Congratulations, Graduate!

Congratulations, Graduate! It’s that time again. The gowns, tassels, and diplomas are starting to appear. Pomp and Circumstance will be heard throughout the country. So to the new graduate – whether it be high school, college, grad school, or whatever the case may be, here are some things that, if I could go back in time, I would really stress as important to my younger self.

Don’t procrastinate.

I think I’ve always been a procrastinator. But in the past few years, it has gotten progressively worse. It’s like I need to feel the pressure of a deadline to really turn up the productivity. I know that often we joke about procrastination, but in actuality it’s a pretty horrible habit to develop. There is no time like the present!

Travel and study abroad.

I’ve been blessed to have traveled to Asia when I was younger and Europe after graduating college. I’ve lived in a few different states and have done some smaller scale traveling. But even then, I would still stress that while you are young – travel! Also, in college, I thought it would cost too much money to study abroad or that it would sidetrack my academic program. Looking back, however, I think one of the best ways to travel is through a study abroad program. You’re accommodations are taken care of and you are learning about another culture by actually living in that country. It’s a great deal!

Own your choices.

Whether it’s about what you should major in, where you would like to go to school, where your career path should go, or who your next employer should be, you need to own your choices. It’s great to get outside advice and different takes on what you should decide to do. However, in the end, you are the one who has to deal with the effects of your decisions. The more accountable you are to yourself, the more you will realize just how much influence you have on your future regardless of what life throws at you.

Working out = free therapy.

Ok, so this is a major one. I’ve gone to the gym sporadically since graduating high school yet I did not learn the about the therapeutic benefits of working out until only last year. In times of high stress, it’s like a great way to expend pent up energy and release some much needed endorphins. You walk away feeling less stressed and more focused. Yes, it’s hard sometimes to get to the gym and start working out. Yes, sometimes it’s tough to be consistent. The results though are indisputable and well worth it. If I could, I’d kick my younger self in the butt for not being consistent in working out. The sooner you make this a habit, the sooner you’ll start to feel the lasting effects.

Enjoy the present.

Sometimes we all get caught up in the every day hustle and bustle that we don’t appreciate what’s going on. I remember when I lived in Hawai’i, I was so focused on what was stressing me out that I may not have fully enjoyed all that it had to offer me as an experience. Not that many people get the opportunity to live on such a beautiful tropical island. Today, I often find myself wishfully thinking I could momentarily go back in time to re-live there, but this time instead of worrying and stressing out, I would just enjoy the island.

So as you start to throw your cap in the air, receive congratulations from family and friends, and let’s not forget the major partying, when things get a little dicey hopefully these 5 things will help out a bit. I may not be a fresh grad, but I’m keeping this list in a handy spot regardless.