Written By Robyn Shulman
In July 2012 I was interviewed on video for Xavier University’s “American Dream Project.” I felt honored, humbled, and deeply grateful to take part in such an important initiative. If you want to learn more about the project, look for Xavier University’s American Dream Project information on their website.
One of the questions I was asked to prepare for was: “What advice do you have for young dreamers?” I spent a long time thinking about that question. There was so much I wanted to say that, because my recorded time was limited, I decided to share a fuller version of my thoughts here. These guidelines combine career guidance, personal development tips, and practical habits to help you pursue meaningful success.
1. Always follow your instinct: We each have an inner voice that speaks in many situations. Learn to listen closely and trust that guidance. The world will offer many opportunities and signals — tune in to your own inner compass and let it steer you when choices feel unclear. Trusting your intuition doesn’t mean acting without thought; it means honoring what feels genuinely right for you.
2. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses: Invest your time and energy where you have natural ability and enthusiasm. Become highly skilled at what you do well, and aim for mastery in those areas. That said, stay open to new ideas and complementary skills that enhance your strengths. Avoid getting bogged down in pursuits that don’t ignite your interest — they can delay the work you were meant to do.
3. Follow your passion: When you work in areas you love, you perform better, persist longer, and find more satisfaction. Passion fuels resilience. Whenever possible, align your career choices with what excites and motivates you, because sustained effort is easier and more rewarding when it’s driven by authentic interest.
4. Research a career choice before majoring in it: Before committing to a degree or specialty, study the field. Read about industry trends, job prospects, and typical requirements. Talk with professionals in the occupation, job-shadow for a day, and compare the public image of a role with its day-to-day realities. Solid career research helps you make informed choices and avoid surprises.
5. Make career decisions with both head and heart: Balance passion with practicality. Love what you do, but be realistic about job markets, location, and demand. If your dream role is scarce where you live, consider whether relocation or a strategic backup plan makes sense. Use both realistic planning and enthusiasm to guide your choices.
6. Think before you post, text, or email: Digital content often lasts far longer than you expect. Before sending a message, posting a photo, or sharing a comment, ask yourself: “Would an employer find this acceptable? Would my family be proud?” If you hesitate, take the pause and make a different choice. Your online footprint matters for your reputation and future opportunities.
7. For every fall, jump up twice: Rejection and failure are part of any meaningful journey. When something doesn’t go your way, recover quickly and try again — often more than once. Persistence and resilience are among the most reliable predictors of eventual success. Keep learning from setbacks and renew your efforts until you succeed.
8. Know the playing field: A college degree levels many aspects of the job market, so you’ll need ways to stand out. Ask yourself: “What differentiates me from the other graduate?” Build unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that set you apart. Know your strengths and be able to articulate them clearly to employers, mentors, and peers.
9. Use your time wisely: Prioritize reading and learning that expand your thinking and practical skills. Limit time spent on mindless entertainment and aim instead for content that deepens your knowledge and perspective. Travel, explore nature, and invest time with friends and family in person. Real-world experiences and thoughtful reading fuel creativity, empathy, and informed decision-making.
10. Give generously: Make giving a habit — whether it’s your time, knowledge, a smile, or a small act of kindness. Helping others doesn’t require grand gestures; simple, consistent generosity builds community and purpose. You’ll find that giving enriches your life and often returns in unexpected ways. Serving others is one of the most meaningful paths to personal fulfillment.
These ten principles are practical, human-centered guidelines for young dreamers deciding on careers and life directions. They combine personal growth, career strategy, and ethical behavior: listen to yourself, play to your strengths, prepare deliberately, act with resilience, and contribute to the world. If you follow these, you’ll be better positioned to create a life that is both successful and deeply satisfying.