What does “graduating” mean? We pay a lot of attention to June graduates fresh out of college and high school. Aren’t we all graduating through different phases of life? Let’s revisit our advice for graduates with an eye on its relevance for every stage of life.
Congratulations, graduates. Being called a “graduate” means we think you accomplished something. It also usually means you will be the recipient of much unsolicited advice.
Brace yourself. Here’s some more unsolicited advice. But first, a question: Wouldn’t it be great if your older self could grab you by the lapels today and tell you what you need to know right now? That can’t happen, because time travel isn’t real. Unless you’re one of these nutcakes. In which case, I need to know the final score of this Sunday’s Packers game. You and I are heading to Vegas.
Until that time, back to reality. WiseTribe is here to play a surrogate “future you.”
The members of WiseTribe have been where you’re headed, and are still there. WiseTribers continue to seek meaningful, productive lives. There are a few insider tips that can help you avoid a lifetime of regret. Here is what we want you to know.
What we say
- Make solid relationships that will last — with friends, love & career.
- Pursue relationships that might seem a little awkward or out of your comfort zone. They will help you grow and push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable.
- Think community. Build a community of friends, mentors and intimates. Don’t neglect a private life to only pursue a career.
- Write down your goals on a regular basis. Reread them, adjust them and work them into your life. Write. Them. Down.
- Keep learning!
- Follow your interests, stick to it, and believe in yourself.
- You are responsible for building your future; don’t expect someone else to do it for you.
- Don’t imagine that there is virtue in doing things the hard way. Often that which comes easiest to us illuminates the true gift that we have to bring into the world. Follow that gift and you will find happiness.
- Worry is the thief of joy. Relax and have fun.
What today’s bigwigs said
- Arianna Huffington at Smith College’s commencement (YouTube).
Highlight: “At the moment, our society’s notion of success is largely composed of two parts: money & power. But it’s time for a third metric, beyond money and power — one founded on well-being, wisdom, our ability to wonder and to give back.” - Joss Whedon, screenwriter, producer, composer and actor at Wesleyan University’s commencement (YouTube).
Highlight: “Identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is a process that you must be active in.” - Debbie Millman, artist, strategist, and author, at San Jose State University’s Commencement (audio only, but worth it!)
Highlight: She encourages graduates to hone their existential skills as living with uncertainty, embracing the unfamiliar and allowing for not knowing.
What history said
If we look back on history’s great commencement speeches we see an evolution of human consciousness. Commencement advice has moved from defeating the enemy, to the need for world peace, to urging us to live life with awareness and authenticity:
- Winston Churchill, Harrow School, 1941, “Never give in;”
- George Marshall, Harvard, 1947, Curb the spread of communism;
- John F. Kennedy, American University, 1963, The need for world peace;
- Steve Jobs, Stanford, 2003, “Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.”
I wonder what advice will be dispensed at the podiums in five years’ time….
Beyond all of this heady wisdom, I hope your inner-child is preparing to celebrate all the opportunities you have in life.
You should jump in here. Like it? Not so much? Have something to say about it? Let us know by adding a comment. This is your community.
Jacqueline Botting is the founder and a contributing writer to WiseTribe. She is a technology business developer in the U.S. and overseas for start-ups and Fortune 1000s. She’s a proponent of owning less to live more and believes greater contemplative practices in our daily lives and social institutions make our world a better place. She splits her time between LA, NYC and Florida. Connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn, Twitter or Google +.
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