Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure and honour (but mostly I was totally gobsmacked!) to give the Year 12 graduation keynote address at my former senior school, St Monica’s College in Epping.

As Year 12 students across the country are currently sitting their final exams, I thought my messages may be useful to share with the young adults in your life. Especially those that find themselves in the last weeks of their school career.

It will be alright in the end

My speech began with,

It would be fair to say I never expected this gig when I failed Year 12 English.

From there I continued with my overall message:

It will be alright in the end and if it is not alright, it’s not the end.

It’s a philosophy I’ve used throughout my life and something I like to pass on to others.

When things don’t go to plan, while it’s upsetting at the time, it may take you down a wonderful and exciting path you never would have considered.

Your ATAR matters for only a moment in your life. I think ATAR should stand for A Temporary Academic Result as your academic records will not define your future success.

Believe me I know.

I mean seriously how can a kid that failed Year 12 English publish seven business books? Good editors I hear you say… and I will not dispute that.

Focus on your strengths and what you love

My other bit of advice was to focus on your strengths and outsource your weaknesses, something I apply both professionally and personally.

Finally, if you have young adults in your life, I encourage them to do what they love and let them know that doing their best will be good enough.

Because it will be alright in the end. If it’s not, it’s not the end.

If you are interested, you can see my 10-minute speech here.