tournament task.
4. You should help others if you are in a position to do so
Gryffindors like to stand up for those in need if they are in a position to do so.
Think of how Harry helped Hagrid with his Dragon, Sir Nick with his Deathday Party, Fleur’s sister Gabrielle during the second TWT task, and all those muggle-borns during the Ministry break-in.
This character trait is something Gryffindors have in common with the Hufflepuffs, although the latter is often more about emotional support than fighting someone’s battles.
5. Follow your passion
The Gryffindor house colors are red and gold. Red represents the fierce passion of the lions.
No matter what they end up dedicating their time to, it is sure to be something they are immensely passionate about.
Think of Oliver Woods’s passion for Quidditch, Neville’s passion for herbology, Charlie Weasley’s passion for dragons, the twins’ passion for jokes, and Hagrid’s passion for magical creatures.
One life lesson to learn from Gryffindors is to refrain from settling for a job or relationship we are not passionate about.
6. Don’t give up, no matter the odds
Gryffindors don’t shy away from fighting a losing battle. Instead, many consider them recklessly foolish for clinging to impossible tasks, while Gryffindors argue they are heroically persistent.
The final verdict on which of the two is true usually depends on the outcome. And the outcome often depends on pure luck.
But granted, if you don’t keep going, you will never know if you could have succeeded.
7. Be careful of your pride; learn to pick your battle
The lion is, in its nature, a very proud animal. The same applies to Gryffindor’s.
Should their family, house, or personal pride be slighted, Gryffindors will react harshly.
That kind of thoughtless defense can often get them into unnecessary trouble.
As a Gryffindor, you need to learn how to pick your battle. Sometimes it is far better to stay quiet and to let people think they’ve won the war.
Remember, nobody can insult you without your consent. The insults only matter if you let them touch you.
Ask yourself this: Would you have felt insulted or rather slightly amused if the same slight had come from a toddler throwing a temper tantrum?
8. The world is not black and white; don’t judge too quickly
Gryffindors often struggle with righteousness.
Look at easy it was for them to condemn every Slytherin from the moment they got sorted. Think of Hermione, who often thinks of herself as some enforcer of rules and refuses to see house elves as creatures with different needs and interests.
Remember how Professor McGonagall wouldn’t even consider the children warning about the philosopher stone.
As a Gryffindor, you should always remember that the world is not all black and white. In fact, there are endless shades of grey and very little of pure black and pure white.
Remember that your opinion about things can be wrong and should not be forced upon others.
9. Be careful who you trust
Gryffindors tend to be very trusting. Because they place such a high value on honesty between friends, they often do not consider that others might think differently.
This can sometimes even lead them to turn a blind eye to suspicious behavior because they wouldn’t dare accuse a friend of dishonesty.
James and Lily Potter could have easily avoided the traitor issue by making their secret keeper swear an unbreakable vow. That’s something a Slytherin would think of doing.
Even a true Gryffindor is not without faults, but being aware of them is a big step toward overcoming them.
10.No brains and all brawl is not enough
Slytherins like to accuse Gryffindors of acting without thinking. While it is true that Gryffindors certainly don’t overthink every situation in the same way that the snakes do, that doesn’t mean they lack smarts.
Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hermione, and Lily Potter all show that Gryffindor has its fair share of brainpower.
And even people like Ron, who would have never made it in Ravenclaw, have their unique brilliance. But, in his case, it is strategy, especially but not only chess strategy.
11. Bavery doesn’t mean the absence of fear
Many people misguidedly equate bravery with fearlessness.
This is quite ironic, considering a truly fearless person would never need an ounce of bravery.
Consider this: Using an elevator is a very unexciting experience for you. However, for someone with severe claustrophobia, it is a monumental feat that requires a significant amount of bravery.
Neville Longbottom is a good example of this. For a long time, the timid boy was scared of virtually everything. Still, he kept going and attended classes with his boggart.
While others belittled him, Neville probably showed more bravery daily than most others.
Do you have any tips for how to be a true Gryffindor to add to the list? I’d love to hear your ideas.
If you are a true lion, comment ‘ROAR’ below and show your house pride!
Until next time, Felicity Seeker!
