Recently, I read a copy of Jeff Bezos’s commencement address to Princeton’s graduating class of 2010. Jeff, of course is the CEO of Amazon and was also a graduate of Princeton. I was struck by his comments relative to choice and how our choices are THE key to our lives direction. A few of his questions are included here. Click on the above link for the full address.
These questions are pertinent for all of us; regardless of our station or time in life. I encourage you to read these – and write your own powerful story.
How will you use your gifts? What choices will you make?
Will inertia be your guide, or will you follow your passions?
Will you follow dogma, or will you be original?
Will you choose a life of ease, or a life of service and adventure?
Will you wilt under criticism, or will you follow your convictions?
Will you bluff it out when you’re wrong, or will you apologize?
Will you guard your heart against rejection, or will you act when you fall in love?
Will you play it safe, or will you be a little bit swashbuckling?
When it’s tough, will you give up, or will you be relentless?
Will you be a cynic, or will you be a builder?
Will you be clever at the expense of others, or will you be kind?
I will hazard a prediction. When you are 80 years old, and in a quiet moment of reflection narrating for only yourself the most personal version of your life story, the telling that will be most compact and meaningful will be the series of choices you have made. In the end, we are our choices. Build yourself a great story.
He must be an Episcopalian!