Can you imagine working at a job you hate? Spending most of your waking hours bored, frustrated, or totally stressed out, working with people or for an employer you don’t care for?
 
On the other hand, imagine working for a company you admire, where your skills are fully utilized, where you can build life-long friendships, where you’re given opportunities to grow professionally, and where you’re rewarded and recognized for a job well done.
 
I think we’d all prefer the second scenario, wouldn’t we? Unfortunately, many don’t experience it because they don’t do their homework. Choosing your major and career should be one of the most fully researched decisions of your life. 
 
The first step is to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment. This involves taking an honest and objective inventory of your: 

• Interests and passions
• Skills and aptitudes
• Lifestyle and workplace preferences
• Willingness to obtain the necessary qualifications

 
The second step is to develop a list of potential careers that captures your interests, skills, and personal preferences. Learn about the qualifications for each career possibility and consider whether you have the skills and/or are willing to acquire them. Meet with admissions counselors and professors. Attend career fairs. Review the recommendations from any aptitude tests you’ve completed. Meet with actual practitioners in each career area to learn what the job is like. Speak with others who know you best to gain their perspectives.
 
The third step involves investigating the demand outlook for the careers you’re considering. Do your research to discover which careers are experiencing strong job growth and which majors will qualify you. For every major you’re considering, thoroughly evaluate its employment prospects.


Finally, seek out work-study, internship, and job shadowing opportunities to get a taste of what the career is like. This will provide a firsthand reality check and either confirm or reject your preliminary conclusions.
 

Once you complete this process, you’ll have narrowed down your major/career choices to a few finalists. Don’t be surprised, though, if your thinking changes as you take more advanced classes and learn more about that career. After all, most college students change their major at least once. I did twice!   
 
A great research tool is the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, which you can find at www.bls.gov/oco. On this site you will find the descriptions for hundreds of occupations, in addition to the education and training you’ll need to qualify for them. Also listed are average earnings and future projections for growth in each profession. Need help starting to identify which jobs and careers might be a good fit for you?  Also check out this website: http://www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm. It’s called, “What Do You Like?” and can help you narrow down your options based on your own interests.
 
Parents, youth mentors, and educators: Please consider sharing this email with the career-bound students in your life. Use it as a bridge to opening conversations about life direction, career options, and preparation for life as an adult. Then feel free to share your comments and testimonials with our online community; we’d love to hear your thoughts!

A defining moment in any parent’s life is when his son or daughter “leaves the nest.” It’s a roller coaster ride of reflection and anticipation…and conviction about how well you prepared them for success in life. (For you younger moms and dads, just wait!)
 
The first time it happened to me, it literally changed my life. It was August 2008, two weeks before our Michael would leave for his freshman year of college. That Sunday night I experienced a “dad moment” for a lifetime.  I began questioning how I had done as his father. Did I cover the bases? How will our relationship change and grow? Did I earn a 4.0?

Honestly, I felt so convicted by these questions that I rushed to my computer and began recording all the life wisdom I could muster. My brain was bombarded by one thought after another as I reflected on the amazing leaders I’ve met. They covered fundamental questions like how one defines “success” and demonstrates honorable character. Or, how one builds strong relationships and communicates well with others. Or, how one handles adversity and becomes a masterful decision maker and time manager. Then, I turned to advice for the upcoming decisions he’d be facing, such as his academic transition, career, marriage, and managing his finances.
 
In the days ahead, I shared my list of 100 life success pointers with parents and leaders and they all urged me to write a book! And, so I did. In a few years, my list would become a conversational book of essential life wisdom for young people and the adults who guide them…like dads! That’s how What I Wish I Knew at 18: Life Lessons for the Road Ahead came to be.
 
Based on reader feedback, What I Wish I Knew at 18 is proving to be a wonderful, third party voice for parents and a rare book they can enjoy together with their teens. The key is finding a spot for regular casual conversation (e.g., coffee shops), letting them choose the topics, opening up about your life at that age, and just sharing together. The rest is magic.
 
