Don’t change the world. Chase enthusiasm instead.
This weekend was my 25th college reunion at Wesleyan University.
It was surreal in many ways, including the fact that it's where I met my husband and where our daughter just finished her freshman year. (It was also surreal because honestly, I don't feel like I'm 25 years older than when I graduated!)
On my way home, I took out my phone and wrote a note, which I'm sharing with you below.
It's about the advice I wish I'd gotten as a recent college grad -- and advice I want to share with everyone graduating right now.
If it resonates with you, will you share it with a grad in your life? I'd love it if you would!
“Change the world! Make a difference! Leave a meaningful legacy!”
This was a lot of what I heard when I was graduating from college. The problem is: I had no idea how to do that because I didn’t know myself!
So here's advice I wish I'd gotten -- and advice I want to share with every recent college grad:
Do things that help you get to know yourself.
What feels meaningful? What feels like “This! This is something I want to do more!” What gives you that sense that you’re here on purpose, what fills you with enthusiasm and a sense of possibility?
Self-discovery isn’t about sitting on a mountaintop meditating for months or journaling all the time or analyzing yourself to death.
The best way to discover yourself is through ACTION and paying attention.
Do things -- in your work, outside of work -- and then pay attention to how you feel when you do them.
When you feel enthusiasm and possibility, do more of that.
When you don’t, think about how you could shift, what else can you try, and then keep going.
Self-discovery is not a linear process. It can be messy. And frustrating at time
But keep pulling on the thread of purpose, enthusiasm, and that awesome feeling of possibility.
And by doing all this, and by trying all kinds of ways to share your contributions in the service of others, you will change the world.
With love,
Nataly, a recent college grad from 25 years ago
