To All Graduates: Do this and you can’t fail

May 19, 2017

ABOUT DAVID
David Bach is one of America’s most prolific and bestselling financial authors of our time who has helped millions around the world learn how to live and finish rich through his books, seminars, television appearances.
JOIN THE VIP INSIDER LAUNCH TEAM!
Pre-order now and get behind-the-scenes access, private perks, and early bonuses!
JOIN NOW!

In honor of graduation season, CNBC Make It is rolling out the speeches and pieces of advice that America’s leaders are most excited to share with the Class of 2017, using the hashtag #MakeItNewGrads.

You’re about to leave school and your life is YOURS. Truthfully. It’s not your parents’ life. It’s not your friends’ life. It’s not your school’s life.

It’s your life.

So, now what?

Here’s my advice: Stop worrying about what other people think. Do YOU.

All of those other people are not thinking about you. If you knew how little they were thinking about you, you would never waste time caring what they think.

We’re a self-absorbed, selfie-world of people. We worry about what other people, who are NOT thinking of us, think of us. That’s a funny thought, right?

David Bach received his undergraduate degree at University of Southern California

David Bach received his undergraduate degree at University of Southern California

So here’s what I would say: You want to travel? Go travel. Go get lost for a year and see the world. The job and career and the hustle will all be there when you get back.

Don’t pack your trip into 30 days. Commit to traveling for real. If you do it right, you can probably travel the world for less than you’d spend staying at home.

You want to go work? Then go work. Crush it.

Hustle your a** off and find the job you really want, one where you can learn the most you can and get the job skills that will propel you forward.

You want to start a business? Go start one. Being an entrepreneur can be brutal, but the rewards can be amazing and make the pain worth it in the end.

Be nice to everyone and make friends. The people you work with early on can become the foundation of a network you will have for the rest of your life, so treat everyone with respect.

Nice people go further in life. Plus, it’s just a better way to live.

It’s your life. Do you. You can’t fail when you’re young, as long as you believe one thing: Do your best and love the rest.

David Bach has been teaching people how to be smarter with their money since 1994. He is a nine-time New York Times bestselling author and his books include the recently released and updated #1 New York Times bestseller, “The Automatic Millionaire.” Receive his free, weekly newsletter here.

+ show Comments

Reply...

Hey there, I’m David.

Thank you. Over the past 30 years, I've had the privilege of reaching over 100 million people through my books, podcast, and media appearances. I've written 12 national bestsellers including The Automatic Millionaire®, Smart Women Finish Rich®, and The Latte Factor—with over 7 million copies sold in more than 20 languages. 

I've been honored to appear on NBC's Today Show over 100 times and have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and more. My work has been profiled in The New York Times, Forbes, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal. 

What has always driven me and still does is this: I want to help you live and finish rich. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make smarter financial choices, I'm here to guide you with real conversations and proven strategies.

At seven, my grandma handed me a stock certificate instead of a Happy Meal. That moment sparked my lifelong mission: to help you take control of your money and build lasting wealth.

Learn More

Bach Wisdom & Sixteen Timeless Truths

These truths have come from over 30 years of learning. Mostly from experience and also mentors. Feel free to pass them along.