Embrace the Hustle

I have given my fair share of advice over my three decades of guiding professional careers. This time it was a bit closer to home. It was to my twin nieces who are in their second year of college. I am very proud of both of them. Both have a 40 hour per week paid internship this summer and one of them is also humping a retail job in the evenings. I love to see their commitment to excellence and hustle. As we were sitting around the dinner table, the conversation came up about success, choices, and in general, the "rest of your life"….I offered up some of Uncle Joey’s advice.

”The decisions you make from about the age of 12 or so moving forward can dramatically determine your future. This is not an absolute truth, however it is a solid guideline.”

”The behaviors you subscribe to and the choices you make over the next 15 years or so will likely determine the life you lead for the 60 or so beyond that.”

”Have goals. Set them for your grade point, health, athletics, second language, relationships…and pursue them daily. Strive to get a bit better, every day.”

”It’s good to have friends, but learn to be alone without being lonely.”

”On a steady basis, do the things that you perceive as “hard or difficult” now, and reap the benefits for a lifetime.”

”Have a balanced group of friends around you. Athletes, scholars, hard workers, partiers….but make sure each of them are “good people” with a solid moral compass.”

“If you are the smartest, fastest, strongest or hardest working in the room….invite more people to your room.”

”The most important decision you will make in your life will be who you decide to spend it with.”

Have a great summer.