Summary of The Practical High-School Commencement Address I Didn’t Give:
The writer was invited to give a commencement address at their daughter’s high-school graduation. They wanted to explore transcendent themes and tell good stories, but due to time constraints, they couldn’t include all their suggestions. They decided to write up everything they wanted to say in a practical commencement address. The practical address contains several “Secrets of Adulthood” that the writer has learned through trial and error. They offer these observations to the graduates for consideration. Some of the secrets include asking for help, doing something each day to put their values into the world, and treating other people with respect. The writer concludes by stating that what matters most in life are our relationships with other people and that anything that broadens or deepens those relationships is a good choice. They enjoyed writing both the profound and practical versions of the address and ask for any suggestions they may have missed.
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Summary:
– The author was invited to give a commencement address for his daughter’s high-school graduation but couldn’t include everything he wanted to say in the actual speech.
– The author shares some of his “Secrets of Adulthood” that he has learned through trial and error.
– The author emphasizes the importance of relationships and cultivating bonds with others.
Article:
Recently, I had the incredible honor of being invited to give the commencement address at my daughter’s high-school graduation. It was a moment filled with pride, reflection, and excitement. As I prepared for this significant event, I wanted to deliver a speech that would resonate with the graduates, inspire them, and provide them with practical wisdom for their future endeavors. Although I couldn’t include all the advice I had in mind during the actual address, I would like to share with you some of the unique and fascinating aspects of “The Practical High-School Commencement Address I Didn’t Give.”
For years, I have been collecting what I like to call my “Secrets of Adulthood.” These are the lessons and insights I have gained through life’s trials and errors. I believe that by sharing these wisdom nuggets, I can potentially save you from making some of the mistakes I’ve made. So, without further ado, here are a few of my Secrets of Adulthood that I believe are particularly relevant to your stage of life:
1. Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of work and forget about the pursuit of your passions and dreams. Don’t let work become a distraction from what truly matters to you.
2. The place that hurts isn’t always the place that’s injured. Sometimes, we experience pain and discomfort in one area of our lives, but the root cause may lie elsewhere. Take the time to examine the underlying issues instead of just addressing the surface-level symptoms.
3. If you can’t find something, clean up. Clutter and disorganization can cause unnecessary stress and make it challenging to find what you need. Take a moment to tidy up your surroundings, and you’ll be surprised at how much clarity and focus it can bring.
4. It’s okay to ask for help. We often feel the need to prove our independence and competence, but there’s no shame in reaching out to others when you need assistance. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. You can choose what you do, but you can’t choose what you like to do. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we have to do things we don’t particularly enjoy. Remember that you have control over your actions, even if your preferences may not align with your tasks.
6. If you don’t know what to do with yourself, go outside or go to sleep. When you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, taking a break and engaging in outdoor activities or getting much-needed rest can provide clarity and rejuvenation.
7. Be polite and be fair. Treating others with respect and fairness is not only the right thing to do, but it also creates positive and harmonious relationships. Kindness and fairness go a long way in establishing trust and fostering goodwill.
8. What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. Consistency and daily habits shape who we become in the long run. Focus on cultivating positive routines and prioritize actions that align with your values.
9. Never ask for an extension on an assignment. Developing discipline and meeting deadlines is an invaluable skill that will serve you well in all areas of life. Instead of seeking extensions, embrace the challenge and learn to manage your time effectively.
10. Every day, ask: “What’s something I can do to put my values into the world?” Aligning your actions with your values allows you to live a purposeful and fulfilling life. Take time each day to reflect on how you can contribute to making a positive impact on the world.
11. Happiness doesn’t always make you feel happy. True happiness goes beyond fleeting moments of joy. It encompasses fulfillment, contentment, and a sense of purpose. Don’t chase short-term gratification; seek long-lasting happiness that comes from living a meaningful life.
12. Try by 25—many lifelong preferences are set by young adulthood, so try new things now. Experiencing new activities, hobbies, and adventures during your younger years allows you to discover your interests and passions before commitments or obligations become more significant.
13. Don’t treat a gift like a burden. When someone offers you a gift, whether it’s a physical present or an opportunity, accept it with gratitude and enthusiasm. Embrace the blessings that come your way and appreciate the moments of generosity in life.
14. One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy, and vice versa. The interconnectedness of human happiness is a powerful force. By bringing joy to others, you also uplift your own spirits. Cultivate a mindset of empathy, kindness, and compassion.
15. Something that can be done at any time is often done at no time. Procrastination can be a thief of opportunity and progress. If there’s something you’ve been putting off, take action now. Don’t let the endless possibilities of “someday” keep you from accomplishing your goals.
16. When packing an item that might leak, put it in a plastic bag. This practical tip might seem inconsequential, but it’s the small details that can make a big difference in avoiding unnecessary mess and inconvenience.
17. The things that go wrong often make the best memories. Embrace the imperfections and unexpected twists in life. The moments of adversity often become the stories you fondly reminisce about in the future.
18. If you accept the blame when you deserve it, people will give you responsibility. Accountability is a vital characteristic that builds trust and credibility. Acknowledge your mistakes and take ownership of them. By doing so, you demonstrate maturity and reliability.
19. The more you put in, the more you get out. Effort and dedication breed success. Whether it’s in your personal relationships, academic pursuits, or career ambitions, giving your best consistently will yield tremendous rewards.
20. Get your driver’s license. Independence and mobility are essential aspects of growing up. Obtaining your driver’s license opens up new horizons and opportunities for exploration and self-reliance.
21. Don’t do something to make yourself feel better if it just ends up making you feel worse. Temporary fixes and instant gratification may seem appealing, but it’s essential to consider the long-term consequences. Make choices that contribute to your overall well-being and happiness.
22. By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished. Small, consistent actions often lead to significant results. Break tasks down into manageable steps and commit to making progress consistently.
23. Somewhere, keep an empty shelf; somewhere, keep a junk drawer. Balance is key. While it’s essential to maintain order and organization, allowing yourself a bit of chaos and flexibility can bring a sense of freedom and spontaneity into your life.
24. Buy any ingredients you want from the grocery store; eating at home is almost always cheaper than eating out. Developing good financial habits early on is crucial. Learning to cook and prepare meals at home not only saves money but also promotes healthy eating and self-sufficiency.
25. When you can’t decide between two courses of action, choose the bigger life. Opting for the path that challenges you and pushes you outside of your comfort zone often leads to personal growth and fulfillment. Embrace opportunities that offer the potential for a more expansive and enriching life experience.
As I conclude my Practical High-School Commencement Address, I want to leave you with one more Secret of Adulthood: Hell is other people. However, what Jean-Paul Sartre failed to acknowledge is that Heaven is also other people. Relationships lie at the core of our happiness and well-being. Ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists alike agree that enduring bonds, belonging, and mutual support are essential elements of a fulfilling life.
As you navigate the next stages of your life, remember to prioritize relationships and foster connections with both the people closest to you and the wider world. When deciding how to spend your time, energy, and resources, consider choosing activities and experiences that deepen and broaden your relationships.
I hope that the insights and guidance I have shared in this Practical Commencement Address resonate with you as you embark on this exciting new chapter in your lives. Embrace the challenges, savor the joys, and remember that your journey is ultimately shaped by the relationships you cultivate along the way. Congratulations, graduates, and may your future be filled with purpose, fulfillment, and meaningful connections.
