Are You an Adjective or a Noun? (Graduation Edition)

One of the most popular questions asked of grade schoolers is, "Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?".  For me, the answer was "an architect"...but my experience has been that no fewer than 90% of kids want to be doctors, firemen, astronauts or professional athletes.  And there's always at least one in every class who wants to be a ballerina.  I guess it's part of the innocence of childhood.

Now that you're all grown up though, I think there's a much more important question that needs to be asked:  "Do you know who you want to be?"  Though the difference is subtle, it's a question about character instead of career.  And it's answer demands an adjective instead of a noun.

It seems to me that most of us work our entire lives trying to be nouns: mechanics, mail carriers or moms.  Rock stars, rodeo clowns or radio personalities.  But, in reality, nouns don't mean much.  They tell you the 'what', but not the 'how'.  I mean, wouldn't you rather have an honest mechanic than a dis-honest one?  Wouldn't you rather have a loving mom than an abusive one?

To me, it's the adjectives that matter.  Kind, compassionate, Christlike.  Trustworthy, thoughtful, thankful.  Honest, open, others-minded.

As you head off to college or into the working world, don't spend too much time focusing on your noun.  Don't work (or study) 40 hours a week trying to become something, instead of someone.  Don't trick yourself into thinking that how the world sees you is more important than how you see the world.

Want to truly make a difference in this life?  Whether you become a teacher or a truck driver...a plumber or a politician...a nurse or a nanny...start by working on your adjective.