Humble and Hungry
May 26th, 2009 Posted in NewsletterA young man asked me the other day if I had one piece of advice to give him, as he graduates college, what it would be. I told him to be humble and hungry.
Be humble. Don’t think you know it all. See yourself as a life-long learner who is always seeking ways to learn, grow and improve.
Be humble. See everyone as a teacher and learn from everyone you meet.
Be humble. Be open to new ideas and strategies to take your life and work to the next level.
Be humble. When people tell you that you are great don’t let it go to your head. And when they tell you that you stink, don’t let it go to your head.
Be humble. Because the minute you think you have arrived at the door of greatness it will get shut in your face.
Be hungry. Live and work with a passion to continuously improve and set new goals and milestones.
Be hungry. Seek out new ideas, new strategies and new innovations to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Be hungry. Invest the time, energy, sweat and dedication to be your best.
Be hungry. Focus on being the best you can be and strive to get better every day.
Be hungry. Because you can’t ignite the world unless a fire is burning inside you.
Be hungry. With a commitment to pay the price that greatness requires.
As I shared this advice with the young man I hoped he wouldn’t just remember it for now but for the rest of his life because being humble and hungry is not only meant for the young but for all of us who want to be our best. Whether you are in business, education, healthcare, the ministry, the arts or sports… remember to stay humble and hungry and everything else will take care of itself.
What would you add to this list? What advice would you give to a college grad? Share here.
Be Your Best,
- Jon
Tags: advice, college grad, humble and hungry, jon gordon









11 Responses to “Humble and Hungry”
By Sandy Partlow on May 26, 2009
Many years ago my young adult children were going to visit family & friends they hadn’t seen in quite awhile.I asked them to remember 2 things on their trip: kindness & patience. Kindness because treat others as you would want to be treated, patience because it’s the moment that’s important not the past or the future. Today both of my children are in face-paced careers & I’ve stepped up to be a realtor finding success day by day in a very challenging South Florida market. On Mother’s Day when I said to my 4yr old grandaughter “kindness & patience” both of my children laughed & said you never give it up & we’ll always hear you saying those 2 words.
My advice is kindness & patience and you’ll be the best you can be.
By Fernanda on May 26, 2009
I would add: Be Hungry for life, don’t waist time,go the extra mile.
Today matters,you can make magic
By Catalina on May 26, 2009
Share your talents and what you have learned and accomplished! Don’t say or think: “I spent time and money to get to where I am. They also should spend the money and time”. Remember, we know that at this time, money is short and many may not have the time, for today could be the last day on this Earth!
By Brad on May 26, 2009
Maintain and keep your contacts. It pays dividends over time. Any job I ever had was gained through contacts, not headhunters or wnat ads.
By Chris on May 26, 2009
Timeless Jon, Timeless.
By Troy on May 26, 2009
I would like to add for him to keep GOD first in his life, read the Bible and he will learn how to deal with everyday life successfully. How to have peace in his mind, soul and spirit no matter whats going on in this world. Everything he will ever need to know about having good success and not bad success he can find it in the Word of God.
By on May 26, 2009
Jon,
It would be great if you would use a blog that can be linked to rather than “forwarding” your emails. Do you have a link for this article?
By adele on May 26, 2009
Be Hungry. Always live life to the fullest
My mum was just diagnosed with cancer … so a little reminder to all
By Vickie Palmer on May 27, 2009
Make every day count, there are no do overs.
By John on May 27, 2009
“Allow me to be a blessing to you and allow yourself to be a blessing to others.”
– John Coonley
By LW Warfel on May 28, 2009
Identify your spiritual gifts, strengths, and talents. Then use those to serve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.