So, how do you earn a 4.0 in preparing your children to thrive as adults? In a nutshell, a 4.0 Dad focuses on the following:
 

• Destinational Preparation: providing a comprehensive vision for an honorable, productive life and before-the-fact wisdom for key upcoming decisions (the essence of my book)
• Relational Preparation: evolving your parenting style from “control” to “influence,” based on mutual trust (“coach” vs. “lecture”); conveying your belief in them and confidently releasing them into independent life
• Transitional Preparation: ensuring they (and you!) get off to a strong start in those critical first 3-6 months after leaving home; preparing them for the upcoming social transition and avoiding putting undue pressure on them to “perform”

 
My hope is that What I Wish I Knew at 18 will serve parents as a destination guide for the milestone launch into adulthood. So here’s to you, Moms and Dads:  May you earn a 4.0 in the eyes of your children!

One recurring theme in recent presidential campaigns has been the need to “change the tone” in Washington. Now, if you believe any candidate could actually accomplish this feat, I have some Florida swamp land to sell you!
 
The political scene has always been divisive and for many reasons. One is that differences are often irreconcilable due to underlying philosophies and worldviews. The other is that most people don’t handle disagreements very well. They resort to verbal warfare, name calling, and condescension in order to convert opponents to their point of view. It doesn’t work in politics and it certainly doesn’t work in life.
 
Let’s face it: opinions vary and most people arrive at theirs after legitimate, heartfelt thought. Often, differences are based on deep philosophical views where there isn’t a right or a wrong answer. In other cases (especially involving politics and religion), people may agree with the goal but differ in methods. A good example is whether government spending or tax cuts do a better job in stimulating the economy. Both sides have valid points. They just have different approaches to achieving a common goal.
 
Throughout life, you’ll be in situations with others who aren’t “on the same page.” It might be with a family member, friend, or work colleague. When you’re interacting with someone with whom you disagree, be “agreeable” in your demeanor. After sharing your thoughts and genuinely listening to his or hers, agree to disagree if that’s the case. Avoid making it personal, and recognize that differences of opinion will happen as a part of life. In most instances, you’re not going to change their mind anyway!
                                                                       

Share these questions with the young adults in your life (and maybe even answer them yourself!):

Do you keep your cool and a respectful attitude when debating with others?  Are you able to separate the person from his or her beliefs on an issue? Do you notice the difference? In what way(s)? Share your thoughts below … we’d love to hear from you!

There was a time when our economy was driven by manufacturing. In fact, in the town where I grew up, my father and most of my family worked in paper mills. While my father worked very hard and his hours shifted from week to week, when his work was done, it was done. He was able to devote his free time to family and interests by not taking his work home with him.

Today’s workplace is completely different. We are now a service economy in the information age. Much of our manufacturing has shifted overseas where labor costs are lower. Consequently, our work life today is much more knowledge-based and open-ended. While this makes for a more exciting work environment, it does have its downside. We take our work home with us, and, if we’re not careful, it can easily consume our free time.

This is an especially common issue when people are in the early to middle stages of their careers. Unfortunately, it often coincides with when we get married and start a family. Right when we’re needed most as spouse and parent, we allow our careers to take precedence. This conflict is one of the main reasons for the breakdown of marriages today, and the results can be devastating to families.

Don’t get me wrong. Your career will be a key component of your life. However, more than any other aspect of your life, it has the greatest risk of taking over if you’re not careful. This is one of the biggest regrets expressed by those in their later years of life.  Don’t make it your regret. Always remember to stay balanced and invested in ALL areas of your life!

What are some ways you’ve learned to balance work and life? If you had to share your insights with a young person in your life, what would be the most important points you would highlight? Let us know some of ideas by commenting below; we’d love to hear from you!

 
In order to achieve your long-term goals and maintain your lifestyle in retirement, you’ll need to build financial wealth. That’s kind of a no-brainer, isn’t it?
 
You certainly don’t want to depend on Social Security as your primary source of money in retirement. Unfortunately, too many people do, and they lament how little they have to live on in their sunset years. Many outlive their retirement assets and are unable to find a way out. Last time I checked, there weren’t too many job opportunities for 75-year olds!
 
To avoid this situation, you’ll need to develop an investment program that will provide sufficient assets for your retirement. Much of this will come from your employers’ retirement plans (e.g. 401K) while the balance is from your own investing during your career years.
 
