Find Quote by Condoleezza Rice
“When I talk to students - and I still think of myself more than anything as a kind of professor on leave - they say, 'Well, how do I get to do what you do?'... And I say, 'Well, you have to start out by being a failed piano major.' And my point to them is don't try to have a 10-year plan. Find the next thing that interests you and follow that.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commencement Address, University of Texas, 2005
The speaker advises against rigid long‑term planning, urging exploration of immediate interests and learning from failure.
In simple terms: Don’t plan far ahead; follow what interests you now.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity and learn from setbacks.
Themes
career development
learning
risk taking
Mood
encouraging
reflective
Type
motivational
advice
When to use this quote
- college graduation
- career change
- creative projects
Key Concepts
growth mindset
non‑linear paths
Questions to Reflect On
- What small interest could you pursue today?
- How can failure become a stepping stone?
A Different Perspective
Long‑term goals still matter for direction.
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