In a recent LinkedIn post, Gary Vaynerchuk urges recent graduates and young adults to shed the societal pressure of living by a “supposed to” mindset. Vaynerchuk, a prominent entrepreneur and digital media strategist, shared his advice directly addressing those who have recently completed high school or college, emphasizing the importance of forging their own paths rather than conforming to external expectations.
Vaynerchuk’s message is a direct appeal to young individuals to break free from predetermined notions of success and life trajectory. He stresses that much of the anxiety and dissatisfaction experienced by graduates stems from adhering to a script written by others.
Challenging Societal Blueprints
The core of Vaynerchuk’s argument centers on the detrimental effects of the “you’re supposed to” mentality. He believes this ingrained notion can stifle creativity, individual ambition, and personal fulfillment. By encouraging young people to question these imposed expectations, Vaynerchuk aims to empower them to define success on their own terms.
As Gary Vaynerchuk notes:
“Please send this to your high school or college kid … we need to get ‘you’re suppose to’ out of their minds …. ❤️❤️❤️‼️”
This direct quote underscores the urgency Vaynerchuk feels about this issue. He sees it as a critical intervention needed for the current generation entering the workforce and adult life. The emphasis on removing this phrase from their thinking highlights his belief that it is a fundamental barrier to authentic living and career development.
Empowering Individual Journeys
Vaynerchuk’s advice extends beyond simply rejecting external pressures; it’s about actively embracing individuality. He suggests that by understanding and discarding the “supposed to” framework, young adults can better identify their true passions and pursue careers and lifestyles that genuinely resonate with them.
According to Gary Vaynerchuk:
“I really hope this helps someone this morning.”
This sentiment reveals Vaynerchuk’s underlying motivation: to provide actionable guidance that can lead to genuine positive change in individuals’ lives. He positions himself as a mentor offering a crucial piece of advice for navigating the complexities of early adulthood.
A Call to Action for Mentors and Parents
Vaynerchuk also specifically calls upon those in positions of influence over young people, such as parents and educators, to share this message. He believes that active guidance from mentors is essential in helping graduates internalize this liberating perspective.
In his post, Gary Vaynerchuk states:
“In fact .. if you have a child in your life who just graduated college pls pls pls show them this ❤️”
This plea emphasizes that the responsibility for imparting this wisdom is shared. Vaynerchuk is not just speaking to the graduates but also to the network of support around them, encouraging a collective effort to foster a more independent and self-directed mindset among the next generation.
Ultimately, Gary Vaynerchuk’s LinkedIn post serves as a powerful reminder to young adults and their mentors that true success is often found not in meeting the expectations of others, but in discovering and pursuing one’s own authentic path.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Gary Vaynerchuk on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →