Life-Changing Thoughts for Recent Graduates

Overview

Graduating high school and college are two incredible achievements filled with joy and relief.  They can also bring about a lot of change and stress.  Too many people learn valuable skills that aren’t taught in school the hard way, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this article, we’ll discuss ten of the most important mindsets that can set you up for success no matter your field of expertise is going to be.

Finances

When you’re young, your financial decisions have a compounding effect over the rest of your life.  Keep that in mind when you make those decisions big and small!

1. If you don’t understand personal finance, take a course or two.  It’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
2. Stay out of debt.  It’s so tempting, but it’s the opposite of freedom and peace.  Your 20-year-older self will thank you!
3. Invest as much as you can. It will pay dividends.
4. Live below your means and focus on your true needs.
5. Be aware of where your money goes, even the small stuff.  It adds up quickly!
6. Set a budget and follow it the best you can.  Consider it permission to spend.
7. Don’t let other people tell you how to spend money or time (not even me).

Health

Establishing good health habits can also have a compounding positive effect, and help you enjoy a long and happy life.

1. Take your health seriously – it might seem like it, but you’re not invincible.  Small habits make a big difference.
2. Do something every day to get your blood flowing, even if it’s just a quick walk.
3. Surround yourself with people who share values like you do – health and beyond.

Learning

Just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean you’re done learning.  In fact, it’s quite the opposite.  With a solid foundation, it accelerates!

1. Never stop learning!  Whether it’s reading, webinars, articles, etc., keep it up.  Learning generally comes before earning!
2. You’re not years away from success, you’re skills away.  Don’t let inexperience stop you from learning from others.
3. Alternative learning is becoming big business – don’t be afraid to pay for valuable courses.  It may seem expensive, but think about how much time it takes to learn by yourself (if you even can).

Accountability

It might sound ironic, but I’m an accountant, and accountability is a word I wasn’t really exposed to until 10 years or so into my career.  But it’s such an important one.

1. You are the one most responsible for your path and your effect on others.  Take the initiative and own it!
2. Eliminate this phrase from your vocabulary: “That’s not my job.”  Your job is to support your organization’s mission and core values.  Everything else is just details.
3. Your actions (or lack of them) have consequences. Don’t pass the blame on to others.
4. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. You should make them. Own them, learn from them, and move on.
5. If you make a mess, clean it up! If you don’t want to clean it up, don’t make it in the first place.
6. Take feedback seriously. It’s a precious gift. And give it when it’s appropriate. A good feedback framework is start-stop-continue.
7. Have an accountability partner (or multiple!).  Meet regularly and support one another.

Networking

It might seem like networking isn’t productive work (that was my perspective for a long time), but it absolutely is.

1. Don’t underestimate the value of building your network, even if you’re an introvert.  It really is about who you know.
2. Don’t be afraid to promote your “brand” – think of it more as marketing than bragging.
3. Find people smarter than you and learn everything you can from them.
4. Figure out who has political sway in your organization and align with them.  Politics are often annoying, but they are a part of life.  You may as well benefit from them when it’s appropriate.
5. Leverage mentors wherever possible.  There are five types: Sage, Surgeon, Sponsor, Sidekick, and Student.

Relevance

People spend a ridiculous amount of time on busywork that doesn’t really lead to progress on the important stuff.

1. Set your own goals and prioritize your life around them.  Plan your week around them with time blocks.  Doing the tough stuff first is often a great way to make sure it gets done!
2. Don’t be afraid to switch gears and change your goals, even if you have a lot invested in your current goals.  Things change and where you’re headed should guide you more than where you’ve been.
3. Focus as much as you can on what matters.  Align with the goals of those above you and adapt as things change.
4. If you’re struggling to prioritize, use a framework.  Talk it out with your manager, your peers, or someone who’s been there.

Technology

The advances we’ve seen in technology over the last 20 years have radically changed the world, and it’s only accelerating with the focus on AI.  These tips will help you from getting left behind.

1. Don’t rely solely on technology – learn how things work.  This will set you apart.  Especially in an apocalypse!
2. Don’t be afraid to try out new technologies.  If you’re an early adopter, don’t expect things to be perfect!
3. Learn your toolset deeper than your peers.  You’ll be more productive and more valuable!

Service

There’s no greater calling than serving your fellow humans.  In this sense, service means supporting others in whatever way you can.

1. Serving others is the best mark of leadership.  If you’re too big for the little things, you’re too little for the big things.
2. Serving others is also the best way to make a difference and be the change you want to see in the world.
3. If you aren’t supported in your organization or in your relationships, don’t be afraid to move on.

Passion

Passion is the X factor that great leaders bring to the table.  You can hear it in their voice and see it in their eyes.

1. Working on things you’re passionate about is one of the best ways to prevent stress and depression.
2. Life is too short not to spend time on things you hate, whether it’s work or something else.  It’s okay to pivot!
3. Keep your eyes open.  You might be surprised to find new things you’re passionate about.  I found some over 15 years into my career!

Discipline

Discipline is a key ingredient to success.  Rarely are great things built in a short period of time.

1. Habits are a huge component in demonstrating discipline, and it’s easier to build them than you think.
2. Follow the 5 P’s to build strong habits and discipline: Purpose, Plan, Priority, Practice, and Patience.
3. Discipline might seem painful in the moment, but it’s nothing compared to the pain of regret.

Summary

By considering these mindsets, you can save a lot of time, money, and headache.  Give them some thought.  Discuss them with your friends, family, and colleagues.  Add to them and pay it forward.  And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way!

What else would you add?  Let us know in the comments below!