5 lessons HBO’s Game of Thrones teaches us.

Though HBO’s most popular drama series attracts huge audiences all over the world due to its gripping storyline and famous characters, yet there are numerous life lessons which we can extract and apply in our daily lives.(Spoilers ahead)

1.       Identify your strengths and weaknesses and use it to your advantage.

In the Battle of Blackwater, King’s Landing didn’t have the resources nor men to put up a fight against Stannis Baratheon’s forces. Using their limited arsenal of wildfire and Tyrion Lannister’s genius strategies, they decimated Stannis and defended the Iron Throne.

The lesson is applicable in our professional lives too. If people focus on their strengths and use them strategically, they will definitely succeed in their venture and bear the fruits.

2.       Choose your allies wisely.

The entire North was decimated due to the betrayal of one man, Theon Greyjoy. Tyrion Lannister was sentenced to death as the woman he loved testified against him. Ned Stark lost his life for the reason that Petyr Baelish let him down. There are very few people in life who lend a hand in your bad times. Cherish them and never betray them.A disloyal ally is worse than an enemy.

3.       Remain true to your promises.

Robb Stark was murdered in a wedding as he broke his vow to Walder Frey to marry one of his daughters.Joffery executed Ned Stark although he promised to show him mercy if he confessed his treason which led to the War of the Five Kings. Respect your promises and act true to them. No person is trustworthy if he breaks a promise.

4.       Never underestimate anyone.

Jon Snow,a bastard of the North was looked down upon by his own family. Due to his sheer hardwork and diligence he rose to become the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Daenerys Targaryen had no money, no influence, and no army. Her abusive elder brother who marries her off to the leader of a savage tribe and within a year she acquires all three. Never look down upon people. Everyone has the power to surprise anyone at any point of time.

5.       Always have a backup plan.

Jaime Lannister, one of the greatest swordsmen Westeros has ever seen, was nothing after he lost his right hand. He exclaimed that he was not able to defeat even a stable boy with his left hand. Since he had no knowledge of administration or politics, he was useless to serve the King and might have got killed for that. So always be prepared for the worst and expertise in as many new skills as possible. This will not only make yourself valuable to your employers ,but will give you an edge over your peers.