Today, I am very excited to bring you a guest post from George Shinn on a timely subject- how to succeed. This is great life advice for graduates and really for anyone at any stage of life. George Shinn is a self-made millionaire and active philanthropist. He is the author of The Miracle of Motivation (affiliate link). Who better to help motivate your recent graduate to succeed? I hope you enjoy these 7 steps for success and that they motivate you and anyone you share the article with (graduate or not) to dream big and achieve your full potential.
Excellent Advice For Graduates From George Shinn On Steps For Success
It’s graduation season for many high school and college students. This special event marks the beginning of adulthood for many young people, and a transition to empty nest status for many parents.
Once a milestone such as graduation has been attained we can feel uncertainty and anxiety after the excitement wears off and reality sets in. This stage of life is filled with endless possibilities, but can be overwhelming. What type of career do you want? Will you like college life? How do you know if the courses you’re taking are really best for you?
It’s a transitional time that offers new challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities to our graduates. While there’s incredible potential for success, we can’t help but feel apprehensive about the likelihood of bumps along the journey. Whether it’s your own child who’s just received their diploma, or a niece or nephew or godchild, what qualities can you help instill in them to ensure they are headed toward success?
How To Succeed
As the leader of professional sports teams, companies, and today, a non-profit foundation, I have been fortunate to work many creative and entrepreneur-minded team members. The energetic vibe that with a common goal is infectious, however when we are faced with obstacles we can be our own worse enemies. I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking.
Parents, teachers, and mentors, help your students think creatively, positively, and confidently. When they face obstacles in life, a change in plans, a down turn in business, or a shift in the economy, they will be equipped to move forward despite their circumstances. Help your graduates embrace a mindset of positivity by following the seven tips for success I share below.
Think Of How You Can Help Others
Think of others first and how you can help them—and not what’s in it for you. I’ve found that the same principles hold true in business, as in life. Ultimately, those whose hearts are focused on serving others are truly successful.
Believe you can.
No one but you can make you believe in yourself; others can help, but you are the only one who can bring this about. Do not sell yourself short! Believe you can find ways to pay for your tuition or land the dream internship. Believe you can succeed.
Use common sense.
A frequent mistake is trying too hard to find a solution to a problem. Often we think a problem requires a difficult solution. Look for the simple ones first.
Stop thinking negatively.
Thoughts can be controlled. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones; use the negative thought only as a cue to replace it with a positive one. This is a great way to find the positive affirmations that you need most.
Stay alert and tuned in.
Be on guard for distractions. Ours is a distraction-heavy culture, where we feel the need to constantly be plugged in. Recognize your most vulnerable tendencies for distraction and turn them off or get them out of your immediate access. Making the transition to college or a new job means lots of new freedoms. Keep your eye on your goals, identify potential distractions, and plan accordingly.
Forget mistakes.
Dwelling on your mistakes does not change a thing. Live for today and look forward to tomorrow; don’t let useless baggage to hold you down. Mistakes are a valuable part of the learning process.
Be a lifelong learner, always receptive to new ideas.
The world’s best organizations are led by lifelong learners, always willing to discover and embrace new ideas. You may have earned your diploma, but don’t stop learning.
I hope you enjoyed these steps for success. What do you think is essential to success?
What is success to you?
Another thing worth looking at the meaning of success. What is success criteria for you? Here are some key criteria I’d use to define success:
1. Personal Fulfillment – Feeling content and at peace with where you are in life, not just chasing external validation.
2. Growth & Learning – Continuously evolving, whether through knowledge, skills, or personal development.
3. Meaningful Relationships – Having strong, genuine connections with family, friends, and community.
4. Impact – Leaving a positive mark on others, whether through small daily acts or larger contributions.
5. Balance & Well-Being – Maintaining good mental, emotional, and physical health while pursuing goals.
6. Authenticity – Living in a way that aligns with your values and not just following societal expectations.
7. Freedom & Autonomy – Having control over your time, choices, and the ability to shape your own life.
Success isn’t a fixed destination—it shifts based on life stages and priorities. You don’t want to get caught up chasing someone else’s vision of sucess only to find out when you get there that you still don’t feel successful.
Conclusion
Becoming successful is a journey that requires dedication, self-awareness, and perseverance. By setting clear goals, continuously learning, building strong relationships, and staying true to your values, you create a path toward meaningful achievement. Success isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the growth mindset, resilience, and impact you cultivate along the way. Stay adaptable, embrace challenges as opportunities, and maintain balance in all aspects of life. Ultimately, success is not just about what you accomplish but how fulfilled and aligned you feel in the process.How do you personally define success?
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Kari says
I love these tips! I will definitely be sharing this with my teenage daughter. She is about to graduate high school, turn 18, and will be going away to college in the fall. She tends to be very negative and extremely hard on herself. It’s hard for me to see her be so down about herself all the time. I’m hoping as she goes to college and gets some independence and maturity, she will get better about that.
Laura says
These tips are invaluable and should be given to each high school senior. While graduation is a time for celebrations its also a time for self reflection and looking to the future. These tips will inspire. Thank you for sharing.