Commencement (The Wisdom of Shia LaBoeuf)

At this time of year, tens of millions of students close one chapter of their life to begin another. For many, graduation is a digital affair; Regalia is replaced by bathrobes, and accepting your diploma is as easy as downloading a PDF. All the while, we’re gripped with a new reality – we’re more connected and therefore more responsible to lead congruent lives than we’ve ever been before.

 A few years ago, a friend of mine sent me a video containing wisdom that remains seared in my memory. It wasn’t a commencement address from a lauded author, or an interview about how to succeed in business and life with Jack Ma or Warren Buffett. In fact, in watching this video, I came to appreciate the true joy of learning in the digital age; finding inspiration in novel non-traditional spaces. The message is brought to us all by the combination of two deeply mysterious internet phenomena; Shia LaBoeuf and a green screen.

When you watch this video, you’ll no doubt shift focus between the elements which are utterly absurd and deeply insightful. Shia flexes and exclaims, “If you’re tired of starting over, stop giving up.” What more does one need to hear when they’re looking for answers? Or to make changes in our lives that actually stick?

Shia drives these simple affirming messages that aim to propel whoever views it to take action. As someone who is deeply familiar with the consequences of inaction, and is changing their course – I offer this video as a welcome reminder to anyone who may be eager or afraid of what the next chapters of life may have in store, because these chapters are still to be written, and we hold the pen. Just Do It.