Young people have yet to win or lose at life. Their game will be getting started the moment they graduate from high school. Even then, many will postpone the “real” game for another four years, as they polish up their academic resume. Not long ago, I found myself sharing a number of my ideas and suggestions with a room full of high school seniors.
I reminded them:
- That their future will be determined by the choices they make and the company they keep.
- That failing faster while failing smarter is still the quickest way to the success circle of fame.
- Having fun is acceptable as long as you earn the right to laugh.
- That there is more than one road to the winner’s circle.
- That everything worthwhile begins with a dream. That our dreams transform into a goal, which enforce well-grounded beliefs which result in confidence which leads to success.
I became excited when I spotted more than a few teenagers connecting with my words. But I became less than enamored when I saw other young people missing my points entirely.
With today’s “yootes,” I suppose a certain hit or miss ratio should be expected. But with you, and other supposedly squared-away adults, I’m not so quick to forgive.
Fact: You will sink or swim by the choices you make. Do your homework. Train your people. Target your prospects. Deliver the goods.
Fact: Once you step away from your comfort zone, you will learn and grow faster.
Fact: Fun is a prerequisite for a balanced life.
Fact: Your strengths will get you to where you want to go.
Fact: Dreaming is a good thing. Acting on your dreams is a better thing.
Fact: If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not get there. Yogi Berra said it. I endorse it.
Fact: Have goals. Set priorities and take steps toward your goals daily.
Fact: Developing a more confident you is job one. Self-confidence is a must.
The largest difference between high school seniors and today’s business professionals is that today’s young people have more time to recover from poor judgment miscues. You and I must be more calculated. Every decision counts. Every missed opportunity hurts. Determine what makes you different from today’s “yootes” and then act accordingly.
P.S. – For those of you who have not had the pleasure of seeing the movie My Cousin Vinny starring Joe Pesci and Marissa Tomei, “yootes” equals youths.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club. Send for details.
mike@mikemarchev.com.
