On Saturday, May 11, my pale Northwest face baked in the Northern California sun, as I watched my nephew graduate from Menlo College.  I listened intently to the speeches and for the briefest of moments thought how nice it would be if I were asked one day to be a commencement speaker.  I realize this dream is akin to recognizing I’ll never run a marathon, play 2nd base for the San Francisco Giants or make sweet, passionate, love to Beyonce, but what the hell.  Fans of my blog, you’re going to get the treat of listening to what would one day be my graduation message.

Class of 2013 listen up.  I’m about to give you the best goddamn advice anyone in this fine institution of higher learning has ever given you.  In the next 15 minutes, I’m going to teach you how to never be poor, the keys to a successful career, and the cold, harsh, facts of life.

My Uncle Allen once said if you never want to be poor, pay yourself first.  No matter what amount of income you earn, after you receive your paycheck always set aside a few ducats for yourself.  It’s not important how much money you make, it’s how much you KEEP.  If you spend more than you take in, you’re ALWAYS going to go broke.  Look at Mike Tyson.  That guy raked in what $300 – $400 million during his career.  If he had just socked away a little bit after each fight, Tyson would’ve never had to bite off Evander Holyfield’s ear.  Pay yourself first kids and you’ll never have to resort to cannibalism.

In life, we spend about a third getting an education, a third working, and if we’re healthy enough to enjoy it, a third in retirement.  For most of you, the education train stops here.  You’re never going to stop learning, but as of your last final, you’re probably never again going to sit in a classroom, read a textbook, write a term paper, or take a final.  It’s time to enter the working world and while you’re going to hear this phrase a lot, there really is no substitute for hard work.  Getting your first job is tough.  It’s tough for everyone, but eventually something will come your way.  It may not be your dream job but even if it were you’re probably going to change jobs every 3 years anyway.  You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who does the same job their entire career.  The hard work thing is not to be taken lightly.  The effort you put in to your job says everything about you.  Nothing speaks louder then a reputation as being a go getter, a hustler.  Word gets around in the work world.  People notice how many hours you put in and co-workers are not shy about telling stories about the slackers.  Leadership also takes notice.  You can hear all the stories about nepotism, favoritism, elitism, but at the end of the day, the lazy never prosper.  Work hard and the fruits of your labor will be recognized.

The world today is harsh.  We are at risk every day of dying due to the threat of terrorism.  The global economy is driven by instantaneous travel, communication, and grativication.  Enjoy the moment.  Live each day like it’s your last.  Work hard, but also play hard.  Love hard.  Cherish your friends, your family, your loved ones.  You may never see them again.  Revel in the wins.  Reflect and learn from the losses, but don’t dwell on the shit.  Success and failure can all come and go in a flash.  Don’t live a life of woulda, shoulda, coulda.  Go.  Fight.  Win.

Congratulations Class of 2013.  I’d be happy to go party with each and every one of you and your families.  Today, is a day to celebrate and tomorrow is the opportunity for you to go out and be great.