“I’m gonna run through the halls of my high school, I’m gonna scream at the top of my lungs.
I just found out there’s no such thing as the real world, just a lie you’ve got to rise above.”
I graduated about a month ago and the only thing that has changed is my temporary address. My boss is still distant, my co-workers still have opinions, I still set my own bedtime, and I still don’t have any money. So where is this real world that everyone in my life up to this point has been preparing me for?
I am starting to think that John Mayer was correct in his accusation that it has all been a conspiracy: a lie to make sure that we pay attention and prepare for the worst. It turns out that I was ready for the “real world” in the 9th grade. If I can survive the ridicule of underclassmen, especially those involved in sports, you can survive anything that the world has to offer.
I guess what my parents and teachers were trying to say was, “You can mess up now and it’s no big deal. But if you mess up in the real world, you’ll be in trouble.” I guess there is some validity there.
Even at an internship, if you mess up there is still the excuse that you are an intern and aren’t being paid to be stupid. But when you are on a payroll to do a good job, you really have to pay attention. Yet, if you pay attention in school, pick up on social things in your personal life, and learn from your internships or first job: you’ll be fine.
There is so much pressure these days to be successful, yet at the same time, the opportunities are slowly dwindling. Even the idea that you can “make your own success” is becoming harder and harder to fathom. Yet I believe that everyone has a gift, a role and a talent that they are meant to carry out in their career, and that belief isn’t snuffed out yet. If you have a dream, it can come true. If you have an idea, it can become reality.
It’s up to you to decide how quick, effective and painless you want your adventure to be.
n/a
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Soft thoughts in hard times
I have always been a fan of irony and oxy morons and puns and analogies and lists without commas, but I have really been thinking about one in particular that has some actual application in my life right now:
The worst thing possible, might be the best thing ever.
Follow me on this.
Consider some aspect in your life that is going really well. For instance, you have a great job that you love and you enjoy going to work every day. Though you want a promotion, and will eventually push for one, you are perfectly happy where you are now.
Something comes up at work: a big assignment or a major account or a long-term project: It is all put on you. You are overwhelmed with all of this responsibility, and it doesn’t go away for years. Over this time, you don’t feel the same way about your job. You still love it, but things have changed and you’re not sure if it is still worth all of this heartache you go through every day.
Then when the task is finished, after years of hard work you put into it, you finally get your raise. Things are better than ever for you. Not only are you back to loving your job, but you are making more money, enjoying more time off, and you are finally living the life you’ve always wanted.
Those two years you spent suffering made the promotion that much more rewarding. You know what it’s like to be under pressure, so you appreciate the times when you are out from under it. Plus, it has prepared you for any hard times that may come up in the future. You know it can’t get much worse than that, so you aren’t afraid of anything.
The worst thing possible, might be the best thing ever.
Think about it.
n/a
The worst thing possible, might be the best thing ever.
Follow me on this.
Consider some aspect in your life that is going really well. For instance, you have a great job that you love and you enjoy going to work every day. Though you want a promotion, and will eventually push for one, you are perfectly happy where you are now.
Something comes up at work: a big assignment or a major account or a long-term project: It is all put on you. You are overwhelmed with all of this responsibility, and it doesn’t go away for years. Over this time, you don’t feel the same way about your job. You still love it, but things have changed and you’re not sure if it is still worth all of this heartache you go through every day.
Then when the task is finished, after years of hard work you put into it, you finally get your raise. Things are better than ever for you. Not only are you back to loving your job, but you are making more money, enjoying more time off, and you are finally living the life you’ve always wanted.
Those two years you spent suffering made the promotion that much more rewarding. You know what it’s like to be under pressure, so you appreciate the times when you are out from under it. Plus, it has prepared you for any hard times that may come up in the future. You know it can’t get much worse than that, so you aren’t afraid of anything.
The worst thing possible, might be the best thing ever.
Think about it.
n/a
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Easter Eggs Don't Even Compare...
You spend your whole life looking for something that you’re not sure you will ever find.
Whether it’s the best job in the world, the girl or guy of your dreams, or the house you’ve always wanted to live in: Everyone has something that they dream about having, and will not be truly happy until they find that thing.
Of course, we spend most of our lives on this quest. Even if we find one of these things, we check it off and move down the list until everything is exactly how we imagined it would be when we were little.
How do you know if what you found is “the best” or “the one” without completely ignoring the rest of the world and what it has to offer?
