To Those Who Are Thinking: I’ve Just Finished 4 Years of College and I Have No Idea What I’m Doing
Next Friday I’ll walk across a stage, FINALLY hold a diploma in one hand, shake the hand of an Academic Dean with the other and strut away. But here’s the catch — I haven’t done homework in literally years, chatted with a professor in months or stepped on ground on campus in days.
You see, almost 3 years ago I could have walked across the stage and had that diploma sitting on my mantel gathering dust already. But life happened, or rather — I let it happen to me. I chose to drop out of college about 2 years ago. That’s right — I dropped out. I quit. I chose to stop. I didn’t want to continue on. I had enough credits for an Associates, but not enough for a Bachelor’s (my original goal).
You see, I fell in love with work and working. I fell in love with personal development. You know — the big wigs. Michael Hyatt, Chalene Johnson, Dave Ramsey, and more Chalene Johnson (she’s just so cool, ok?). And if I’m being honest, I have learned SO MUCH being out in the “real world” persay than I ever did in college. And that’s not a knock on higher education, it’s just you really don’t use or think about 80% of the stuff you learn in school. :)
I have had the tiniest bit of insight into life post college. I also currently have friends who are finishing up school, signaling their distress sirens at the finale of their college careers. I felt compelled to share 3 pieces of advice I wish someone would have sat down over coffee and told me.
- Ok. This one is going to sting a little. So get ready. Ready? Ok. . .
Literally no one cares about what you know or what you have to say. They will . . . eventually. But that old saying that no one cares about what you know until they know that you care is so true. No one cares that you took 5 classes on that subject and did an internship about it. Why should they listen to you blab on about it? You have little credibility to the modern day stranger.
And here’s the other stinging piece of truth — no one likes a know it all. So many of my peers in their twenties pop off pieces of advice like it’s the 3:00pm showing of Oprah and yet no one asked about what they thought.
You know what you need to do with those passions and knowledge? More than anything, you need to use them to serve people and love people. We need more players in the game loving people than refereeing it. And your major or minor in a subject is great, but put it aside and start learning from other people. Ask them questions. Make the conversation about them. Get to really, truly know people on a deeper lever. You’ll be surprised at how much you don’t know and when your knowledge will actually come in handy. You’ll also be surprised at where these relationships will take you and how networking gives you a leg up in the career ladder.
2. Young, Wild & Free? No. Old, Tamed & Chained.
That second part is what you’ll be if you continue to be a raging, wild 20 year old. What I mean by this is, it’s time to get your crap together.
No, no one completely has it together. But some are close. And there’s no shortcuts to it either. But it’s incredibly difficult to chase your dreams and focus when your mind is wandering to that pile of debt that keeps accumulating, missed appointments and how you don’t feel good because you stayed up until 4:00am watching Netflix whilst surviving on a diet consisting of mac n’ cheese, Doritos and Dr.Pepper. Here’s the great news though - you don’t have to reinvent the wheel with managing these areas of your life. So many have gone before you and created and developed amazing systems to help you piece yourself together so you can move forward and win! Below are some that I’ve found helpful (because I’m nice and won’t make you go looking for them. You’re welcome!)
Money
YNAB — This is an amazing budget tool that is so easy to use and has helped countless people get out of debt, create a buffer between you and life’s happenings and achieve your financial goals. The thing I love most about YNAB is there’s no one telling you what your priorities are or need to be. Its principles make it so you decide what’s important. No bashing on the latte’s, getting your nails did or concerts. As long as you budget it for it, you don’t feel guilty! At only $5 a month and a smooth, nearly flawless interface, you can’t go wrong.
Dave Ramsey — A quite controversial fellow at the core, but he does have a great, common sense system that has proven itself over and over again.
Time Management
Michael Hyatt and your ideal week.
Chalene Johnson and her Push Goal system.
Say no more fam- these two have got you covered. They’re basically your virtual mom and dad but never tell you to clean your room.
Minimalist Living and Keeping Your House Clean (I’m sorry I really couldn’t think of a better name for this category)
Marie Kondo & Just Everything She Says & Does
Ugh. She is just SO COOL! I LOVED her book (The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up) and her system really does work perfectly! I really do hope I get to meet her someday.
The Simplicity Project by Corie Clark
Very practical and straightforward info here!
Health & Fitness
Nerd Fitness — It’s not just for nerds! But these guys do their research, know their stuff and make health fun.
3. It’s going to be ok!
You guys, this life is seriously so good and the coolest sometimes. I’ve found new interests that I never thought I would enjoy because of more free time (Korean Pop, Anime, Gardening to name a few) and you find people who love these things as much as you do and you get to share life together!
And you know what? It’s going to be ok. You’re going to fail (a LOT) but you’re also going to win. You are will have more good days than bad. You can do this. You are gifted, skilled and you were carefully crafted together to make amazing things and do incredible feats. You’re going to paint with all the colors of the wind. You’re going to defeat the Huns. You’re going to punch Scar in the face. You’re going to let it go but then you’re going to trust Aladdin and jump on the magic carpet and ride into the unknown. You can go the distance. Oh, and you will go to infinity and beyond.
I’ll leave you with this last tidbit from my personal favorite iconic mentor, Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender. “But if you keep moving, you will come to a better place.”
Also, bonus tip:
3.5 GET OFF FACEBOOK!