Advice

The following was offered in the University of Utah Commencement Keynote Address by Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Governor of the State of Utah, 5 May 2006:

"Woody Allen’s right, 80% of life is showing up. But, I would add, 80% of life’s best opportunities come from showing up when other people won’t.

Opportunity follows the willing.

Why does taking a job others aren’t interested in often pay off? I offer three thoughts:

First, when you’re the only one available, you are by definition the leader, and you will gain experience that might otherwise take more time to earn.

Second, experiences of that type often expose you to people in unexpected ways. They become valuable mentors who unlock other unforeseen opportunities.

Third, you nearly always start out in a situation with low expectations, and nothing is better for a reputation than solving hard problems and exceeding expectations.

In short, opportunities follow the willing—step forward, and volunteer when others do not."

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(Click here to read the entire address.)