It doesn’t seem like that long ago I was holding my wife’s hand at the hospital as she labored for over 24 hrs before having a c-section to welcome our daughter into the world. Our first born. I remember the first time I saw her little face.
Today she has grown into a young woman as beautiful on the inside as she is out. A heart that truly cares for others. A unique blend of sass, spunk, drama, entertainment and talent. She can write and draw as good as anyone. Early on she picked up dance and piano and later guitar. Cheer and acting came late in school but she rocked them both and found a love and passion for the stage which she plans to continue in college at Appalachian State.
Today is the first day of school for our school system. Today is the first day of senior year for the Class of 2027. Tomorrow we move our daughter into college.
Wow. That is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about the Class of 2026. I watched this class grow throughout their lives. Kindergarten through the 12th grade.
I remember sitting in Sunday school years ago and our friend Robbie leaned over and said hey I need a girls basketball coach. I said that’s great why are you telling me haha? I wrestled for 6 years and hadn’t played basketball since I was in the 6th grade. Robbie grinned and told me if our daughter was going to play basketball I was the coach. With great help from other parents I coached girls basketball for a few years. Then I handed over the reigns to more qualified coaches as some of the girls began pursuing different sports while others took on travel ball.
For the last several summers our home became a hang out for pool parties and bonfires. Sometimes small groups and sometimes so many kids showed up I probably didn’t want to know how many there were. The only time I had to fuss about anything was when they’d get too loud in the pool late at night. That’s it.
As you begin the next chapter of your life I want to share a few thoughts and lessons learned as a 40 year old kid whose still learning and figuring it out as he goes.
1. Your direction matters more than your speed.
Some people will look successful at 22 and miserable at 40. Others will feel behind for years and eventually build extraordinary lives.
Do not compare your timeline to someone else’s highlight reel.
A slow, disciplined climb in the right direction beats sprinting toward the wrong destination.
2. Who you become matters more than what you accomplish.
Careers matter. Money matters. Success matters.
But your character will determine whether success becomes a blessing or a burden.
Learn to be:
- honest when it costs you
- dependable when it’s inconvenient
- humble when you win
- resilient when you lose
People may forget what you achieved. They rarely forget how you made them feel.
3. Your habits are building your future long before results show up.
Most lives are not changed in one dramatic moment.
They are shaped by repeated daily choices:
- showing up
- keeping your word
- reading
- exercising
- managing money wisely
- controlling your attitude
- staying consistent when nobody is watching
The small disciplines become your life.
4. Protect your time and attention.
The world will compete aggressively for your focus.
Your phone can either become:
- a tool that helps build your future
or
- a distraction that quietly steals it
Learn to sit in silence.
Learn to think.
Learn to work without constant noise and validation.
Clarity usually comes in quiet moments.
5. Learn how money works early.
You do not need to become obsessed with money, but you do need to understand it.
Avoid unnecessary debt.
Live below your means.
Invest early.
Learn the difference between looking wealthy and building wealth.
Financial freedom creates options. Options create impact.
6. Find mentors and listen carefully.
You can shorten your learning curve dramatically by learning from people who have already paid the price.
Ask questions.
Stay teachable.
Observe how successful people handle pressure, relationships, and failure.
Wisdom is often caught before it is taught.
7. Failure is not the enemy.
Failure is tuition.
Some of the greatest lessons in your life will come from:
- heartbreak
- rejection
- loss
- embarrassment
- missed opportunities
- seasons where nothing seems to work
Do not waste pain. Learn from it.
Many people quit right before growth begins.
8. Relationships will shape your future.
The people you surround yourself with will influence:
- your standards
- your mindset
- your habits
- your future
Choose friends who challenge you to grow, not people who encourage you to stay comfortable.
And when you find good people — value them.
9. You do not have to have your whole life figured out.
At 18, 22, or even 40.
Most people are still becoming who they are meant to be.
Life is less about having all the answers and more about continuing to move forward with faith, courage, humility, and persistence.
10. Create impact wherever you are
You do not need a title, platform, or large following to matter.
Impact is created:
- in how you treat people
- how you serve others
- how you lead when nobody notices
- how you respond under pressure
- how you show up for your family and community
A meaningful life is rarely built around yourself alone.
11. Success without peace is failure in disguise.
Do not sacrifice:
- your faith
- your family
- your health
- your integrity
- your peace
…just to impress people who are not living your life.
Build a life you are proud to go home to.
12. Enjoy the ride.
Life moves faster than you think.
One day you are graduating.
The next you are raising kids, building businesses, burying loved ones, and wondering where the years went.
Celebrate small wins.
Take pictures.
Travel when you can.
Tell people you love them.
Be fully present.
The destination matters.
But so does the journey.
It has been a true joy and blessing to watch the Class of 2026 grow into their own individual selves and will be awesome to see where life takes them. God bless – Dustin Rogers aka KB’s Dad
YOUR IMPACT STORY - more than just a podcast 
Leave a comment