As a rule, people don't ask me to give commencement addresses, homecoming speeches or to speak at formal convocations. But if they did, this is the kind of thing I would say. . .
- Read at least one book that changes your life every year (or, at least has the potential to do so). This could be something by Dostoyevsky or something a bit more serious like, Snorkeling for Dummies.
- Every so often learn to do something new that is hard. Remember how to be a beginner.
- Teach something to somebody else who really needs your help, if and when they ask, the rest of the time, not so much.
- After you are 35, listen to music you cared about 20 years earlier. And even more importantly, remember why it mattered.
- Invest yourself in people and causes that you care about passionately. Bind yourself to these with all the heart you can muster.
- Keep a journal or notebook so you can write down things you think matter: ideas, things you want to do, song lyrics, drink recipes, phone numbers, etc.
- Collect interesting stuff, sea shells, old cameras or wood carvings.
- Wear clean underwear most days. (If you are male, wear underwear most days.)
- Get over yourself; allow your screwy habits and failures to make you interesting, rather than living in denial.
- Do what you are good at; it is usually what you love doing.
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