In the end, your long-term wealth will be a function of the following:
1. How much you invest
2. The rate of return on your investments
3. The time period over which you are investing
 
In each case, the larger the amount, the greater the assets you’ll build.
 
Your chances of accumulating significant wealth will be greater if you invest as much as you can (rather than overspending), as early in your career as you can. This will allow your returns to compound over a longer period of time.
 
How early in your life you begin investing has a more significant impact on your wealth than you can possibly imagine. This is because of the power of compounding your returns over many years. For example, if Kyle invests $2,000 per year at a 7% return from age 18 to 27 and lets it grow at that rate until he is 65 years old, he will have a much larger nest egg than Ashley who waits until 31 to start investing and puts $2,000 in each year until age 65! This is true even though Kyle only invested $20,000 versus Ashley’s $70,000!


Beginning your investment program as soon as you start your career should be a top priority. Save and invest early, regularly, and as much as you can in a diversified, long-term investment program. It will provide you with the best chances of building significant wealth for your retirement, achieving financial freedom, and giving generously to charitable causes.
 

How have you made saving and investment a regular part of your retirement strategy?

Share your ideas (or even your questions) with our online community by commenting below…

“What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.”

 
Each February we honor the lives of two amazing leaders, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Although each is worthy of our praise, the close proximity of their birthdays has led to commemorating their lives on one day, President’s Day. Although neither man was perfect, they’re both among the greatest presidential role models of all time, courageously leading our nation through incredible struggles.
 
During my long investment career, one of my role models was friend and colleague Ernie Ankrim, a brilliant financial thinker who served as our chief market strategist. However, as capable as he was in interpreting the markets, Ernie was equally gifted in public speaking and relating with others.
 
Everyone admired how Ernie shared his insights with humor and wit. He was the total package and audiences could never get enough of him. Yet, despite all of his accolades, Ernie is the one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. If anyone had bragging rights it was Ernie, yet he was always the first to give others the credit.
 
Ernie’s humility has had an enormous impact on my life and my behavior. Whenever I’ve been acknowledged for an accomplishment, I often think, “How would Ernie respond?” My answer is always the same. First and foremost, I owe my success to others.
 
Abe Lincoln had a similar philosophy. He famously said, “What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.”
 
As you travel along your life journey, you’ll have many proud achievements along the way. And you know what?  They’ll speak for themselves. You won’t have to toot your own horn to get people to recognize you.
 
When successes come your way, be grateful to those who helped make it happen. Your acknowledgement of others first, before you give yourself a pat on the back, will be greatly admired and an inspiration to others. 
 
When you do something great, is your first instinct to give yourself the credit or others who have helped make you the person you are today? Who comes to mind as someone you would like to thank or give credit? Share your thoughts with our online community by commenting below.

One of the funny things in life is that kids like to play “grown up” while grown ups wish they could be kids again!
 
Kids are highly impressionable creatures. They mimic their heroes through the clothes they wear, the way they talk, the music they listen to, and the hairstyles they choose. I vividly remember how the Beatles impacted the fashion and hairstyles during the Sixties. By today’s standards it seems pretty tame, but back then our parents didn’t seem to think so! After all, it didn’t stay “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” for very long.
 
If kids are impressionable and prone to imitate, we who are older (and presumably wiser) ought to be on our best behavior when they’re around. After all, they look up to us! Kids will automatically assume that what’s good enough for us is good enough for them. And, why shouldn’t they?
 
Unfortunately, many of today’s younger and less mature professional athletes and entertainment stars fail to appreciate or even accept this role. Sadly, you can see it reflected in the crude behavior of their fans and followers…whether at the games or the mall.
 
You have the power to positively influence younger people through your behavior and mentoring. There’s no substitute for positively impacting a kid. Seize those opportunities, but remember: they’re watching you like a hawk!
 
Do you make it a point to be on role model behavior when kids are around? In what ways? Share your experiences and ideas with our online community!
 

