Tuesday, May 5, 2015

23: Congratuations, Grads!

A wise man and great leader once said, at a university's graduation ceremony:

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to Heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true."

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition ... Stay hungry, Stay foolish."

   - Steve Jobs

Time goes by quickly. As you enter into another phase of life’s journey, it is up to you to use your limited time wisely and fruitfully.

And, as Steve Jobs alludes to … 
  • Think for yourself. Don’t let others define you, or your thoughts.
  • Be passionate. Have the courage to follow your heart.
  • Stay focused on all aspects of your success. Establish S.M.A.R.T. Goals for yourself every three months, and track your progress.
  • Continually expand your comfort zone.
  • Be a lifelong learner – not just about your trade or calling, but about all aspects of life around you (including learning about yourself).
  • In a world filled with doubt, you must dare to dream. In a world filled with anger, you must dare to forgive. In a world filled with hate, you must dare to love.  In a world filled with distrust, you must dare to believe.  And once you do, you will find that power you once thought you lacked. Believe in yourself!
  • And, lastly … treasure each day and seek to enjoy each moment. For true success is not a destination, but rather a series of rewards along life’s journey
Best of luck, graduates! Please come back and visit us often, and keep in touch. And, when circumstances permit, consider contributing back to assist the next generation of students who follow in your footsteps. Thank you.

Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014)from which many of these blog posts are derived.

Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the Garrett Planning Network, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.


Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.


To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com. Thank you.




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