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Gentlemen’s Corner w/ Colin Furcht – The Gentlemen’s Guide For Recent Grads!

Colin Furcht

It’s June so that means GRADUATIONS! It’s been a LONG time since I graduated from college, almost too far back to remember. Yep, I’m that old and hopefully wiser. One of the main reasons I put this column together every other week is to offer guidance to men in general but this week, I’m focused on the grads. I hope you all have someone you can look up to, question and learn from. Anything I say here should not detract from any insights you receive from family or close friends. However, some of you may not have that option, so please know these are all meant to help!

The BEST days of your life are ahead of you!

As kids, I’m sure many of us couldn’t wait to go to college and eventually graduate. FREEDOM! Right? Well, yes and no. I don’t want to lessen the excitement and feeling of accomplishment you all must be feeling. But, the day after the celebration, life truly begins. Big boy decisions before a daily occurrence and people see you differently. You are now an ADULT! Don’t stress, we’ve all been there. Enjoy this time of your life, you only get to do it once.

Have a plan. Hopefully by now, this is the easiest item on the list. If you went to college or a trade school, I would expect you to have some direction. Know this will probably change several times over the course of your life. Nothing is ever set in stone. Anticipate change and it won’t knock you off your path. Hold yourself accountable for short and long term goals and give yourself credit when you meet them!
Stay in touch with close friends. While it does become harder to stay close to everyone you went to school with, keep those relationships as strong as you can. Having a peer group that may be experiencing the same challenges OR successes will be important over the course of your life. Social media is an easy way to keep an eye on everyone. A phone call is always appreciated too.
Learn. Never stop learning. As much as you think you know, there’s plenty more. Not just book smarts but life lessons. Never be afraid to learn something new, a new way to do something or just something that will always make you think. You Tube is an incredible tool to help learn things quickly and easily. Check that tool often and you will find others that were in your shoes before.
Listen. I know this is a tough one.Hearing is not listening.Especially us guys, we are not well known for our strong listening skills. Be it in your conversations, presentations at work or watching the news. Focus on the message and do your best to embrace it all. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything you hear. You most certainly should have your own opinions, morals and standards. You can still listen without agreeing. I think this may be one of the most valuable points I’ve ever learned.

Find a mentor. If not at work, find one in life. If you are fortunate to still have your Dad or even a Grandfather, engage with them about life. I’m sure they will want to impart as much wisdom to you as they can. Some of those life lessons they went through will most certainly help you today. Once you accept they were your age once, it will all come together. If you are already starting a new career, find that mentor quick before they either move on or someone else gets their focus. ‘Tribal Knowledge’ is a term you will hear often. Find that person with the most of it.
Keep yourself healthy, body and mind. I know, I know, you are young and viral and have never had to worry about all of that. I can assure you, no man wants to admit he is human when it comes to health and wellness. We generally find our way once stuff starts to go south. Don’t be reactive. Eat healthy, exercise and as you’ve heard me say here before, GET THAT PHYSICAL every year. It’s much easier to fix something sooner than later. Have that one guy friend that you can tell anything too and don’t be afraid to say when you are not ok.
Call your parents. This goes without saying. One day you won’t have that luxury. Trust me, they will talk to you every day if you let them. They don’t all have to be deep conversations. Let them know you are ok and check on them as well. Life will get in the way, trust me, but never forget they are your biggest fans.

Overwhelmed yet?

Once you realize life is unpredictable, nothing is owed to you and you are ‘mostly’ in control of your own destiny, you’ll be fine. There is no magic to getting older. Common sense, good decisions and surrounding yourself with positive people are the foundation of a life well lived. You never know when it’s your time so live life to your full capability. Keeping your brotherhood strong, especially as you get older, will pay back dividends many times over. Be a good friend and you will have good friends.

Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop