February 9, 2012

“Do You Know Who Dr Randy Pausch Is?”

Hi Everyone

This is another email in my series “Do You Know Who … Is?”

“Do You Know Who Dr Randy Pausch Is?”
(I thank Jennie Armato for sending this one to me –
http://www.jenniearmato.com/blog)

Randy Pausch was a tenured professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

In September 2007, Randy Pausch delivered his “Last Lecture” titled
“Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.”

You see, Randy knew he was dying.

and…

as a legacy to his children offered these thoughts, these inspirational
messages about life and living.

If you are like me, Randy’s speech will move you.

He talks about his “Childhood Dreams” and chasing them.

There’s the story about his footy coach riding him hard and blasting him.

An assistant coach said to Randy,
“Coach Graham rode you pretty hard today didn’t he.”
“Yeah !” replied Randy.
“That’s a good thing.  When you are screwing up and nobody is saying anything
to you anymore it means they gave up.”


“When you see yourself doing something badly and nobody is telling you anything
to you anymore; that’s a bad, bad place to be.”

“Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care.”

Randy uses analogies of brickwalls.

Brickwalls let us show our dedication.

They are there to separate us from the people who don’t really want
to achieve their childhood dreams.

“Don’t bail; the best gold is at the end of the bottom of barrels of crap.”

muses Randy.

“Get a feedback loop; and listen to it.  The hard part is the listening.”

he continues

“Anybody can get chewed out.  The rare person, says, “Oh My God”,
you are right.”

“When people give you feedback, cherish it and use it.”

In closing, Randy Pausch leaves us with these parting words:

  • Show gratitude;
  • Don’t complain – just work harder;
  • Be good at something – it makes you valuable;
  • Work Hard;
  • Find the best in everybody, no matter how long it takes;
  • Be prepared.  Luck is where preparation meets oppor.tunity; and
  • If you lead your life the right way, Karma will take place;
    your dreams will come to you.

No doubt the world is at a loss to lose a person like Randy Pausch.

He is survived by the people he has touched and educated.

Spen.d 75 minutes of your life to find out a little about him.

I am so glad I did.

You can view the full version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

Cheers

Kurt