High school graduation is a bittersweet event for just about everyone. On one hand, you’re so excited to be free of school assignments, schedules and the inability to make your own decisions and on the other you’re terrified of what life will be like without all of that. Looking back, there’s a thing or two I wish I’d known prior to my graduation.
1.Ditch the ‘know-it-all’ attitude ASAP.
Contrary to what you may have learned in the past twelve years – you don’t know everything. The sooner you stop acting like it, the better. No matter where you go post-highschool, head there with a learner’s attitude. If you’re learning, you’re growing, and you’re on your way to better days.
2. You’re going to make A LOT of mistakes.
Mistakes are a huge part of life. They teach us to be accountable for the consequences of our actions. Unfortunately, this learning occurs mostly through our stubborn refusal to learn from these mistakes. Sure, I wasn’t cheerily thinking “Gosh, now I’ll always remember to renew my registration” while being handed a $300 ticket in the middle of exam-week, but you can bet I’ll never be in that sitch again.
3. Learn to apologize before it’s too late.
In spite of the fact that you’re going to make mistakes as an adult, I suggest you learn how to apologize in a meaningful way. Express remorse, admit responsibility, make amends (by actually doing something!) and promise the victim and yourself that it won’t happen again.
4. Failure is inevitable.
You’re going to fail at some point or another and, chances are, it will be a very good thing. Personal failure teaches us in ways not quite accessible by other methods. You might not get into the program you wanted, pass the test you studied hard for or get that perfect job. If you really want something, you won’t give up. In my experience, failure only builds character.
5. Don’t down play your successes, ever.
Never get tired of celebrating your successes big or small. Whether it be, getting into the post secondary program you want or simply, passing that mid-term. You work hard, you party hard. Whether that means a night out with friends or a 10 hour gaming session, never forget to celebrate yourself.
6. Material things don’t matter & they never will.
In the big scheme of life, nobody will remember the truck you drove, the designer clothing you wore, or your fleet of apple tech. Focus on having things that connect you with others, and genuinely improve your quality of life.
7. Relationships only work if you do, I’m serious.
This might be the most important thing on this list. Unlike high school, the people you enjoy spending time with will no longer be in the same place as you between 8:30am and 3pm everyday. Weekend sleepovers quickly turn into all-night homework binges. Combat this with regular coffee dates, group get-togethers, or one of the awesome ideas here.
8. Even when it may seem like it, you’re never alone.
You’re going to go through a variety of seasons in life, which might not match up with the calendar. (Spoiler: they won’t!) Your summer might last a month, while winter takes years. If you’re reading this, just know that someone cares about you.
9. You can’t control everything and you shouldn’t try.
You’ll be significantly happier in life when you stop trying to control everything. Be willing to let go & let God as they say. Life’s greatest joys often come totally unexpected. What you thought you might be doing could end up being the total opposite of what you end up doing and you can’t imagine life any other way. Embrace the unknown.
10. Comparison is the GREATEST thief of Joy.
Comparing ourselves to others isn’t anything new, in fact we do it so often, it seems normal. In high school we compare our grades, our sports scores and the cars we drive, but as you get older you realize that’s just the beginning. The levels of comparison are escalated to the level of our education, job title, income level, house size, material objects or travel destinations. The act of comparing is a toxic habit that only leaves us resenting others and ourselves. Instead, we should focus on the good in life and celebrate that of others. Life’s too short to waste time worrying about what you don’t have.
I’m by no means a professional ‘adult.’ In fact, the years following my graduation have been a lot of trial and error. I know there’s more that could be said in this post but truthfully, life’s best lessons are the one’s you experience for yourself.
Perhaps, you’ve been ‘adulting’ for awhile now, is there anything you wish you’d known as a high school graduate? I’d love for you to comment below!
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”