I think that once you find that house…you know. Once you land that job…you know. When you are with that person…you just know.
Trust me: if there is one thing I hate more than snow, it is clichés. But this one is for real!
Never think that what starts as mediocre will grow on you and become the thing of your dreams…that’s not how it works. You should be wowed from the get-go. Settling will never result in true happiness.
And if you are sitting there worried about if it will ever happen: if you will ever find what you are looking for…have faith!
The feeling you get when you know you’ve finally found it is more than worth all of the pain and struggles you went through to get there. If you think you should give up, please don’t.
There are things in this world that were meant to be… and you will find your something sooner or later.
Whether it’s the best job in the world, the girl or guy of your dreams, or the house you’ve always wanted to live in: Everyone has something that they dream about having, and will not be truly happy until they find that thing.
Of course, we spend most of our lives on this quest. Even if we find one of these things, we check it off and move down the list until everything is exactly how we imagined it would be when we were little.
How do you know if what you found is “the best” or “the one” without completely ignoring the rest of the world and what it has to offer?
I think that once you find that house…you know. Once you land that job…you know. When you are with that person…you just know.
Trust me: if there is one thing I hate more than snow, it is clichés. But this one is for real!
Never think that what starts as mediocre will grow on you and become the thing of your dreams…that’s not how it works. You should be wowed from the get-go. Settling will never result in true happiness.
And if you are sitting there worried about if it will ever happen: if you will ever find what you are looking for…have faith!
The feeling you get when you know you’ve finally found it is more than worth all of the pain and struggles you went through to get there. If you think you should give up, please don’t.
There are things in this world that were meant to be… and you will find your something sooner or later.
Monday, January 19, 2009
astigmatism
I was thinking today about why hindsight is 20-20. I wondered if it was possible to be so aware of the moment, that you can have the perception that is gained in hindsight. You would think that having that ability would allow you to make the right decision in every situation; in turn, making life easier.
I think I have been using this method for my entire life. I don’t usually make decisions “on a whim” or “live life for the moment” because whims and moments are temporary. I always knew that I wanted to make decisions that I would be proud of no matter how old I got (assuming that the older I got, the more critical I would be. i.e.- mid-life crises).
Is this something that separates me from other people? I think so.
Most people have different priorities in life. They are in it to have fun, and enjoy their time, and aren’t too particular about how they go about those things. For me, I am convinced that I can have fun and enjoy my time without making regrettable decisions. In fact, I think half the fun is knowing that I am enjoying myself AND I am doing the right thing.
I have always been sure not to criticize other people for how they choose to live their life…because it’s theirs. However, I am always eager and willing to offer advice on how to solve the problems that arise from continually making “bad decisions.”
You’d be amazed at people that have been making unanimously “wrong” decisions for so long, and don’t even realize it. Their level of standards has shifted so much, either because of their surroundings or a personal change, that they cannot reconnect with what their true self really values.
It’s a difficult thing for these people to deal with. No one likes to be told that they are wrong, but it’s even more hurtful to have to tell yourself.
But this isn’t the end of the world.
It’s never too late to change. There is a reason that everything in life can be called “a phase,” and you shouldn’t be afraid to snap out of one if you realize it is not making you a better person. Hopefully if you are experiencing this, like I was, you have a strong group of friends that can help you through it.
You’ll be glad to know that, even though you may be embarrassed to ask for their help, your relationship with these friends will improve immensely: Especially if they have noticed the same change in you.
Everyone wants you to be the best you can be, so why shouldn’t you want to?
n/a
I think I have been using this method for my entire life. I don’t usually make decisions “on a whim” or “live life for the moment” because whims and moments are temporary. I always knew that I wanted to make decisions that I would be proud of no matter how old I got (assuming that the older I got, the more critical I would be. i.e.- mid-life crises).
Is this something that separates me from other people? I think so.
Most people have different priorities in life. They are in it to have fun, and enjoy their time, and aren’t too particular about how they go about those things. For me, I am convinced that I can have fun and enjoy my time without making regrettable decisions. In fact, I think half the fun is knowing that I am enjoying myself AND I am doing the right thing.
I have always been sure not to criticize other people for how they choose to live their life…because it’s theirs. However, I am always eager and willing to offer advice on how to solve the problems that arise from continually making “bad decisions.”
You’d be amazed at people that have been making unanimously “wrong” decisions for so long, and don’t even realize it. Their level of standards has shifted so much, either because of their surroundings or a personal change, that they cannot reconnect with what their true self really values.
