Success hinges on how effectively you’re able to Add Value to others…

When you’re a student, the fundamental goal is to grow, to learn, to become better...In life after college, the goal changes a little…

screenshot from youtube video

Key Points from Mr. Grant Sanderson’s brilliant Commencement Speech at Harvey Mudd College :

📚1.Shift Focus from Personal Growth to Adding Value — “In life after college, the goal changes a little, and success hinges on how effectively you’re able to add value to others.”
🧪2.Engage in Personal Projects for Accelerated Learning- “If you’re working on a project outside the context of a class, you’re going to learn 10 times faster.”
👟3.Action Precedes Motivation — “Action precedes motivation. You can’t wait for the perfect moment of inspiration to begin.”
🏧4.Aim to Provide Value First, Let Passion Follow- “The cliché to follow your dreams overlooks how critical it is that the dreams you have are about something more than just yourself.”
😮5.Prepare for and Capitalize on Unpredictable Opportunities-”You don’t have to know the shape of the world ahead of time. Many opportunities come from unexpected places.”
💬6.Recognize and Mitigate Survivorship Bias-”Every inspirational speech should come with a disclaimer about survivorship bias. Success stories alone don’t provide a complete picture.”
⚖️7.Balance Passion with Pragmatism- “While passion is important, aligning it with market needs and understanding how your work fits into a broader context is crucial.”

Incorporating the wisdom from Mr. Grant Sanderson’s speech, the journey to a fulfilling career requires a strategic focus on adding value, continuous learning through personal projects, taking proactive actions, and being open to serendipitous opportunities.

Here’s a detailed guide based on his speech, with actionable strategies to help you build a successful and fulfilling career.

1. Shift Your Focus: From Personal Growth to Adding Value

Strategy: Identify How Your Skills Can Benefit Others

Mr.Sanderson emphasizes the importance of transitioning your mindset from personal growth to adding value to others. “In life after college, the goal changes a little, and success hinges on how effectively you’re able to add value to others,” he explains. To implement this:

• Reflect on Your Skills: List the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired during your education. Identify how these can solve problems or fulfill needs in various industries.
• Research Industry Needs: Investigate what specific skills and expertise are in demand within your field of interest. Look at job postings, industry reports, and professional networks.
• Match Skills to Needs: Find intersections between your skills and the needs you’ve identified. This will help you focus on areas where you can provide the most value.

2. Embrace Projects: They Are Investments in Your Future

Strategy: Engage in Personal Projects Outside of Class

Mr. Sanderson highlights the profound impact of personal projects on learning and career development: “If you’re working on a project outside the context of a class, you’re going to learn 10 times faster.” To maximize this:

• Start Small, Think Big: Choose manageable projects that align with your interests and skills. As you complete these, gradually tackle more complex ones.
• Document Your Work: Keep a detailed record of your projects. This will serve as a portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers or collaborators.
• Seek Feedback: Share your projects with mentors, peers, or online communities. Constructive criticism will help you improve and refine your work.

3. Action Precedes Motivation: Don’t Wait for Passion to Strike

Strategy: Take Action to Cultivate Motivation

Mr. Sanderson advises that “action precedes motivation.” Waiting for a moment of inspiration might delay progress. Instead:

• Set Regular Goals: Establish short-term, achievable goals to maintain a steady pace of progress. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Create a Routine: Incorporate project work into your daily or weekly routine. Consistency will help build momentum and foster a habit of productivity.
• Experiment and Explore: Try out different types of projects and fields. This exploration can lead to unexpected interests and passions.

4. Focus on Providing Value: Let Passion Follow

Strategy: Aim to Make a Difference

Mr. Sanderson points out that while personal passion is important, it’s crucial to focus on how your work benefits others: “The cliché to follow your dreams overlooks how critical it is that the dreams you have are about something more than just yourself.” To implement this:

• Identify Impact Areas: Determine areas where your work can have a significant positive impact on others, whether it’s through solving problems, improving processes, or creating new opportunities.
• Engage with Communities: Connect with communities related to your field. Understanding their needs and challenges can help you tailor your efforts to provide maximum value.
• Measure Your Impact: Develop metrics to assess the impact of your work. This could be user feedback, performance improvements, or other quantifiable benefits.

5. Capitalize on Unpredictable Opportunities

Strategy: Prepare for and Recognize Serendipitous Moments

Mr. Sanderson’s own career benefitted from unexpected opportunities: “You don’t have to know the shape of the world ahead of time.” To prepare for serendipity:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging opportunities. This will help you recognize potential openings when they arise.
• Network Actively: Build and maintain a network of professionals, mentors, and peers. These connections can provide insights, advice, and unexpected opportunities.
• Be Flexible and Open-Minded: Remain open to new possibilities and be willing to pivot when new opportunities align with your skills and interests.

6. Survivorship Bias: Learn from Both Success and Failure

Strategy: Analyze Multiple Perspectives

Mr. Sanderson warns against the risk of survivorship bias: “Every inspirational speech should come with a disclaimer about survivorship bias.” To mitigate this:

• Study a Range of Cases: Look at both successful and unsuccessful case studies in your field. Understand the factors that contributed to different outcomes.
• Reflect on Setbacks: When you encounter setbacks, analyze what went wrong and what could be done differently. This will enhance your resilience and adaptability.
• Seek Diverse Advice: Consult with a variety of mentors and professionals. Different perspectives can provide a more balanced understanding of potential career paths.

7. Balance Passion with Pragmatism

Strategy: Align Your Interests with Market Needs

While following your passion is important, Mr. Sanderson underscores the necessity of aligning it with market needs: “Those who excel are the ones who recognize how their work fits into a broader research community.” To achieve this:

• Conduct Market Research: Understand the current market landscape and identify where there is demand for your skills and passions.
• Develop In-Demand Skills: Continuously improve and adapt your skillset to match market requirements. This increases your employability and relevance.
• Create a Value Proposition: Clearly articulate how your passion projects provide value to others. This can enhance your personal brand and attract opportunities.