Hindsight Is.

2020 sure does take on a new meaning for all of us. 

The whole notion of being able to take contextual and historical information to illuminate the present is the benefit of hindsight. 

Perfect vision. 

Hmm. That’s something to ponder.

The impetus for this article came from the discovery of a hidden treasure in my saved collectibles. During a Summertime hunt for an old photo, I uncovered the three page letter my sister wrote to me before starting her Senior year at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame while I was embarking on my Freshman year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She is an excellent writer, so it’s no surprise that her words captured my attention once again. 

I was in awe of how much her “words of wisdom” for my entry into the college scene could translate to the right here and now.

I decided to share it (with her permission). I think you’ll see the same things I did for this season of life we find ourselves in.

BE YOURSELF.

Have Fun!

But work hard, too.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — that’s how you learn.

You’ll make some friends who will be with you only a short while, and you’ll make some friends for life. But from each of them, you’ll learn more about yourself.

GROW.

Know that you will change… and that change is good because it keeps things interesting.

Always remember that through the change, there is a certain essence, a definite uniqueness that only you possess, and that will never change.

LAUGH… lots!

And SMILE, too.

Remember that “A smile happens quickly, but the memory of it lasts a long time.”

Realize that it’s ok to stay in on a Friday night… to watch a movie, read a book, or just think about life. Don’t be afraid to do your own thing.

Start off each day with a prayer and an upbeat song. That way you have both God and a positive mental attitude to see you through the day.

Sit outside every day it’s nice, letting the wind caress your skin and the sun kiss your hair.

Trust people and give them the benefit of the doubt, but also remember that trust is not something to be given away freely.

Be PASSIONATE.

Remember that every experience you have, good or bad, shapes the person you are becoming.

It’s ok to do poorly on a paper or exam as long as you tried your best.

Always do your best (like you always have), and you will live with no regrets.

RISK. Whenever you put your pride aside, one of two things will happen: you will either gain something and be glad you risked or you will receive a healthy dose of humility, but at least you know you tried.

FLY. Ok, not literally. But through your endeavors, make sure you’re soaring high.

Live your life for God, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Why? Because He is the secret to your success.

CRY. From time to time; it’s good to cleanse your body of the pain it’s going through.

Stay up late talking and laughing and making memories with your friends, because I guarantee you when you look back on your college years, you’ll remember those late night chats, not the endless hours of studying.

DREAM. Dream big. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible, that it can’t be done. Because it can, and you can do it! It’s ok to tell others about your plans, but leave some part out, some little thing that only you know. Keep it close to your heart and look at it every day. Imagine yourself fulfilling it. Do that enough, work hard enough, and one day you won’t have to imagine any longer… because your dream will be your reality.

Seize each and every day.

Discover what makes you truly happy and pursue it with all your heart.

Never settle for less.

- Kat Brenner

These words found their way back to me during one of my hardest months of 2020… some beautiful things (like growth in the business) and some sad things (like a death in the family). It struck me that my sister’s words of encouragement so many years ago held perfect vision - for then and now.

All of us are going to look back on 2020 and see hills and valleys, joy and sorrow. But I think most of all, we’re going to see growth. 

Here’s to seizing each and every day and taking each one at a time. . .

For more inspirational posts and articles, follow Michelle Rademacher here. For navigating a career change, you can book a Discovery Call on the schedule tab of the website. Here's to you, Career Changers!