What is the difference between skill and knowledge? When we drive a car, we use our car-driving skills. Once a boy was my passenger. He asked me how to drive. How to change gear, when to press the pedals, which pedal is what. I realised, I have no idea. My hands and legs do their job, I cannot even explain what I do.

Knowledge can be acquired through study. Skill is the application of knowledge. Knowledge is theoretical, while skills are practical.

At school we know how many subjects we have to study, but what about skills? Some people talk about "the 5 skills", others mention "the top ten skills", moreover you can come across the "99 key skills", too. In fact they all can be nicely grouped into three domains:

I. Thinking skills: reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and a lot more

II. Emotional skills: feelings and self-regulation, perseverance, resilience, agility

III. Communication skills: expressing information to others and interpreting others’ messages (both verbal and nonverbal) as well as responding appropriately. For example one of the most important skills is to interpret body language. Did you know that body language adds up at least half of your communication?

These skills are all equally important. I have a friend, he is close to being called a genius. He is excellent at communication in any way. However he gives up everything too early. He took up sports, music, then abandoned them after a couple of months. He started university courses four times. He gets bored easily, and he doesn't really know what to do with his life. His parents are well-off people, so he is not under the pressure of making money. I don't think he will ever be successful with this attitude.

Skills can be developed through practice.