Because of my work as a career/life coach, this morning I was asked to offer some advice to graduating seniors. I offered the following “suggestions” to the class of 2021:
1) “Remember” that life is an incredible adventure with much to be learned, experienced, shared, and enjoyed. Many of you have already awakened to this grand reality and, as a result, are living life on a much deeper level.
2) “Remember” that you are a unique individual—a one-off model. There has never been—nor will there ever be—another you. Life’s most important—and challenging—work is becoming your “best self.”
3) “Remember” that every human being—including you—is born with greatness within—a lot of it actually! Here are four, important questions for you to consider as you walk your life’s path: 1) Am I willing to believe that I have greatness within me? 2) Am I willing to do the work of discovery to determine what my personal greatness consists of? 3) Am I willing to put in the effort to develop my personal greatness to its highest potential? 4) What will I do with my personal greatness to make this world a better place to live for myself and others?
4) “Remember” that you have a unique life path to walk. Only you can determine what that path is by going within and gaining clarity. As the famous lyric suggests, “Listen to your heart.” Others can offer suggestions and advice, but you must determine what you will do with your life. Be wary of those who would try to make you over in “their image,” or tell you what you ought to do with your life. Though well meant, such advice can send you down the wrong path (for you). Some may not understand the path you choose. They don’t have to. Your life is yours to live. Let others live their lives as they see fit.
5) “Remember” to enjoy your life’s journey as it unfolds in all of its grandeur and mystery. You will find yourself in many unexpected situations and places, but these will always provide opportunities for learning, growth, and even joy. As Allen Saunders wisely observed back in 1957, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” All human beings—including you—are capable of doing many, different things well. The days of one “career,” 40 years, and a gold watch for retirement are long past for the vast majority of humanity.
Notice how all five of my suggestions start with the word “Remember.” That is by design. As the great polymath, Galileo Galilei, wisely observed: “You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself.
I offer the above suggestions to you as a person who turned down a scholarship offer, changed majors at a university three times, and worked at two “careers” before his “life’s work” found him. For the past three decades I have been a life/career coach, speaker, and workshop facilitator, and I have had the privilege of helping thousands of people “find their bliss” as the great Joseph Campbell would say.
May you all enjoy your extraordinary lives to the fullest!