May and June mark an important milestone for high school seniors: the end of high school! Along with graduation celebrations and heavy sighs of relief, many are preparing for their next step. Some are packing their bags and heading off to college. Others may be planning a gap year or getting right into the workforce. And many will be figuring out what’s next.
No matter where your teen is headed, he or she will benefit from support and encouragement. So, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite words of wisdom for grads and added my coaching tips, which I hope will spark consideration and inspiration as your teen moves into the next stage of life.
Words of Wisdom for Grads
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure moves you forward. It is a valuable teacher, revealing new wisdom and awareness. It can take you off the wrong track onto the right one. When you encounter a failure or notice a fear of failure bubbling inside, pause and ask yourself, “What is this feeling or experience showing me about myself? What is it showing me about others? What action is it asking me to take?”
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau.
When you move confidently toward the life you’ve imagined for yourself, you will encounter meaningful opportunities, helpful people, and insightful experiences, all designed to propel you closer to your dreams. Start by identifying what you really want and what really matters. Then, think of one small step that will get you closer to what you want. Remember, fear is normal and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Embrace the unknown, feel the fear, AND move confidently, one small step at a time.
“She turned her can’ts into cans, and her dreams into plans.” – Kobi Yamada
Believe in yourself. Achieving your goals and turning dreams into reality can only happen when you believe in your abilities and trust the process. That means connecting with your personal strengths, finding the lessons in perceived failure or setbacks, embracing the unknown, and focusing on the actions you can take and choices you can make.
“Mentors are important, and I don’t think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship.” – Oprah Winfrey
Get a coach or mentor. Seriously!! Every successful businessperson, athlete, inventor, or student has a person who, at some point in time, provided guidance, encouragement, and information. Coaches help you get the results you want and live the life you’ve imagined. They work with you to gain clarity, take action, and overcome any obstacle that gets in your way.
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
Your thoughts are everything! They influence your feelings, attitude, and actions. When you learn how to manage your thoughts, you gain total control of your life! Think about how you want to feel and what you want to achieve. Ask yourself, what is a positive thought that matches this desired feeling and experience? Choose a thought (or thoughts) that empower you to be your best self!
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” -Walt Disney
Doing is a lot easier when you know your peak moments. Peak moments are the times of day when you are most energized and productive. When you identify your peak moments you can create routines that enhance balance and productivity. For example, you might find that the morning is when you can sit down for long periods of time and focus, and in the afternoon, your body needs to move. In this scenario, you would take academic classes and study in the morning, and plan more physical activities in the afternoon.
Happy Graduation!!!
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