Last weekend Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, was in charge of giving the graduation speech to some students of Northern Arizona University (United States).
The Microsoft founder took the opportunity to share important lessons he’s learned over the years that he would have liked to have known when he was younger. He admitted to the audience that it wasn’t until he became a father that he realized “there’s more to life than work.”
“When I was your age, I didn’t believe in holidays,” he admitted. The tycoon said, “I didn’t believe in weekends. I pushed everyone around me to work long hours.”
Another thing about which his opinion has changed is that he now knows that “you are not lazy if you get some rest.” As he explained, in Microsoft’s first phase he came to keep track of which employees left early or stayed late, because his office window overlooked the parking lot and he could control who was there and who was not.
“Don’t wait until I did to learn this lesson,” he advised. “Take time to nurture your relationships, celebrate your successes, and recover from your losses. Take a break when you need it. Be comfortable with those around you when they need it. ”
He wanted to take the pressure off them about choosing their professional future: “It may seem like these decisions are permanent. They’re not. What you do tomorrow, or for the next ten years, doesn’t necessarily matter.” What will you do forever?” ,
Gates also urged them to take advantage of the fact that they are graduating right “at a time of immense opportunities to help others”: “Every day new industries and companies emerge that allow you to make a living to make a difference.” And moving forward, science and technology have made it easier than ever to make a big impact.”