It’s a difficult thing for these people to deal with. No one likes to be told that they are wrong, but it’s even more hurtful to have to tell yourself.
But this isn’t the end of the world.
It’s never too late to change. There is a reason that everything in life can be called “a phase,” and you shouldn’t be afraid to snap out of one if you realize it is not making you a better person. Hopefully if you are experiencing this, like I was, you have a strong group of friends that can help you through it.
You’ll be glad to know that, even though you may be embarrassed to ask for their help, your relationship with these friends will improve immensely: Especially if they have noticed the same change in you.
Everyone wants you to be the best you can be, so why shouldn’t you want to?
n/a
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Do ya smelllllllll
The Rock put it best when he said, “Know your role. And shut your mouth.”
People have been living on this earth for long enough to realize that there are only so many options for what kind of people they can be. Everyone fits a mold that has been filled by millions of people that have come before them.
At some point you have to realize that even though you have complete control over what kind of life you choose to lead, it’s all been done before. The trick is, to find someone that did it best. If you know what kind of person you want to be, find someone that lived that life successfully.
For example, if you want to be a nerd, you have several options. You can be that guy that doesn’t get married, but works for Geek Squad making $20 an hour. Or you could apply your brains to more entrepreneurial ventures like Bill Gates and make jocks everywhere think twice about getting on a nerd’s bad side.
The point of life is to make the most of it: If you aren’t doing that, you should really step back and try to figure out what your role is.
But there are differences between roles and stereotypes. For example, can you tell the difference in this list?
-Supermodels will always sleep with rock stars
-Mailmen will always be afraid of dogs
-Waitresses will always come home with sore feet
-Band kids will never date a cheerleader
Though there are solid reasons why these will be true for the most part, there are always exceptions. So you have to choose whether to be the exception, or the example.
Just like those books where you come to an important scene and you can choose your own ending, there are plenty of ways you can go with your life. It’s just that…in real life, it’s not just a matter of turning back the pages and choosing a new way to go.
So really think about decisions that will put you on a path toward a new ending.
n/a
People have been living on this earth for long enough to realize that there are only so many options for what kind of people they can be. Everyone fits a mold that has been filled by millions of people that have come before them.
At some point you have to realize that even though you have complete control over what kind of life you choose to lead, it’s all been done before. The trick is, to find someone that did it best. If you know what kind of person you want to be, find someone that lived that life successfully.
For example, if you want to be a nerd, you have several options. You can be that guy that doesn’t get married, but works for Geek Squad making $20 an hour. Or you could apply your brains to more entrepreneurial ventures like Bill Gates and make jocks everywhere think twice about getting on a nerd’s bad side.
The point of life is to make the most of it: If you aren’t doing that, you should really step back and try to figure out what your role is.
But there are differences between roles and stereotypes. For example, can you tell the difference in this list?
-Supermodels will always sleep with rock stars
-Mailmen will always be afraid of dogs
-Waitresses will always come home with sore feet
-Band kids will never date a cheerleader
Though there are solid reasons why these will be true for the most part, there are always exceptions. So you have to choose whether to be the exception, or the example.
Just like those books where you come to an important scene and you can choose your own ending, there are plenty of ways you can go with your life. It’s just that…in real life, it’s not just a matter of turning back the pages and choosing a new way to go.
So really think about decisions that will put you on a path toward a new ending.
n/a
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Two Completely Different Peninsulas
Even though school is out for the year, it doesn't mean I'm not learning anything.
My grandpa has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember. He's the coolest guy I know, and spending time with him this week is making that even clearer. Yet there are some obvious differences in how we live our lives.
Something about being in the military, and probably being old too, gets him up at 4 a.m. every day to make a pot of coffee. The thing I prefer about grandpa, compared to other ex-military I've lived with, is his sneakiness.
There are other guys that wake up at an ungodly hour, and want everyone to be up with them. So I appreciate my grandpa not being obnoxious...
Another thing I find funny about him is that he believes everything he reads on the Internet.
There are some very interesting people that find some very interesting ways to convince other people to believe in their very interesting theories.
But the best part about my grandpa, which is also the part I could really benefit from imitating, is his demeanor. He’s been married to my grandma for more than 50 years, and though he’s been mostly deaf for about 20 of those years, he’s still able to make my grandma and everyone around him happy.
