About this quote

High school hands out simple rules that often stick long after they stop helping. Those so-called truths shape which classes you choose, who you try to be, and what risks you avoid. Pick one of those rules and ask whether it actually improves your life now. If it doesn't, stop giving it power; if it does, be ready to explain why.

When to use it

• At my college counseling appointment: "That line about high school lies made me realize I don't need to cram every extracurricular into my résumé."
• After getting cut from the varsity team: "Remember that list of lies — maybe this cut is a cue to try a different position or a new sport."
• When my parents pushed me toward a 'safe' major: "I quoted that line and told them I won't pick a career just because it's expected."
• Mentoring a ninth grader: "Let me tell you the first ten lies they tell you — and which ones you can safely ignore."