So you're finally done with school...

Congratulations, graduate! You've just graduated from college, and you're now entering the "real world." Just when you thought you had life in the palm of your hands, reality begins to sink in. There's no need to freak out (or move back home!), just follow these simple suggestions, and you're well on your way to the life of your dreams. First, find that thing that inspires you before you set any career goals. Most people end up in their late 30's and 40's wondering how the hell they ended up where they are. What moves you? What are your unique skills? If money where no issue, what would you do with your time? (Be serious now, lying on the beach drinking beer all day is not the right answer... Even brew masters have to put in a few hours of work here and there.) Second, ask and answer the question, "How can I do what I love and be paid handsomely for it?" For instance, let's say to the above question you answered, "I love to travel." There are many ways you can travel and be paid well. Many sales jobs travel extensively... You could become a meeting planner, a personal assistant or work in the tourism industry. Think of the possibilities. If you answered, "I like to help people," there are so many ways to do so that don't necessarily mean having to get a master's degree. You can help people find the home of their dreams in real estate or you could help people get a healthy and nutritious meal and a slim and sexy body. Be open-minded and creative. Next, set a specific intention to achieve based upon your answers above... Make it measurable and timed. For instance, write down, "I'll create a job in the investment industry making $50,000 per year by August 1, 2008." Make it a stretch and yet keep it realistic. We tend to overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can accomplish in a lifetime. (In other words, you have more time than just this summer to become your state's next Senator.) Then, keep your attention upon your intention no matter what happens. You're going to face challenges... You can't have victories without them. That's just a part of life. If you have a bad interview, just restate and refocus on your intention and know that it's coming. This resolve and focus will be felt by everyone with whom you interact. By the way, if you fall off your game and don't get back on, that will be felt by others as well. Avoid anyone or anything that knocks you off your game (including your sophomore roommate that you went to Cancun with). Finally, take massive and bold action daily. Every night before you go to bed, sit down and write out the six most important things you must do tomorrow to move you in the direction of your intention, and hit the ground running in the morning. Work on Item One and don't move on to Item Two until One is complete. Work on (and complete) Two before going to Three and so on. If you end the day without completing all six items, then the remaining items on the list move up and become Items One, Two, etc. for tomorrow. If you have room at the bottom of the list, then guess what? Yep. Fill it up with six. Constantly think, feel and act (remember "3 for 3?") in accordance with where you're going and your success is certain. Looking for the perfect graduation gift for someone special (or yourself)? Make sure to check out my latest full-length feature presentation and "real-life primer," Harmonic Wealth: The Movie. This breakthrough DVD is the ideal graduation present for anyone on your list... It's jam-packed with tons of practical tips to help any new grad hit the ground running (including that sophomore roomie)! It's available on DVD and as an online rental... And starting at $9.97, it's friendly on your post-school budget. Also a smart choice is my New York Times Best Selling book, Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want. This must-have manual will arm any new graduate with the essential tools for living a truly wealthy life. Here's to your future! To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International