The intersection of my commitment to lifetime learning and my current hiatus from meaningful employment has afforded me the time and reason to be reading and listening. In addition to Audible books, regularly subscribed podcasts, and interesting documentaries, I find graduation speeches to both interesting and entertaining. This year even more so since most have moved to skype, zoom, teams, or some other equally annoying digital platform. I say annoying because I’m tired of people telling me that these computer connections are bringing us closer together in these trying times. Which brings me to another point. Can we agree that some our new terminology deserves some quick retirement. I think we can stop with “trying times”, “unprecedented times”, “challenging situation”, and social distancing. These terms popped up way too often in the commencement speeches that I watched.
Some of my favorite speeches from this year as well as year past were given by Steve Jobs (connect the dots), JK Rowling (rock bottom is a solid foundation), Admiral William McCraven (make your bed), Will Ferrell (it ok to not know), and I especially liked Mike Rowe’s unrequested graduation speech to all those high school graduates that have chosen not to got to four year college. At least not yet. All were inspiring and entertaining.
I watch many more. Some were good and some were snoozers, but all had at least a few good nuggets of advice. I extracted my top ten worthwhile messages that I feel are good advice for all of us. Not just the graduates. Here goes:
If you feel you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. (just don’t tell the others why you are leaving)
Take naps and be proud of them. (not during meetings)
Greatness is when the people that know you the best respect you the most. Make integrity non-negotiable.
Don’t watch the news. Make the news. Its far better to stand out than to fit in.
Working on learning more how’s than what’s. Anyone can find facts. Successes know what to look for. If information was the answer, we’d all be millionaires with six pack abs.
Always stay curious. Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are meant to do.
Master the art of showing up. Small habits lead to big habits.
Don’t wait to get a mentor. Mentors are essential and they are hiding at your local library.
Find you tribe(s). Join and make a ruckus.
Of talent, IQ, and Grit. Grit will take you the furthest.
Bonus - Find humor in EVERYTHING.
Make it a great week.