In April this year, I wrote about Randy Pausch and the inspiring “last lecture” he had delivered to a group at Carnegie Mellon. I have just heard the sad news that, the incredibly inspiring and optimistic realist, Randy Pausch has passed away. If you have not had a chance to listen to this lecture it is a must. A gift left for his children that all can learn from.

Some learnings…

* Never give up
* Are you a Tigger or Eeyore?
* Don’t listen to what people say. Watch what they do.
* You can’t get there alone, you need to get people to help you.
* People need to be Earnest- it’s long term
* Apologise when you screw up
* Focus on other people, not yourself
* Brick walls- are there you to show dedication, there to show who will persevere
* Do the right thing
* Get a feedback loop and listen to it. Hard part is the listening to it and taking it on board.
* Show gratitude
* Don’t complain, work harder
* Be good at something, it makes you valuable
* Find the best in everybody ( eventually people will show you their good side, no one is all evil)
* Be prepared. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just the way we play the hand” - Randy Pausch, 1960 -2008