It is not enough to be the best that you can be, you should dare to be great!

The key note speaker at my daughter's graduation from Oneonta last week was ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio, who is an Oneonta graduate (and no Nancy I had no idea who he was until I read his bio in the program). His speech was entertaining (especially to the graduates with his references to Oneonta and obvious pride in being a graduate) and enlightening. Essentially, he said in this age where everyone is getting different information all the time from different sources, i.e. cell phones, tablets, computer, in order to succeed you should be the one people come to to get the information. In essence, he told the graduates to lift their heads from their cell phones and get out there and provide the information that the person next to you is looking for. I thought it was pretty appropriate advice for this generation.

I gave more practical advice to my graduate. I made a pact instead. I stated they should stay home long enough to push their career as high and as fast as they could for as long as we both could stand it. I wanted them to take risks while they didn't have to worry about a roof over their heads. I didn't want them to make decisions out of fear but from strength and I wanted them to learn the experience while they had the chance. But with that promise came strings. First they had to contribute to the household by taking care of their rooms, chores, and covering some of the costs. They had curfew on the week day because I had to work and I didn't want to be up worrying about where they were. Midnight during the week or call me if you are going to be late. In both cases the plan worked out very well. One moved out at 26 and the other at 27 and they never looked back. It was a great way to help them transition out permanently especially in a severe recession. It created different bonds as parent and child. And it gave me an emotional way of letting them go with the strongest foundation possible. That was my advice to them.

"Take ownership of your live by having a vision for your future; commit to an outcome; be accountable for your own performance and achievement; to take ownership of your life before circumstances own you." Great opportunities exist for those willing to go down this path. For all others, circumstances will prevail.

This is what I teach and coach in my work with high school and college kids.

Take ownership of your live by having a vision for your future; commit to an outcome; be accountable for your own performance and achievement; to take ownership of your life before circumstances own you." Great opportunities exist for those willing to go down this path. For all others, circumstances will prevail.

How about the four year party is over now get to work!

Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans!

Read R.A. Dickey's autobiography, Wherever I Wind Up

Follow your dreams & give it your best!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOFV___8Knk&list=ULDOFV___8Knk

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbEkC2t3hL8

Lead, follow or get out of the way.