I attended a high school graduation where the Keynote speaker gave a  quite  blunt but persuasive  speech .  The main point of the  address  was that as children, there were always people around to make  them  happy.   The speaker  then said that now that you  have graduated  , you are responsible for your   own happiness.  It’s not your parent’s responsibility, it’s  no longer your teachers’ responsibility, and it’s not your boss’ responsibility.  It is  solely  your responsibility. 

The other topic of importance was a few comments about work ethic.  The Keynote speaker said to the graduating class that for every job they apply for, there will be several hundred  other  applications.  That in order to succeed , they have to set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd.  To do so, she said:

• Don’t  just be   on time to work.  Be there early  .
• When your  supervisor needs  help  after work to finish a project, you be the one that  stays 
• When you are in  a college class  , sit in the front row and show your professors you  take your education seriously 
• If your lab needs  cleaning up  after class, be the one that stays  to clean up  .

This will show  employers  that they can  depend  on you and will be willing to give you a good recommendation or promotion.

She went on to say that     most people are minimalists.  They do the absolute  bare minimum of what is required .  You need to be a maximalists.  Go beyond  what is asked of you  .  Do each  assignment   to the best of your ability.  Knowing you have done a good job makes you feel good inside and will result in you being happy.   Do not   connect  happiness to money.  Try to do something you love.

 Often  as parents, we tend to want to protect our  kids  and try to  make  them happy.   When they are  adults, they are  not under momma’s wing and have to forage for themselves.  Let’s teach them how to be independent, let’s teach them to     do their very best and never to accept the minimum.  There is an intrinsic good feeling  of doing a good job.   Let’s  show  this to our children earlier  in their lives.  This was an inspirational keynote speech, but I think the lesson should be taught at a much earlier age.  As parents, we need to gradually let our children learn lessons  of the intrinsic feelings of a job well done.   We  have to give constructive criticism and tell/ask their children:

• You could have done a     better job
• What  would you do next time  to improve your work ?
• Is  this your best work ?  (As a parent, you will be able to tell when your children  are doing  their best     )

This will  direct   them be a productive and happy member of  the community  .  If our  new graduates  know that happiness is in their hands, the ability to become happy is in their control.  Control of one’s happiness is very powerful  and allows people     reach  happiness. 

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