My Commencement Speech for the Class of 2026: Find Your Lane and Drive With Purpose
To the Class of 2026… this is your moment!
When I was in college, I struggled, because I didn’t have a purpose. I was pursuing a degree, but I didn’t have a why. I wasn’t sure what was ahead. Some of you may have felt that same uncertainty.
After my freshman year, I left school. I got married and started a family. A few years later, everything changed.
Lesson #1: It’s not how you start—it’s how you finish.
My wife asked me a simple question: “Are you going to go back to school and finish what you started?”
That question changed my trajectory.
The following year, I went back. I attended classes in the morning and worked afternoons and nights. It wasn’t easy, but four years later, I walked across that stage, with my mom and dad, my wife, and my kids cheering me on.
I finished.
But then came a new challenge, I couldn’t find a job. I didn’t understand why at the time, but looking back, I realized that I lacked experience. I kept applying… and kept coming up empty.
So, I reached out to my brother.
Lesson #2: Your network is your net worth.
My brother was working for a company in Dallas, Texas. He helped me get an interview and an opportunity to start a new career at the ground level.
I took the job. I moved my family from Oklahoma to Texas and spent the next several years in operations.
But something was missing. I felt a pull toward something more. So, I made a decision to pursue a career in sales and marketing.
Lesson #3: If it’s your dream, nobody can talk you into it and nobody can talk you out of it.
I took a 50% pay cut to chase that dream.
But this time, I knew what I wanted. I wanted autonomy. Freedom. To be surrounded by great people. I wasn’t just chasing a job. I was pursuing a life aligned with my values.
The journey wasn’t easy. Long hours. Uphill climbs. But I stayed with it.
I read books. I listened to audio programs. I started a newsletter to add value—which turned into a monthly blog, which turned into a book, which led to speaking opportunities, which led to a podcast, which led to more books and keynote speeches across the country.
And every single time I wrote or spoke, I got better.
I studied those who came before me. I learned from great communicators. I wrote about things that mattered to me and that could help others.
And that’s the beauty of the journey.
I experienced the highs and the lows… the easy and the hard… the struggles and the triumphs… the failures and the successes.
And every time… I got better.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about getting better every day.
You have to find your lane, your calling, your purpose and drive your career with intention and significance.
Now, I’ll be honest… I once dreamed about success looking like awards, money, commissions, bonuses, and promotions with impressive titles.
Lesson #4 Sometimes, the best dreams are the ones that never happen.
I remember bowling a 300 game during the qualifying round to earn a spot in the US Open. I was so excited as my dream was alive only to finish in the back of the pack a few weeks later. It was a dream to win the open, but I am so glad it never happened, because it led to the most significant career journey ever becoming a business sales leader, best-selling author, motivational keynote speaker, and award-winning podcast host connecting to the most successful leaders around the world. One of my favorite bible verses comes from the book of John, Chapter 13, Verse 7… “You do not realize what I am doing now, but later you will understand.”
Now, here’s what I didn’t dream about…
The power of relationships. I value them above all.
The importance in people. Believe in them. Value in them. Love them.
The opportunities in life - they are everywhere.
Now the best part about all of this is you don’t need a title to have success. You don’t need permission to be an influence. All you need to do… is be you.
Treat people with kindness, from president to the person that sweeps the floor.
Help others get better. Be humble and have great humility.
Be generous. Big or small changes lives.
Have good manners. They will take you places ability won’t.
Those aren’t small things and they’re the real secret to success.
In closing…
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. Finish strong every day.
Your network is your net worth. Invest in the people zone. It will deliver the greatest return in every area of your life.
If it’s your dream, no one can talk you into it, and no one can talk you out of it. Don’t be afraid to go for it.
But remember, sometimes, the best dreams are the ones that don’t happen. When one door closes a better one opens.
And finally… perhaps the most import lesson…
Go beyond success—and pursue significance.
Success is about you.
Significance is about others.
That’s where true joy is found, not in achievements or awards, but in the messages, calls, texts, and conversations from people whose lives you’ve impacted.
Be significant and success will follow.
I’ll leave you with a poem by William Arthur Ward:
The adventure of life is to learn,
The goal of life is to grow,
The nature of life is to change,
The challenge of life is to overcome,
The essence of life is to care,
The secret of life is to dare,
The beauty of life is to give,
The joy of life is to love.
So find your lane,
Bring joy to the day,
And make the most of your journey ahead.
The world is waiting for you.
Quote of the Day comes from my grand-daughter that once shared…
“If your lane isn’t going right, turn left.” Sutton Rezentes
Cheers to YOU – the graduating class of 2026!
🎯 Looking to inspire your team?
Grab a copy of one of my books:
📘 Find Your Lane
📘 Life in the Leadership Lane
📘 Drive with Purpose
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This is Move to Inspire with Bruce Waller.
For more resources—including relocation support, keynote speaking, leadership content, and the Life in the Leadership Lane podcast—visit www.BruceWaller.com.
📞 To connect directly, call 972-389-5673 or email Bruce.