Oh, that pesky little thing called hindsight. It’s always easy to be knowledgeable after the fact. When you are 22, fresh out of school, and making your own trail you don’t have the benefit of all that hindsight. There is one good thing about getting older and that’s wisdom. Those of us who have gone before can’t go back and do it again but it’s not too late for you.
Here’s 15 things to get you started off right in your post-college life. Life is wonderful so wrap your arms around this great big world and embrace your unlimited opportunities.
1. It’s a new day and new game
It just doesn’t matter if you were the high school quarterback or president of your fraternity. When you enter the workplace, it’s all equal footing. On the flip side, if you were not the most popular guy around, big thumbs up. It’s a new day for everyone.
2. Drop the permanent frown
Nobody likes it. It’s not cool. All that tells people is that you are insecure and emotionally immature. Be a part of the fun. Don’t sit on the sidelines in judgment. That won’t get you very far.
3. Learn to speak up in meetings
If you don’t do it, the jerk in the corner is sure going to do it and we don’t really like hearing from him.
4. Be fluid
As they say, flexible is too rigid. There will always be shifts in technology, leadership, and the workload. Things just change – a lot. You will drive yourself crazy if you cannot be adaptable.
5. Don’t be so offended
Learn to pick and choose the battles you want to fight. You really don’t have to be offended over every single thing. Get over it and move forward. Don’t spend negative energy on things that do not matter in the long run.
6. Don’t think of your first job as your forever job
Get your experience, do a great job, build your resume, and know when to move on. Leverage the skills you learn and parlay that into greatness.
7. Travel
Spend time traveling across the U.S. and overseas. Take in the fullness of life and not just life within a 15 miles radius of where you live.
8. Live overseas
If you ever have the chance to live overseas, take it! Your life will never be the same. You will understand who you are, your culture, and you will really feel like a citizen of the world.
9. Don’t be ordinary
Don’t spend your weekends just going out to a dinner and movie. Take a hike in the mountains, learn to paint, or go sky diving. Be unique. Experiences make you.
10. Be humble, be genuine, and be awesome
This fits into the category of keepin’ it real but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a caring person in life. We are all in this world together. You will get more out of being genuine than you ever will bearing some fake persona.
11. Make friends and keep friends
Life has its ups and downs. You cannot go through everything alone. There will come a day when you need to rely on your friends so make friends and keep friends. Conversely, be a good friend because they will need you, too.
12. Everyone has a hard time finding your first job
It’s not just you. It’s hard for everyone starting out. Suck it up, buttercup. Just keep at it.
13. Be healthy
You have a long road ahead of you and the more fit you are, the easier it will be.
14. Your job is not your identity
Jobs will come and go. You have to live with yourself 24 hours a day so be sure you like who you are.
15. Everyone has a story
We are the author of our life. Write a great story that keeps unfolding chapter after chapter. Share your story and have others share their story with you. Everyone has a story, you just need to ask them what it is.
