Over the past nine months, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching 130 University of Michigan students.
Some of Rob’s University of Michigan students
Here is a summary of my wishes for these fine young people.
- Never neglect the importance of finding a great mate to share your life with. Don’t wait till your career is established. Likewise, with friendships: the quality of your friendships will be the key to your happiness in life.
- Learn to say your name clearly and with confidence. When you introduce yourself, spell your first name so people will remember it. Likewise, make a real effort to remember the names of those you are fortunate to meet.
- Before thinking about your goals, think about your life mission:Consider the “why”; think about why you are here on Mother Earth; strive to find your purpose.
- Create a vivid vision for what you would like your life to look like five years from now. Make it so compelling that you can experience it through all five senses.
- Set specific short-term goals that align with your mission and will move you forward toward your vision. Write each of your goals down on an index card.
For each goal answer the following questions:- By when?
- What is the specific goal?
- Why is it important?
- How will you go about achieving it?
- On whom will you depend on for support?
- Find the correct balance between these two opposites:
- accept and love yourself as you are, yet
- constantly seek ways to make yourself even better
- Know your strengths and build on them.
- Recognize your blind spots and commit to improving them.
- Beware of your negative self-talk. You can teach yourself to “look on the sunny side of life” even if you were not raised to do so.
- Be kind to everyone, especially your FRIENDS, FAMILY and TEAMMATES.
- Conceive of a dream and believe in it. Once you have achieved it, conceive of another dream. Keep doing this throughout your life.