I‘ve been blessed to live in areas surrounded by nature. During my younger days in Wisconsin, I would shoot mice by the creek during winter, pick wild strawberries in late spring, collect bird eggs for our collection during the summer, and pick wild hickory nuts and hazelnuts in the fall. We built new tree houses every summer, and “dined” over our bonfires along the creek.  For a kid, it was simply the best.
 
It didn’t hurt that I grew up in a time when parents could allow their children to spend a day in the woods with complete peace of mind. Safety was never an issue in that innocent time and place. Neither were there Xbox, Nintendo64, or other video gadgets, for that matter. And kids’ lives weren’t so tightly crammed and scheduled as they are these days.
 
Child advocacy expert Richard Louv, author of the book Last Child in the Woods, has coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” to describe the lack of nature in the lives of kids today. This phenomenon is often associated with many of today’s troubling childhood trends, including obesity, attention disorders, and depression.
 
I wish everyone—young and old—could have those same opportunities I did as a child. Nature has a way of bringing things into perspective, whether during easy or rough patches. It calms and fills our spirits, and strengthens our bodies.
 
Whether it’s walking in the forest, strolling along the beach, photographing wildlife, admiring a glorious sunset, gazing at the Milky Way, watching clouds drift across the sky, or beholding brilliant autumn leaves, I encourage you to take the time to participate with nature as often as you can, and take the children and young adults in your life with you. There’s really no substitute for it!

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”

Colin Powell

 
Who might be considered among the most popular and inspiring politicians in our last century? Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Reagan immediately come to mind. They each faced extraordinary challenges but offered Americans a spirit of hope in times of great fear.
 
            We saw this positive attitude in the leadership of Lee Iacocca, who successfully resurrected the Chrysler Corporation from the economic disaster in the 1980s. We also witnessed it in Paul Azinger who led the USA golfers to a smashing victory over Europe in the 2008 Ryder Cup after years of humiliating defeats.
 
            Most successful people have inspiring “can do” attitudes. They embrace challenges rather than complain and achieve more in the process.  AND, they not only accomplish great things themselves, but they also bring out the best in others.
 
Bringing out the best in people means looking for positive qualities and calling them out. Sometimes when you observe a negative quality, that can be a real challenge!  But it’s always possible if you begin by focusing on the positive (i.e., see the glass as “half full”), help others to do the same, and coach them in an uplifting and constructive manner rather than critically and harshly.
 
If you’re one who has a tendency to “see the glass half empty,” consider how an attitude change can improve your life and relationships. It’s not hard; it just requires a mindset adjustment and a few simple principles:
1. Cultivate a can-do attitude.
2. Focus on the positive (“see the glass as half full”).
3. Embrace challenges and use them to your advantage. Remember that the best character growth comes from successfully handling adversity.
4. Focus on (and bring out) the best in the people around you; inspire them to have a can-do attitude as well!
 

This pointer appears in my book under the subtitle of “Don’t expect your spouse to change his/her ways.” I include it in response (and warning) to the many young people I encounter who stick with a troubled relationship WAY too long.
 
Not every dating relationship is meant to last. By nature, dating is a “trial and error” process, and you’ll soon realize that most aren’t a perfect fit for you.  When that happens, don’t force it or settle for less. And don’t delude yourself into thinking, “When we get married, things will change.” 

            It’s NOT likely to happen.

            When two people start getting serious, something bothersome inevitably surfaces. It might involve something major or something minor like irritating habits or disappointing attributes. The tendency, when blinded by love, is to either suppress these concerns or assume that the person will change after marriage. WRONG on both counts!

            One of the surest paths to marital disappointment is assuming you’ll have that kind of influence on your spouse. Yes, it may happen in the minor areas, but more often than not you’ll be powerless to change the other person. As the saying goes, “Old habits die hard.”

            I‘ve known many people who compromised on their spousal choice due to the naïve assumption that their partner would change after marriage. After learning their lesson the hard way, they became filled with regret and disappointment. The end result was chronic misery and one complaint after another—NOT fun!

            If you’re getting serious and troubling issues surface, be sure to address them in a kind way and see where the conversation goes. Is the other person flexible and open to adapting? If not, you need to ask whether you can live with these “flaws”—and be willing to walk away if they’re insurmountable.

            My advice: Abide by the wise old proverb, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”