Being in post-graduate early 20’s is a very interesting state of mind. At the risk of sounding like an angsty teen, its like a post-pubescent puberty, but you are more aware of what is happening to you. You are awkward, but instead of a physical change, it is more of a life change. I find it really fascinating to be working with 35 individuals who are in a similar state of “change”. I am smart, but I need to learn more. I have skills, but there is room for for improvement. I see the world through an open mind and through eyes of wonder. I am soaking it all in and always reaching higher. I am grateful for my experience with 35 other 20 somethings in this same state as well as the professional development structuring of Challenge Detroit, as it has allowed me to develop a few self improving, and self reflecting skills that I hope to continue for the rest of my life.

1. Write down quotes. Even if they come from your own head.

My favorite self quote recently is “if your greatest fear is not living up to your own creative potential than good, because you are in control.”

Recently I started rewatching the “House of Cards”. For some reason the following opening quote really resonated.

“There are two kinds of pain. The sort of pain that makes you strong, or useless pain…” -House of Cards

Which leads me to my second note…

2. Embrace learning… which sometimes means failing.

Because we are still learning we may mess up. It is important to not get hung up on these moments and to recognize what we have learned and self reflect on our experiences.

3. Learn something from everyone.

4. Plan…. loosely.

During school I FREAKED out about who and what I will be. Now I realize it is a journey, and I get excited about not knowing what is around the corner. Although I may need to plan ahead to get to that corner, I don’t always need to know what is on the other side.

5. Create every opportunity you can.

The other side is where the opportunity is… just create as many corners as you can.

6. Be uncomfortable.

There is a lot of value in being uncomfortable, which sounds… uncomfortable. I used to be scared to death of public speaking. I used to clam up and my face would turn red. During my very first presentation in school I almost cried. I gradually got better and better every time I did it. Now I look for opportunities to be uncomfortable because the more I practice being uncomfortable, the more comfortable I become. My last day of college I spoke in front of over 5,000 people. I was nervous, but I wasn’t scared to death.

7. Set goals.

I make lists, although I prefer to call them daily goal priorities. I make short term goals, long term goals, and daily goals. This helps me stay focused.

8. Try your best at everything you do.

This one sounds like something a kindergarten teacher would tell you but its true. Producing good work develops a reputation for being reliable and doing a good job making room for the next steps.

9.   Follow a passion.  

Draw, write, make things. My passion is making things, which I do for a living. My host company knows I LOVE making things, and whenever there is an opportunity for extra making, I am all about it.

10. Finish things.

I put this one here because I felt like I couldn’t end with nine and it would be ironic to end with finish things. Buh duhm chssshht. But its true too! How do you know if you like something if you don’t see it through?