Lessons Learned from Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

The other day I heard Randy Pausch’s story and watched his Last Lecture online. For those who may not be aware, Randy Paush’s story is a real life heart wrenching yet heartwarming story about a professor who has dedicated his life to others through teaching. He is now quickly approaching the end of his life after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He gave an inspirational and uplifting Last Lecture to students in September of 2007 about achieving childhood dreams and enabling others to achieve theirs. Professor Pausch is humorous, tells many wonderful stories, and offers a lot of excellent advice throughout his last lecture. And at this time, I would like to highlight some of my favorite lessons learned from his lecture that will help us all be better people.

1. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Head Fakes

One of Professor Pausch’s most savvy teaching methods is he discovers ways to make learning fun in all walks of life. The “head fakes” concept is creating environments of learning where people think they are doing one thing—such as learning to become a pro football player at practice—but really are learning other things, such as hard work, discipline, and dedication. Being creative in helping others learn by inspiring others through “head fakes” will help us all be better parents, teachers, friends, co-workers, and leaders.

2. Overcome Brick Walls

We all have roadblocks or “brick walls” in our way that will try and deter us from achieving our dreams and accomplishing what we want truly want in life. Professor Pausch explains that these “brick walls” are simply placed in our path so as to separate those who really want to accomplish their dreams and those who do not. These “brick walls” help us to make sacrifices and prove we really want to accomplish what we are working toward. They also make the process to achieving our goals much more rewarding and gratifying. Those who press forward over the “brick walls” will realize their dreams and will appreciate them so much more. Thus, we must not give up when faced with seemingly impassable brick walls.

3. Life is All about Attitude

Professor Pausch has a beautiful family which includes three younger children, yet he is dying and will leave a wonderful life behind. It seems he has every reason in the world to be upset and angry, but he is happy and living his life to its fullest. His enthusiasm, openness, and energy are an example to us all. We learn from Professor Pausch that we can choose to have a good attitude under any circumstance. Attitude is a choice! Professor Paush points out there are always things to be grateful for, and he has decided to live the rest of his short life in appreciation for what he does have.

4. Remember Good Karma Works

The culminating point of Professor Pausch’s Last Lecture is that if we strive to do what’s right and live a decent life, good things will happen to us. Professor Paush truly believes if we act as we should and seek others interests before our own, we will realize our dreams because of “good karma.” Thus, as we strive to make the world a better place through serving others and being honest and caring people, good will always come back to us.

Professor Pausch’s story is touching and inspirational and the lessons he shares in his last lecture are invaluable. I applaud Professor Pausch, and I hope we can all have the courage to follow his example. God bless you and your loved ones Professor Pausch!

Below is Randy Pausch’s last lecture: