At the end of my first semester it dawned on me that while I shared a number of stories from my career to bring various subjects to life, I really did not part any wisdom from a 32 year career. So on my last lecture, which was a recap of the class, I spent the last 20 minutes sharing several lessons learned from a 32 year career in professional services, which felt like a lot to share in a short amount of time. Since then I have spread the advice out.
My idea was that after each lecture, I would end on a parting thought. As this is a half semester class, I only lecture 10 times and the other 4 meetings are quizzes, guest speakers and a software simulation exercise. So I came up with my top 10 thought pieces to share with my students as they prepared themselves to head out into the world.
My lead off was a quote I heard early in my career that has driven my state of mind when dealing with most situations. I heard it when I was living in Chicago, so every time I say it in my head it is with a Chicago accent, so I shard it with the class in my best Chicago accent which garnered a couple chuckles. If you know what it is like to be in front of a group of college age juniors and seniors, a chuckle would be the equivalent of a solid laugh at a dinner party. The quote is:
Take it as it happens, but make it happen like you want to take it.
My interpretation has a several dimensions. First, if you are faced with a situation where you can influence the outcome or experience, do whatever you can make happen like you would want it to. Conversely, if you conclude you have no influence on the situation, such as, most world events, just chill out and take it as it happens. Don’t let it consume your state of mind. I have also found this to be a great reflection tool when things do not happen as I had hoped. It is good to reflect on what I could have done to influence the outcome or experience - to make it happen how I would have liked to take it.
Too many people seem to be consumed by that which they have no control over and then shy away from taking action on that which they can control.
