Back to School

Monday. The day of new classes, teachers, and high expectations for all.  My two boys, 11 and 12, are heading into 6th and 7th grade, respectively.  For the first time, I have no elementary school children, and both will be “Middle Schoolers”. 

As parents, our job is to prepare them for the world, not to protect them from it.  God help me, as protecting them from it is what I am viscerally pulled to do. 

Nonetheless, we forge forward. With this said, the advice I share with my boys follows.  Some thoughts are my own, although most are thoughts woven into mine from advice passed to me by family, mentors, and friends. 

1. Although we live in a world of instant gratification, Success is an aggregate of many small actions over a long period of time. Get accustomed to putting in the work consistently.   This is where grit, tenacity and perseverance are born.  
2. The information coming at you every moment of the waking day is yours to control. Use it positively.  Put the phone away and force yourself to speak to a stranger instead. True friendships are one of life’s greatest gifts, and they have to start somewhere. Do not miss the opportunity. 
3. Decisions made in middle school can dramatically impact the rest of your life. What you choose to spend your time doing, for what purpose, and with whom around you, can take you down roads that will support your success, or pull you away from it.  Choose wisely.
4. When you set your eye on a goal, surround yourself with people who can help you get there.  Whether music, sports, academics, spiritual, artistic goals or otherwise, if you are the smartest person in the room, find a new room. 
5. Find your village.  Made of family and friends, build a social circle that will build you up, protect you, and in which you will reciprocate. This starts through a smile, a helping hand, and an open heart. As we get older, stand guard against the layers built on top of that unbiased love with prejudices. Some prejudices are to protect you; however, you can miss the diamonds in the coals by not giving someone a chance.  As long as there is a solid moral compass, you can grow by surrounding yourself with those called “nerds”, “jocks”, “freaks”, or any other insignificant label.  
6. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Every. Single. Day. Whether through rigorous exercise or a serene walk, church or yoga, writing or art, release tensions and invigorate your soul as a daily practice. Nutrition is what fuel you put in your tank- High quality input equals high quality output. 
7. A good first impression starts with eye contact, a strong handshake, good manners, and your appearance.  Stand up and stand strong. Yes, your hair, breath, and crinkly clothes matter. You do not get a “do-over”. Do it right the first time. 
8. Being alone does not mean being lonely. Have friends, have fun, but be alright on your own. Over time, you will enjoy the self-awareness you will gain. 
9. You cannot take back anything put in writing. Write an angry email if you need to, but don’t send it. If you have an option to have a live conversation rather than texts or emails, chose a discussion with matters involving emotion.   
10. Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Do not let the world crash around you based on one bad day. 

Wishing all of you an incredible year ahead.  The world awaits you.