Top 5 insights from Bill Gates: What he wished he had known when he was younger

Although he did not complete his own studies at Harvard, Bill Gates is now a welcome face at various universities. This is also the case on the campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU).

At the graduation ceremony for the Forestry and Computer Science degree programs, the Microsoft founder revealed to the NAU graduates five insights that, looking back, he himself would have liked to have had earlier.

Gates advice number 1: “Life is not just one act”

When he dropped out of college to devote himself entirely to Microsoft, Gates was firmly convinced that he would work at the software company for the rest of his life.

Many young people are probably familiar with the idea of ​​setting a firm course for their own career at the beginning of their working life – and also the pressure that comes with it.

Gates will take some of that pressure off the graduates he speaks to: “It may feel like these decisions are permanent.” But they are not. What you do tomorrow – or in the next ten years – does not have to be what you do forever.” He himself has now shifted his work focus to numerous philanthropic projects.

Gates advice number 2: You never stop learning

“When I left college, I thought I knew everything I needed to know,” the Microsoft founder begins his second piece of advice. It quickly turned out that he was wrong in his assumption – and you never stop learning in life.

“At some point in your career you will be faced with a problem that you cannot solve on your own.” But that’s no reason to panic: “Take a deep breath. Force yourself to think things through. And then you have smart people from whom you can learn.” Because learning means not only concentrating on what you can already do, but also accepting what you still have no idea about.

“Almost everything I’ve achieved, I’ve achieved because I sought out others who knew more.” People want to help you. The key is not to be afraid to ask”.

Gates advice number 3: Find tasks that solve an important problem

Climate change, technological progress: From Gates’ perspective, graduates start their professional careers in a world in which there are numerous major tasks to be mastered.

Anyone who focuses their work on mastering one of these tasks – those mentioned in the speech, for example in forestry or software development – not only receives a meaning for life, but also the incentive to “do the best work” and “be more creative “. to be”.

Gates advice number 4: Don’t underestimate the power of friendship

In addition to work, social life shouldn’t be neglected – after all, you never know where one or another friendship could lead.

“When I was at school, I became friends with another student who shared many of my interests, such as: B. Science fiction novels and computer magazines. I had no idea how important this friendship would be. “My friend’s name was Paul Allen – and we founded Microsoft together,” said Gates.

When studying, it’s not just about the final certificate, but also about your fellow students, who become your personal network.

Gates advice number 5: Take time off when you need it!

Gates ended his speech with what was most important to him: “You’re not a slacker if you take your time.”

He himself didn’t want to see that for a long time and in the first few years of Microsoft he had no understanding for employees who didn’t want to accumulate overtime. “My office overlooked the parking lot, and I kept track of who left early and who came late.”

However, with age and the birth of his children, his stubborn view has changed – and so Gates concludes his speech with the following recommendation: “Don’t wait as long as I did to learn this lesson.” Take time to cultivate relationships , to celebrate your successes and recover from your losses. Take a break when you need it. Protect your fellow human beings when they need it too.”

By the way, the whole speech is available to read on Gates’ own blog and as a video on YouTube.