You Only Live Once

The Importance of Networking

by Raven Cordice '18

The saying “You only live once” is played out, but holds so much truth. You only live once, so why not live life to the fullest and pursue your wildest dreams? You don’t get a second chance at life, so it’s imperative to take the chance you have now because if you don’t someone else will. One of the major problems that people have today, is that we are always comparing our lives to others. So when you see someone succeeding at the very thing you wanted to do in life, you tend to compare where your life is now to theirs. This can fill your head with tons of regrets as you fantasize about what could have been your life, but you let society, the people around you, and your insecurities tell you otherwise.

Oftentimes, we don’t pursue our true passions because it doesn’t seem feasible. We like security, so doing what is accessible is often the way to go because it’s safe. Playing it safe can lead to a lucrative life where you don’t have to worry. You know that you’ll have a steady income and can live comfortably, but life isn't always about being comfortable. The greatest opportunities in life often come from being put into uncomfortable situations. These situations open doors to the life that you always imagined for yourself, but you’ll never experience them if you don’t put yourself out there.

Success can come in many forms, but the number one way to reach success is to network. Networking can be very intimidating and uncomfortable, but in the end you’ll end up pursuing your wildest dreams. Networking is all about putting your best foot forward and making connections with the very people that are living the life that you want to live one day. No matter what you do in life, it’s important to connect with people because that is one of the best ways to advance in life. Without connections, the process of pursuing your wildest dreams will take longer and can discourage you. Yes, we want to succeed all on our own, but we need the help of others because you never know who someone may know in the field that you want to go into. Networking won’t necessarily change your life overnight, but it can speed up the process as long as you play your cards right. When networking, it’s important to follow up and follow through. After you meet someone, contact them right away because even if you made a great first impression, if you wait too long they could forget who you were. It is imperative that you contact your new connection and always follow up so that they never forget who you are. Like your dream, you never want to be forgotten.