That is something that I strive for in my own life. My main purpose is to make everyone I know as happy as possible. Though I’ve driven off that track recently, this trip is opening to my eyes about what my real purpose is.
My days of selfish searches for happiness are over, and its back to being me.
It shouldn’t have taken a trip down to Florida to make me realize this, but the pancakes were definitely worth the trip.
My grandpa has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember. He's the coolest guy I know, and spending time with him this week is making that even clearer. Yet there are some obvious differences in how we live our lives.
Something about being in the military, and probably being old too, gets him up at 4 a.m. every day to make a pot of coffee. The thing I prefer about grandpa, compared to other ex-military I've lived with, is his sneakiness.
There are other guys that wake up at an ungodly hour, and want everyone to be up with them. So I appreciate my grandpa not being obnoxious...
Another thing I find funny about him is that he believes everything he reads on the Internet.
There are some very interesting people that find some very interesting ways to convince other people to believe in their very interesting theories.
But the best part about my grandpa, which is also the part I could really benefit from imitating, is his demeanor. He’s been married to my grandma for more than 50 years, and though he’s been mostly deaf for about 20 of those years, he’s still able to make my grandma and everyone around him happy.
That is something that I strive for in my own life. My main purpose is to make everyone I know as happy as possible. Though I’ve driven off that track recently, this trip is opening to my eyes about what my real purpose is.
My days of selfish searches for happiness are over, and its back to being me.
It shouldn’t have taken a trip down to Florida to make me realize this, but the pancakes were definitely worth the trip.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Vacation?
“I did absolutely nothing, and it was everything I dreamed it’d be.”-- This basically sums up my last 5 days on planet Earth.
I haven’t been this lazy, this bored, this…fat in such a long time.
It is times like these that make me realize how much I appreciate school and the stress that comes with it. Even though classes are hard, and most of them stupid, it is still a responsibility that keeps people like me sane.
I’ve already cleaned my apartment, and my car, I’ve done all my laundry, and I’m going to bake up a storm tomorrow…what else is there to do?
I leave for Florida on Friday, and I will be there until the first week of January. That’s awesome, I know.
But will it make a difference? I am afraid I will just be bored AND warm. Plus, I won’t get to see my friends at all over Christmas break.
I guess I just miss hanging out with certain people, and I am recognizing that I would rather be with them than be warm…and not have to worry about scraping off my windshield…or have to wear multiple layers of clothes…ok, so maybe my friends can wait.
Regardless of all those things, and how I rank my friends against my warmth, I miss school. I am still in town, still walking distance from my classrooms, but it’s the people that make the difference.
I hope that I feel different at the end of next semester. I hope I am ready to move on from college and start working in the “real world.” I can’t imagine living my life without talking to the people I am talking to now. It seems impossible to think that I will need to spend more than $100 a week on myself. I feel like I could live like this forever.
But I know that’s not true. I have to move on. Just like that relationship you were in that caused you so much stress, and made you so angry sometimes, after it’s over…you miss it.
I guess I just need to find a new girlfriend…right?
n/a
I haven’t been this lazy, this bored, this…fat in such a long time.
It is times like these that make me realize how much I appreciate school and the stress that comes with it. Even though classes are hard, and most of them stupid, it is still a responsibility that keeps people like me sane.
I’ve already cleaned my apartment, and my car, I’ve done all my laundry, and I’m going to bake up a storm tomorrow…what else is there to do?
I leave for Florida on Friday, and I will be there until the first week of January. That’s awesome, I know.
But will it make a difference? I am afraid I will just be bored AND warm. Plus, I won’t get to see my friends at all over Christmas break.
I guess I just miss hanging out with certain people, and I am recognizing that I would rather be with them than be warm…and not have to worry about scraping off my windshield…or have to wear multiple layers of clothes…ok, so maybe my friends can wait.
Regardless of all those things, and how I rank my friends against my warmth, I miss school. I am still in town, still walking distance from my classrooms, but it’s the people that make the difference.
I hope that I feel different at the end of next semester. I hope I am ready to move on from college and start working in the “real world.” I can’t imagine living my life without talking to the people I am talking to now. It seems impossible to think that I will need to spend more than $100 a week on myself. I feel like I could live like this forever.
But I know that’s not true. I have to move on. Just like that relationship you were in that caused you so much stress, and made you so angry sometimes, after it’s over…you miss it.
I guess I just need to find a new girlfriend…right?
n/a
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