Tonight, a group of students from the venerable Stephens College will get together and listen to a rapidly-graying, slightly-addled, hyphen-loving-father-of-two babble on about the lessons of a misspent youth.
Why would they bother?
They’re being offered free pizza and stuff. And maybe, just maybe, one or two of them might read between the lines of All the Difference and avoid some of the world-class mistakes I made through the years.
Because, in the words of sage pudding spokesmodel Bill Cosby, if they’re not careful they just might learn something before they’re done.
I’ve got about two dozen pieces of advice to give them this evening in a little talk called “All the Difference.”
It’s bittersweet, but I’ve screwed up a lot in my years here. I like to think I learned a thing or two dozen.
I’ve given this talk a few times, revised it a few, and before this go-round, I asked some of my partners if they had any advice worth sharing.
I now believe I have the makings of a special little e-book that you might enjoy giving to your son, daughter, niece, or nephew. Maybe.
I’m not sure … maybe it’s just a bloviating pile of noise. But the pictures are cool. If you’re interested in a copy while it’s still a work-in-progress, just let me know.
Do you have any lessons learned?
What’s the one piece of advice you’d pass along to graduating seniors as you look back on the many roads diverged in your life lived? I’d love to read yours in the comments.
I promise you a free copy of the book … and maybe some free pizza and stuff.
Now, get off my lawn …
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Two ears, one mouth…use in proportion.
LISTENING is the hardest, and most valuable part of communication.
Did I hear what you really said? Or did I just hear what I think I heard?
have some manners. simple ones, like saying please and thank you.
young ladies - don’t dress for the office like you’re trying to get a date. it’s work :)
Now “A” work is expected all the time.
Pay attention to what you actually take home in your paycheck and don’t spend more than that.
Don’t forget the future — someday you’ll want to retire (plan for it), someday you’ll want to show your arms at a corporate function (don’t ink ‘em), some day you might want to run for Senate (don’t blow it with a drunken YouTube post).
1. Learn to handle your money.
2. Don’t waste time with relationships that drain you.
3. Learn to handle your money.
If you have to work at being happy or having real joy in your relationship, it’s time to move on. If you keep having the same results with each relationship, you’re looking for the wrong type of person. “Don’t judge the book by it’s cover”.
Pick a vocation you love to do, not for the money, but cause you love it; and invest your life in others, and you will live a good life- Mr C
And…
Trust the Lord completely, don’t ever trust yourself, in everything you do put God firs,t and He will Direct you and crown your efforts with success! Pro 3: 5-6
Don’t take things too seriously - all things in moderation…including moderation.
You are who you hang around with - if you want to be successful (whatever your definition of successful is) find those kind of people and hang out with them.
Life isn’t fair, get used to it…(to quote the Rolling Stones): “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find that you get what you need!”
Date the nerd.
Quit obsessing about the future. It never ends up like you thought it would, so LIVE IN THE NOW! (But do contribute to your 401K in the meantime:)
Don’t have any regrets. Look at every mistake you make as a learning experience.