This advice normally only comes during commencement!
As we perused the different pieces of advice shared thus far from commencements occurring across the United States from some of the most intellectual, seasoned and knowledgeable leaders of the highest influence, we wanted to give you nuggets that we think are applicable to anyone no matter what season of life they are in...
Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter (University of Michigan)
"As you get ready to walk out under the bright lights of the improvisational stage of the rest of your life... be bold. Don't always worry about what your next line is going to be."
David Brooks, NY Times Columnist (Sewanee, University of the South)"Don't think about what you want from life. Think about what life wants from you. If you're observant, some large problem will plop itself in front of you. It will define your mission and your calling. Your passion won't come from inside. It will come from outside."
Carson Kressley, Fashion Celebrity (Philadelphia University)
"If you live your life only following the path you think is approved or acceptable, or the one you think is expected of you, you'll be making a huge mistake. Not a single successful person... has ever done great things because they played it safe. You've got to be true to yourself."
Darius Rucker, Hootie & the Blowfish (University of South Carolina)
"..find something that makes you want to give 'til it hurts."
Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark (Yale University)
"Get out of bed. Keep going. I will not quit. I will not give up no matter how dark the days, no matter how big my failure. I won't lose lessons that I could gather while on my knees. I won't lose the lessons I can find in my lowest pits of despair, because when I emerge, it's those lessons that will define my being.'"
Mark Shields, Political Analyst (Saint Michaels College)
"Call your mother...not text, not e-mail--call her. She wants to hear how you sound." [If you become parents,] "spend more time than you judge to be reasonable with your children. Please know that no one in recorded history, on his or her death bed has ever said, 'Gee, I wish I had spent more time at the office.'"
Rick Hodes, Physician and Author (Brandeis University)
"Remember this: Run to do good. Create a momentum in the right direction. Get your hands dirty. Wear out your shoes. Don't try to get too comfortable, please!"Carlos Eire, Author and Professor (Midland University)
"If it weren't for my failures and my painful experiences, I would not be here today speaking to you...It's a way of saying the risks I took brought me here. Failure has brought me to his podium, more failures than I can count...These failures are my trophies."
Steve Case, Co-Founder of AOL (University of North Carolina)
"Be curious. Be open. Be flexible. Let your life unfold as a series of chapters. Don't be so fixated on a specific ending that you neglect to open the door when opportunity knocks."
Arianna Huffington, Journalist and Author (Smith College)
"And remember that while there will be plenty of signposts along your path directing you to make money and climb up the ladder, there will be almost no signposts reminding you to stay connected to the essence of who you are, to take care of yourself along the way, to reach out to others, to pause to wonder, and to connect to that place from which everything is possible."
No matter your age, stage, season or past, these quotes are still applicable in the life that wants to be impactful and fulfill its purpose...
Curva-Lish Team
curvalish@gmail.com