“You can do anything, but not everything.”

This quote has been running thought my head for the past week. To me, it’s inspiring. It reminds me that we don’t have forever. We are given a finite amount of time to do all the things we want to do.

Behind this quote is David Allen, a productivity consultant. He is the founder of the program called “Getting Things Done.” He currently tours the country, spreading his productivity methods at seminars, as well as promoting his book of the same name.

A key facet of Allen’s talk is time management. As you have probably heard or experienced, time management is crucial in college. You are given a lot more free time compared to high school. You must now manage your time more wisely. Don’t waste your time; assuredly your grades will reflect how well you can manage.

One of the most interesting facts about Allen is his previous career. His career path has included jobs as a magician, waiter, karate teacher, landscaper, vitamin distributor, glass-blowing lathe operator, travel agent, gas station manager, U-Haul dealer, moped salesman, restaurant cook, personal growth trainer, manager of a lawn service company and manager of a travel agency.

During his early life, he embarked on many different ventures. As you can see, his interests were all over the spectrum – my personal favorites are magician and karate instructor. All of the different jobs led him to career in time management.

His remarkable career path shows that the path you start is never exactly the one that you will finish. Allen was tossed around, to some success and some failure.

Again, this quote is a small reminder. It reminds us that we need to create and set goals. Gannon is just a first stepping stone to those goals. For many people who want to be doctors, layers, pharmacists and more, Gannon University is just the start of their future.

As we walk thorough life, there will be many things we want to do. Most want happiness and wealth. Some want to change the world, invent new things and make it a better place. Regardless how lofty your goals are, you can achieve them. You truly can do anything, but you can’t do everything.