4 things every college graduate must do

4 things every college graduate must do4 things every college graduate must doGraduation is the prime time to think about your future- about the things you want to accomplish and the kind of person you want to become. After reflecting back to when I was 22, here are a few things I have learned over the years that would have helped me then, and might help you now.Think bigAs you make your future plans, many people will tell you to think big. Well, I want to tell you that however big youre thinking right now, its probably too small. Theres always a bigger big. Success can be defined in many ways, and Im elend telling you how to define it. Im simply saying to take your definition of success and raise the bar on it. Ask yourself, What is even bigger than what Im thinking, because thats what I really want to do? If you cant imagine it, you will never achieve it.Choose to be extraordinaryYouve read about or seen extraordinary people. It could be a world leader working for a global cause, o r just the person down the street helping to make life better for community members. When we hear of these extraordinary people, we often think, I could never do that because Im just an average person.In reality, there is no such thing as an average person there is only average thinking. You can be extraordinary The key is to realize that being extraordinary is a personal choice you make every day.For example, if youre furthering your education and will be enrolled in a graduate or doctorial program, ask yourself each morning, What would an extraordinary student do today given the subject were discussing in class? Entering the job market? Before you apply to a position, ask yourself, What would an extraordinary candidate do or say to get the job? Do some research.Take a few minutes each day to think about what an extraordinary person in your situation would do. Then do that, rather than what you were going to do. Soon, people will look at you and think, Wow That person is extraordin aryDirect your talents to support your unique giftThe secret ingredient to making the daily choice to be extraordinary easier is to identify and leverage your talents and your gifts. You have to tap into that inner magic that comes from deep inside of you.You have multiple talents, but the key is to understand that you also have a unique gift. Some people drift into various positions using their talents, and they usually end up struggling because there are others who are equally talented and who can do the saatkorn thing. This is because talent relates to competency, not your unique inner magic, and it can only take you so far. When you identify your true gift, you can then direct your talents to support the gift. Thats when your creativity, innovation, and career really soar.So whats your unique gift? What makes you different from all the others who have the same talents as you? When you focus on your unique gift as you create your future, you become a true innovator- one that othe rs try to emulate.Discover whats inside of youKnowing all your many talents and your unique gift takes time and some trial and error. To really uncover what makes you unique, explore what is inside of you by learning new things every year. Most people will find one activity they like, such as golf or painting, and thats all they do all their entire life. While thats good, they arent discovering all that is hidden inside of them and all they can be. And the thing they havent discovered might be what theyre truly great at.For example, maybe you learned to play the piano when you were young but didnt enjoy it, so you gave up music completely and never picked up another instrument. However, you might be the worlds best violin player, but if you never pick one up, youll never know. So make it an annual journey to learn one new thing every year. The more variety and learning you add to your life, no matter how old you get, the more deeply youll discover whats really inside you.Its all up to youThis is an exciting time in your life, because you really can shape your future. By thinking bigger, choosing to be extraordinary, leveraging your unique gifts and committing to learning new things every year, you will have the keys to creating a very successful life- one filled with amazing opportunities and unforgettable memories that are worthy of a life well-lived.