With graduation just a few months away, some words of wisdom about working and life seem timely.
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My son is finishing up graduate school in a few months. He worked for several years in between college and seeking a higher degree, and he is lucky to already have some real world experience. Plus a few internships under his belt as well.
Still, there are a few words of wisdom I wish to impart to my son. Messages he has heard over and over since he was a little guy, that I think bear repeating.
You have worth and value and nobody should have the right to walk all over you.
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Here are some thoughts I want him to consider. Tidbits he can pack away in his mind and flip through and use when he needs them. A file of “Wisdom from Mom.”
• Life is not fair – remember me telling you that when you were a little kid? It was to prepare you for the real world. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept everything thrown your way either. You have worth and value and nobody should have the right to walk all over you.
• Not every task assigned to you will be a cakewalk. You may be asked to handle a project that isn’t “fun.” Give it your all regardless, and treat it like it is the best task you ever had in front of you. Put your heart into it and show others that you care. It will be noticed!
Humor has a way of lightening the load.
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• Establish boundaries. Being the YES man to get ahead will ultimately get you behind. Your plate will be piled high because everyone knows you are the go-to guy to get things done. The best word to learn is NO, but to say it nicely. “I would love to help, but I couldn’t devote the proper time to the project, committee, opportunity, etc. due to prior obligations, and I wouldn’t want to let you down.” In other words, be gracious with your no.
• Keep a healthy balance between work and play. The last thing you want to do is burn out. Your family, your faith and time for yourself are important, and sacrificing them is sacrificing a piece of you.
• Never lose your sense of humor. Looking at a situation that feels stressful and being able to see it from a different angle, will make the road ahead smoother and any problem you encounter easier to solve. Humor has a way of lightening the load.
• Speaking of problems –reframe them into situations and opportunities. A positive perspective is a great starting place when looking for solutions.
Remember that often there are three sides to every story.
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• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Yes, you want to be a superhero as you begin your career, but there is a lot you probably still need to learn, even with the fancy degree you will soon be framing. Whether it’s brainstorming a solution, asking for advice, or getting clarification on an assignment, there are others who have forged the road ahead of you that can help pave the way.
• Be open to new ideas. Just because you learned it one way, doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Embrace change and collaborate with others. There might just be another way that is better. Remember that often there are three sides to every story.
• Build relationships and community. Surround yourself with great people. Treat them well and they will treat you well. Be a team player. Absorb everything you can.
• Mostly, enjoy the journey. And oh yes, don’t forget to call your mom!
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Photo:Flickr/Paul Inkles