I loved my college life. It was amazing. Sports, friends, pulling all-nighters finishing term papers, the, um, “occasional” bar, and of course expanding my knowledge. I guess that’s why I enjoy coaching college students as they make their way into the workplace. I see so much potential and feel excitement for their futures.
But for me, personally, I’ve never been big about living in the past. I don’t believe in the “coulda, woulda, shoulda”. Hindsight is 20-20 but only if we are paying attention to where we have been and what we have learned. Experience has the potential to be our very best teacher and hindsight plays a vital role. That’s called “hindsight insight.”
Of course, it’s always easy to be knowledgeable after the fact.
When you are 22, fresh out of school, and blazing your own trail you don’t have the benefit of all that hindsight. Those of us who have gone before can’t go back and do it again but there are a few things we’ve learned along the way that might be a little helpful.
This is my list. I’ve eventually learned all of these and I wish I learned them a little sooner. But I guess I did learn them and that’s what counts. I also know that everyone has to make their own way in this world and make their own mistakes. I get that. I respect that. But if there’s a way to help you ease into things just a little bit, I’m all for it.
Things I’ve Discovered Way Too Late
B#*tchy Resting Face Gets Old Quickly (See VIDEO)
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.
It’s a New Day and New Game
It just doesn’t matter if you were the star quarterback or president of your sorority. When you enter the workplace, it’s all equal footing. It’s a new day for everyone. And if you weren’t the most popular guy around, no big deal. Your new boss and co-workers aren’t going to care.
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’ll drive yourself crazy if you cannot be adaptable.
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 just don’t matter in the long run.
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.
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. 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 understand that we are all a part of the same world. We’re in it together.
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.
Make Friends and Keep Friends
Life has its ups and downs. You can’t 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.
Everyone has a hard time finding their first job
It’s not just you. It’s hard for everyone starting out. Suck it up, buttercup. Just keep at it. Good things will happen for you.
Be healthy
You have a long road ahead of you and the more fit you are, the easier it will be.
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.
Over to You:
What’s your best hindsight-insight that you have to offer? Comments Welcome!
SOURCE VIDEO: Broken People, YouTube
