I just got done watching Sal Khan’s commencement speech at MIT. For those of you who don’t know who Sal is, he is the founder of the Khan Academy and recently named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Smart, smart guy but his outlook on life maybe just as impressive as his educational credentials and professional success. I’d encourage you to click the link at the bottom of this page and watch the 18 minute speech.
For anyone who has kids or loves learning well…..just about anything, Khan Academy is one of the best free online educational resources the world has ever seen.
Okay, back to the speech.
While there were a bunch of great takeaways and topics to blog on, one stood out more than others. It was nothing new, but exactly what I needed to hear today.
Sal describes doing a mind exercise to go back in time. Some call it the rocking chair test.
Live your life for the next 20-50 years and then go back in time…..to today.
If you were looking back at this moment many years from now, what do you wish you would have done?
Think about the decisions you are wrestling with in your head. Does tricking your mind and looking back on them change your perspective? It did for me.
Where to live? Work for passion or profits? Is this love or lust? Go for it all or play it safe? Go back to school or keep working? Be an entrepreneur or just get a “normal” job? Or maybe there’s something more specific to your own life.
If you could come back in time and get a second chance to optimize and relive these moments – what would you do? Think about many years from now looking back on the biggest decision you are facing in your life right now. What do you wish you would have done?
Live accordingly the first time around and make the most of these moments….EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM
Until next week – keep learning, stay positive and do something remarkable!!
Here is the link to Sal Khan’s Commencement Speech at MIT <<<—–worth checking out!!
