I have to admit to being both motivated by and proud of this speech from Naval Admiral William H. McRaven, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, at the University-wide Commencement at The University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014. It is a great reminder that what starts with YOU changes the world. (Like the University of Texas motto.)
Admiral McRaven is a Texas Ex, by the way. I am also proud to call myself a Longhorn and appreciated this small reminder of what that means. Here is one of the best commencement speeches you will ever here in its entirety...
Click this link for the full transcript courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin. I want you to listen to this, but here are some notes to help these lessons sink in:
#1 - If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. Part of the idea here is to build towards large victories by creating smaller ones along the way.
#2 - If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle. The Lone Ranger is a myth. Heck. Even he had Tonto.
#3 - If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers. How much fight do you have in you? That's what really matters instead of your "measurables" as they call it. Your "disadvantages" may, in fact, by your greatest advantages.
#4 - If you want to change the world get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. Crap happens to all of us. Rain falls on the just and unjust. You have to keep going no matter what.
#5 - If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses. Yes. Sometimes you ARE under attack and it's not just your imagination. Keep going. No matter what.
#6 - If you want to change the world sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first. Take a chance. Be bold and watch what great things happen. "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid." — Johann Goethe
#7 - If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks. A lot of times people run when nobody is chasing. This is not the boldness the Lord wants from His people.
#8 - If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment. You can't quit. You just can't. We need you at your best when times are their worst.
#9 - If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud. Raising my hand to testify on this one. I've had to learn this. I don't want to say "the hard way" but I've most definitely had to start teaching myself how to praise in the storm. It can be tough, but it's necessary. Truthfully, until you learn to do this, you may never come out.
#10 - If you want to change the world don’t ever, ever ring the bell. And again I say, do not quit. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence (Calvin Coolidge). You can't defeat a man who won't quit fighting. Strive to make this a permanent part of your character.
Mostly I want you to be encouraged and I want you to be reminded that you do make a difference. You are needed. You are loved. You are respected. I can't wait to see what more you have to show the world!
Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY. Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!
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