I will just add things to this list as I have memories from adolescence. I think about these things in particular with raising kids. Another name for this list might be "things I will tell my kids". It might also help any young people who happen to stumble across it.
This is probably the biggest, broadest, most encompassing bit, and a lot of other pieces of advice are downstream of this.
The gist is that while life isn't a game, it has some game-like qualities. There will be moments where you have to choose between "being right" and winning. It's usually better to win now and be right later.
For example: a teacher assigns some useless busywork. You argue "the point of homework is to help learn the material, I already know the material, thus this homework assignment is dumb." You don't do it, but ace the test, so average out to a B- in the class.
Why pick this outcome? The only result is making later university admissions, scholarships, etc harder on yourself. The teacher won't change. "Being right" has done nothing to further any actual outcomes you might want.
It's a lot better to play along with the system until after you have enough resources to go your own way.
If you search "from:patio11 math fanfiction" on Twitter, you can find a ton of examples of the always-great Patrick McKenzie teaching his precocious daughter this lesson, for example:
Adventures in American math education:
— Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) October 27, 2023
Problem: Cindy has less than ten $5 bills in her pocket. How much money could she have?
Lillian (9): … Any amount.
Me: That’s my girl! Now, to write some math fanfiction.
I will append to this list as things occur to me.