“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”- Jackie Robinson

Throughout my life, I’ve always tried to keep on my toes whether it be in television and radio, sports, or public relations. Last year, I felt I was becoming obsolete. So, I began reading more about social media and how it could benefit my work. I stumbled upon Brazen Careerist and it really changed how I looked at social media and my career. The folks that launched it are all in their 20’s and created a community for learning, collaborating and searching for work.

It was a watershed moment because it help re-light the fire inside me. From that point forward, I reinvented who I was and how my career would play out .

Thanks to the “next generation,” I am a better PR practitioner and person because of the quality out there. My question to you is: Are you listening to that college intern or freelancer? What about the many 20-somethings that offer up valuable knowledge on their blogs? Take a moment and get inspired! Here are five things I have learned in the last year from the “next generation.”

1. Enthusiasm- If you don’t have a lot of this in what you do, why are you doing it?

2. You are in control of your career- It doesn’t matter whether you work for a PR firm or are self-employed, it’s up to you to make the most of what you do!

3. Take risks- Be scared, it’s good. Matt Cheuvront’s must-read blog, Life Without Pants, addresses this perfectly. ”Don’t walk… RUN out of your comfort zone.” (Thanks as always, Matt!)

4. Engage- Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Wave…. talk to the people. A lot. It’s called social media for a reason.

5. Bright ideas- There are so many fresh thinkers, it’s hard not to be inspired. Take a lesson from what you read and make a change.

What have you learned? Share your thoughts in the comments section.