Page 7 - Class of 2020

COMPETENCE. Our world is ever changing. We are experiencing that right now with the digital transformation. Those who embrace it will advance and those who don’t or won’t will struggle.
1. Prepare for two steps ahead. Focus on the task at hand while preparing for the next step. Ask yourself, “What knowledge, skills, relationships, and experiences do I need to develop to be prepared to succeed?”
2. Never let your relationships fade. Make it a priority to maintain the relationships and friendships you have worked so hard to establish. You won’t lose those rela- tionships that you have built up. Stay in touch with your classmates; they could be the key to your success in the future. No one does it alone. We go much faster and farther together.
3. Create it once, use it many times. If you know you will perform a task more than once, create a checklist, form, or template to save time and improve your consis- tency over the long haul. No need to reinvent the wheel every time you are in an interview, respond to an interview request, or follow up from an interview.
4. Ask the right questions. The fastest way to change the answers you receive is to change the questions you ask. The questions you ask will either limit or expand the possibilities.
PASSION. Passion is sometimes frowned upon, but don’t let that discourage you. Passion fuels growth and will give you that boost to push ahead.
1. You gravitate to your dominant thought, and you move toward that which you believe to be true. Use these forces to pick a goal that ignites your passion. Next, select an image, word, or physical item. Then use that image, word, or item as a constant reminder of your goal. It will trigger an emotional response and ingrain your goal into your mind, and it will move you more quickly toward your goal.
2. Ask yourself before ending each day, “Did I do something today that leaves a posi- tive, lasting impact?” If the answer is no, keep working until you do. As the saying goes, “Life rewards those who let their actions rise above their excuses.” In the words of Yoda, “Do or do not, there is no try.”
3. You get what you expect. Expect the very best of yourself and of others. Great suc- cess is always rooted in great expectations.
An anonymous quote I recently read says, “When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it [or do it!] one more time.” Perseverance is the key to a successful life. If you keep persevering long enough, you will achieve your true potential. Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes focus, competence, and passion.
Once again, Congratulations to all of you for this great success! I wish you a healthy, happy, and very successful future.
Continue to Persevere!