It's never too late to think about what you really want.
While its difficult to realize that you don't know what you want to do next until graduation is coming up, it's not so much to worry about. Sometimes, all it takes is some words of inspiration that can bring back that spark you once had when you first decided to take up the discipline of your choice.
Your thoughts and plans may have changed along those years of staying in high school or college, but if you focus on something that you really want to do, then the answer should be there.
Below are 7 of the greatest commencement speeches of all time which can help you get on top of what you want to do.
Watch them and enjoy!
1. Ellen Degeneres (Tulane University - 2009)
"The most important thing is to be true to yourself. Ultimately, that's what got me to this place," says Ellen.
If you want to be successful (because who doesn't want to be successful), but aren't sure on what you'll do to get there, then this speech might shed you some light. Here, Ellen emphasizes the relationship between being true to yourself and succeeding afterwards.
If you seriously want to be on top, be yourself and show them what you've got. That's it.
2. JK Rowling (Harvard University - 2008)
Who likes to fail?
Anyone who has dreams, time, energy, skill and maybe a bit of luck on their side is dumb enough to wish for it. Everyone dreams to be successful. Because success is good. It keeps us moving and live happily.
But success isn't free. JK Rowling shows us in her speech how failure fueled her present success and why despite how awful it is to fail, should we see it as a blessing rather than a total disaster.
"Failure is not fun. It can be awful. But living so cautiously that you never fail is worse." -JK Rowling
3. Jon Stewart (College of William and Mary - 2004)
"College is something you complete; life is something you experience." - Jon Stewart
In this speech, Jon Stewart shows the endless possibilities awaiting the graduates who are about to enter a whole new world outside the campus.
Stewart gives us a reason to be excited with life, to get moving and find something we can devote our time into. Life is all about uncertainties and if you want to get the best out of it, live it and mean it.
4. Oprah Winfrey (Stanford University - 2008)
Oprah had her own share of failures too.
And clearly, it didn't stop her. If any, those failures only pushed her forward. Listen to Oprah's speech and take a peek on the beauty of making mistakes, of learning and finally moving on.
"Whatever you resist persists. But if you ask the right question - now why is this happening but what is this here to teach me? - it puts you in the place and space to get the lesson you need." - Oprah Winfrey
5. Stephen Colbert (Knox College - 2006)
"Saying 'yes' is how things grow." - Stephen Colbert
In his commencement speech in Knox College, Stephen Colbert encourages graduates to be bold and take the courage to say 'yes'. Yes to challenges, yes to growth.
Afraid to take risks? Lack the confidence to try something new? This insightful speech is something you shouldn't miss!
6.Michael Lewis (Princeton University - 2012)
Aren't you lucky?
Few weeks from now you'll receive your diploma and can finally explore the outside world from a different perspective.
Michael Lewis speaks about how lucky you are and the obligation that comes with this luck. Soon you'll be in a world with a bigger scope, wider view and bolder situations that requires you to make vital decisions.
Remember how lucky you are and know what you need to do.
"Never forget: In the nation's service. In the service of all nations." - Michael Lewis
7. Conan O'Brien (Harvard University - 2000)
"So that's what I wish for all of you - the bad as well as the good. Fall down. Make a mess. Break something occasionally." - Conan O'Brian
Enough of the 'what ifs' and go do something! Conan O'Brian tells us of the importance of mistakes and failures and how they can help you get to where you want to be.
Take risks! It's the only way to find out if you did good enough.
So, are you now ready to move forward? To make as many mistakes as you can and learn the best lessons out of them?
Great! Think about the commencement speeches I've mentioned above and share your thoughts with us. Feel free to add a famous speech on the list. There are hundreds out there so share what you love best!