Go Forth and Prosper
There you sat, excited and accomplished. A carefully selected orator reciting a commencement address to the class of 2010. Your dreams are fresh, vivid, and tangible. It feels as though the world is at your fingertips, and the possibilities are endless. Capture this feeling. You will need it again countless times in your journey.
You’ve reached this milestone, now your quest begins anew. So follow your passions with relentlessness. Many people settle for less than they want or deserve. Don’t be one of them.
Along the way you’ll encounter a myriad of personalities. Some are good, some are not. Finding people you trust is one of life’s more difficult endeavors. When you find them, and you will, cherish them as your greatest asset. Invest deeply in their friendship. The rewards will be limitless.
Milton Glaser says some people are toxic. This is true. Learn to recognize and avoid them. There will be many people that say “you can’t do that”. Be like the bumblebee, do it anyway.
You’ve heard people say “work smarter, not harder”. Take that to heart, then work hard anyway. Show up early. Stay late. Do what it takes to get the job done, whatever that job may be. Then take pride in your work, but never gloat about your accomplishments.
No doubt, you’ve already felt the pull of love. It’s the most powerful force you’ll ever encounter. Wonderful, visceral, complex, and mystifying. Far greater minds have written volumes on the subject. Read them. Just remember that you must love yourself first. Without that, you won’t be truly capable of loving anyone or anything outside of you. And that would be a crime.
In all things, be mindful of your purpose, stay true to your goals, never sacrifice your honor, and love without abandon. Always remember that you, and only you, control your happiness. No one can take it from you.
That feeling you captured moments ago is priceless. Hold it close. It will power you towards your dreams. Now go. There is nothing stopping you.
