Consider this : the decisions that matter are decisions that make something happen

May 17, 2010 in Uncategorized

Emma:

By now you have learned that your mother, my dear friend, has asked those of us who know you to write to you as you graduate from high school.

You will not remember me but your mother can explain to you why she and I have such a good and longstanding relationship.

My message is to remind you that you are the reward of a mother and father with very special talents, skills and proven performance — and genes do count. However, much of what you do with your life shall not so much be predetermined inherited characteristics.Those are only gifts from loving parents. Intellect will be your major inherited parental benefit, of course. But much of what you shall be, and what you can contribute to this world, and your own family someday, will depend on other factors that only you can provide. Education, for instance, will be critical. Your high school graduation is not where your education ends but where it begins.

You will make important decisions in your lifetime and you cannot make good decisions with an empty head. So add to your inherited benefits the benefits of a diverse and interest-driven education. Then add to your education meaningful experience in whatever endeavors you elect to follow. Your ability to make good decisions and contribute to whatever you seek will be a function of your combined education and experience.

Then remember that the decisions that matter are decisions that make something happen. You make things happen only when you consciously recognize the need to apply your personal initiative, creativeness, resourcefulness and values.

Good luck,

Mike Losey

www.MikeLosey.com

[In his CEO role, Mike was my boss at the Society for Human Resource Management, where I grew up to become the Vice President of International and Diversity Programs. To the extent I have grown up, that is. He was the boss I traveled the world with, the one I most likely tortured the most (no need to agree, Mike), the one who challenged me the most–and the one from whom I learned the most. My thanks, Mike.]

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.