Live it Forward but Understand it Backwards

I recently started a new book and in the first few pages I read this line 

"live it forward but understand it backwards."  

this got me thinking...

When I went to school I didn't join AIGA, I didn't go to networking events, instead I bought a 6 pack and drank with my friends on nights away from school work.  I don't regret how I spent my time in school...hell I had a social life and made friends that I will have in my life forever.  But I do understand now looking back on it why teachers stressed the importance of it.  I'm on my own right now, no contacts no connections in any real form and I put myself in that position. In a way it blows (eloquent) but I know that when a job comes about or an opportunity comes my way I will have earned it on my own...sans connections...all on my own time, my own way.  

I place at least one design book on my desk each day when I'm at work just to remind myself that there will be something else out there for me eventually.

As I live my life doing dead end data entry jobs I am looking back at each one and becoming more humble, more grateful, more broke, more excited, and more determined about finding a design job.  

Till then just live life and understand what comes from it.