.Photo Credit: 123RF.com
By Alex Echols
A few nights ago, I had the opportunity to have dinner with a very successful family, both economically and socially (many may say the two go hand-in-hand). Nevertheless, the night was filled with conversations ranging from my aspirations and current projects to what I like to eat to what I do on the weekends. Out of many of the things we talked about that night, some pieces of advices stood out the most:
1) Have more fun. If you think you are having fun in life, try to have more of it. Party hard, practice safe sex, have more movie nights with friends. You will look back and smile instead of looking back and wondering 'what if.'
2) Passion pays off. Many individuals of my generation see the likes of Mark Zuckerburgs and David Karps, young 20-something entrepreneurs/CEOs, and decide they want the same things for themselves without realizing how important passion, hard-work, connections and hard-work really are. If you are passionate about anything, it will shine through because your work will be great and genuine. But never get too comfortable.
3) Have faith in the future, but live for today. Honestly, you don't know if you will be here tomorrow - so as it's very important to try and plan your entire life, focusing on these moments will allow the years to take care of themselves. Carpe Diem.
4) When an ability is innate, follow it. Many times we hear the word 'destiny' and wonder if it truly exist with its evanescent undertones. But it's very important to recognize the blessings of abilities. If you were born to be a writer, singer, dancer, chef, athlete - do it. Maybe you won't storm into the office and quit your job. Maybe you will. Just listen more to what life is trying to tell you. Listen deeply.
5) Wear sunscreen. Towards the end of our dinner, I was introduced to a video by Baz Luhrmann, who once gave a graduation speech to the class of 1999 (time flies, huh). In this video, Baz reiterates some advice we have heard for years, but still do not follow. Why? Maybe because we are scared. Or. Maybe because we take too much for granted. Whatever it may be, an older and much wiser person than myself stated that he agreed 100% with Lurhmann's commencement speech and now, I want to share it with you:
As with all things in life, you will decide which advice you will take. Choose very wisely. But if there is nothing else you take away from this post, let it be this:
"have more fun."
One Life, You Decide™
