Harry Potter goes to Harvard

By Coach Bay

On several occasions, I have talked about the importance of pursuing something that you really really want while utilizing your strengths and serving others. We all have a responsibility to use our gifts wisely and to serve something bigger than ourselves.

Last week Harry Potter's 'mother', J K Rowling, went to Harvard University to give the Commencement Address for the 2008 Harvard graduates.

According to many people, J K Rowling gave one of the most inspiring commencement speeches ever.

She talked about her own struggles, facing poverty and failing before she finally pursued her passion and purpose.

One of my favorite questions is; "Are you here to win or are you here not to lose?". I often use this question in workshops and in coaching to determine the focus of the participants.

J K Rowling pointed out that we will not go through life without failing one way or the other. Unless we play it safe but then our life has been much less than it could be and that is an even bigger failure.

She shared her own story about finally stopping to pretend and instead setting herself free to pursue that inner drive and write novels. We all know what happened after that...

J K Rowling highlighted the importance of close relationships, personal learning & growth as well as using your gifts to serve others. She shared her experience working at Amnesty International in her early 20s helping victims in the 3rd world.

Her close friends have been with her since school, and J K Rowling talked about the importance of having close friends, who will always be there for you.

It is an awesome speech, and you can enjoy the full speech here or by clicking on the photo.


As J K Rowling says: " Your life is not your CV". So what is it for you?

While most of the readers of this blog are not Harvard graduates, most of us do have more than we need. We do have the ability, and we have the opportunity to touch the lives of the more needy. We can make a real difference if we so decide.

As J K Rowling points out: "We do not need magic to transform our world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already, we have the power to imagine better."

So turn on the imagination, and let's get started.......

Keep Inspiring!

Happy Days
Coach Bay