I came across a very interesting article that I wanted to share. It talks about what advice the elder generation would give to the younger generation if they could do it all over again. The elderly share some very good insight on what is really important, which can help any young professional today. Enjoy.
(CNN) – In an episode of the popular sitcom “30 Rock,” television CEO Jack has a hallucinatory encounter with his future self, from whom he receives life advice that helps him avoid major mistakes.
Most of us would also like to know which choices and decisions we make as young people will benefit us later on — or come back to haunt us. Although there’s no way to step into our own futures, we can get a very good sense of what mistakes younger folks should avoid. We can ask our “future selves”: our elders.
Based on this premise, over the past six years, I’ve conducted several studies involving 1,200 older Americans regarding the advice they would offer to members of the younger generation. The research has included a national, random-sample survey, as well as in-depth interviews with several hundred persons identified as “wise.” To protect respondents’ identities, actual names are not used in the study. Participants ranged in age from age 60 to 108 (average age was 74) and represented a geographically and economically diverse sample of the older population.
The surveys addressed the question, what mistakes should younger people avoid? Respondents were also asked their views on what people are most likely to regret when they get to the end of life.
Answers were categorized into major themes regarding mistakes and possible regrets. The findings reveal some interesting cautions for the young (and not so young as well).
According to America’s elders, here are some of the biggest mistakes young people make: [click to continue…]
Tagged as:
Building a Strong Foundation,
Importance of Experience,
Self Improvement
One of the greatest qualities a person can have in this world is to be humble. I was having an interesting conversation with a friend of mine one day last week. We were talking sports and coaching youth. He then asked me if I could teach the youth today one thing about sports what it would be? I thought about it for awhile, and told him to have humility, and to be humble. Webster definition of humble is “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive”. When talking to some of my youth who play basketball or that I mentor, I always try to preach being humble, and respectful. [click to continue…]
Tagged as:
Building a Strong Foundation,
Humble,
Self Improvement
I was reading an article recently about contentment in one’s life. It brought about many interesting points, that made me contemplate my own situation, and think about what really brings me contentment. Contentment defined by the dictionary is “a source of satisfaction.” We all have different ways of finding satisfaction in our lives. What brings one person satisfaction, may be totally different from the next person. With that said, we should all be mindful of what brings us TRUE satisfaction, and take steps towards them; life is too short not to.
“Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor”
- Benjamin Franklin
The article shared 5 secrets to contentment:
1. “Love people, not money and possessions”
2. “Resist the urge to compare yourself with others”
3. “Maintain an appreciative attitude”
4. “Choose your friends wisely”
5. “Satisfy your spiritual need”
YPJimH, Young Professionals Writer
Tagged as:
Building a Strong Foundation,
Contentment,
Self Improvement
Denzel Washington has always been one of my favorite actors. Recently, he gave a commencement speech at his son’s school, the University of Pennsylvania. While speaking to the graduates he talked about taking risks in life, and not fearing failure, but embracing and becoming better because of them, which I believe is an inspiring message to all. He says, “Do you have the guts to fail?”. “If you don’t fail, you’re not even trying.” I believe this is an very important message, and can very much relate it to my own life.
I have noticed that when I take positive risks, and challenge myself for the better, I have become better because of them. Many times, I have been terrified at certain moments, but going through them helped me build character and confidence. Take for example giving a presentation to 200 high school students, I was terrified, but I choose to practice and face it head on which helped me conquer that particular fear. I firmly believe that sometimes when we lose, we actually win. We are then able to take a step back, assess what happened, and do better next time around. As humans, we should not strive for perfection, but instead improve gradually each and every day. We all know failure is definitely apart of the equation, but the most important part is getting right back up each and every time! Below is the article about Denzel at UPenn…
By: KATHY MATHESON
PHILADELPHIA — Denzel Washington confessed to a bit of stage fright in his latest role: Commencement speaker at the University of Pennsylvania. [click to continue…]
Tagged as:
Achieving Goals,
Believe in Yourself,
Building a Strong Foundation,
Self Improvement,
Success
