Bill Gates shares 5 life lessons for young students
Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world in terms of net worth. Turns out, he's also pretty rich when it comes to wisdom. Delivering a commencement speech to young students at Northern Arizona University, the American business magnate highlighted five things he wished he was taught during his graduation. And believe us, these are some priceless life lessons.
Lesson 1: Decisions aren't permanent
The first lesson he shared with the students is that life isn't a one-act play i.e. everyone is allowed to make multiple career choices throughout their life, as and when they want. "You're probably facing a lot of pressure right now to make the right decisions about your career. It might feel like those decisions are permanent. They're not," he said during his speech.
Lesson 2: Don't underestimate the power of confusion
It's okay to feel professionally directionless for some time - that's what the billionaire shared as his second piece of advice. "At some point in your career, you will find yourself facing a problem you cannot solve on your own. When that happens, don't panic. Take a breath. Force yourself to think things through. And then find smart people to learn from," he shared.
Lesson 3: Help others
The third part of his speech is about galvanizing young minds to do something that solves a problem and helps people around. "You are graduating at a time of immense opportunity to help people. New industries and companies are emerging that will allow you to make a living by making a difference," Gates enlightened the students.
Lesson 4: Value the connections you make during college
"The people you've (socialized) with and sat next to in lectures are not just your classmates. They are your network," shared the philanthropist as his fourth piece of advice. "Your future co-founders and colleagues. Your best sources of support, information, and advice. The only thing more valuable than what you walk offstage with today is who you walk onstage with," he added.
Lesson 5: There is more to life than work
Gates was quoted saying "I didn't believe in vacations. I didn't believe in weekends. I didn't believe the people I worked with should either." Learning his lesson, he shared, "Take time to nurture your relationships. To celebrate your successes and to recover from losses. Take a break when you need to. Take it easy on the people around you when they need it, too."
