Here Are Some Simple Truths for Recent Graduates to Take to Heart

It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default – JK Rowling

As graduates you can expect to get plenty of unsolicited advice, for which you will have to separate the useful from the not so useful. At my graduation, it was inspirational to hear about the limitless opportunities and hope for the future, many of which have come true.  What would have been equally helpful was advice based on real life experiences.

My advice as you leave your college experiences behind is to remember that you will leave with one thing that no one else has. There will be hundreds of people out there with your same degree; there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living and even more with higher aspirations. But you will be the only person who has sole ownership of your life and career.

So, here are 10 things that will help you to remain your unique self that I wish someone had told me at my college graduation many years ago:

• Stay true to your authentic self, learn your passion and pursue it. Don’t let others define who you are or who you are not. Don’t be a square peg in a round hole.
• The best communicators listen more and talk less. Ask questions. Curiosity connects you to others and the world at a much deeper level. There are always at least two sides to a story.
• Never stop learning. When you do something wrong acknowledge it and learn the lesson. That is how you become competent.
• Speak your truth with conviction and without fear. Be confident and have a healthy sense of self. When you get knocked down (and you will!), get back up and persevere.
• Have the courage to question most of what you see, read or hear. Be a risk taker. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone, even if it means being uncomfortable. Live in a foreign country. You will have great stories to tell your children and grandchildren.
• “I don’t know” is ok to use when you are unsure. The other side of the coin is to always be decisive. Don’t be afraid to change course. Nothing is permanent.
• Study people, so you understand why they do what they do. Be emotionally intelligent and be clear about how your emotions are impacting your actions and relationships. Emotions are your wise elders.
• Have a set of strong values and keep these intact in everything you do. Integrity is the foundation for how you live your life and the glue for your relationships. Be mindful of whom you call friends and those you spend time with. Don’t trust everybody you will meet.
• Be mindful of your presence. Learn to match your perception of yourself and others perception of you. Presence includes what you say, how your dress and how you connect with people. Don’t let others define you.
• Listen carefully to the many knocks of opportunity. Keep your vision alive, be a forward thinker and shuffle the deck every now and then. Don’t become complacent and don’t let others derail your goals.

Life happens fast, and it will present challenges that you cannot even imagine. Be prepared to reach down deep and find the inner fortitude you need after disappointments big and small, and the painful losses that are an inevitable part of life.

The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with hurdles, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested — and your personal growth realized. For whatever happens, just remember to pick yourself up and press ahead. It’s not always easy, but it is guaranteed to be something better, more lasting and much more satisfying.

Congratulations!

Let us know if you need any help with your career journey. We have lots of great wisdom and expertise to share.