21: Orange Cautions The Right Of Passage…

Growing up in the Caribbean, I was never as exposed to the flair of turning 21. In the United States it’s like a right of passage. On campus students receive bottles of liquor to celebrate as if to say ”I’ve made it! I’m grown! I’m finally 21!”

Years ago, an intern that was working with my organization so happened to have turned 21 while on the job. For him it was amazing! He drank the night away! Then to make sure he was still perceived as “responsible”, he slept the rest of the hours in the parking lot to be able to report on time at 8:00 am!

Caution

But be careful. Orange means caution. How many young adults have reached the age and realized it’s just a number? Oh yes they are now able to go to a night club without being barred from entering. Yes, they are now officially considered an adult! Yes they are able to get that driver’s license that reflects adulthood! Yes they’re able to this, or that.

But be cautious lest these things distract from your goal. Age is just a number. Make sure the things that you do… not distract from what’s important in the long-term.

The same goes for any celebration such as that bachelor/bachelorette party when getting married. It’s as though we’re saying we are giving up the past and essentially ‘freedom’.  Therefore men and women rush out the night, or the week before, for one last brouhaha!

Caution. Pause, reflect. Will it be worth your long-term goals if things go awry? What do you Prefer?

Something to think about.

Cheers!


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Author: Dr. Shelly

Dr. Shelly Cameron is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and author of 12 nonfiction books, including The GreenLight Factor and Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders. She is the creator of the GreenLight Leadership Framework and founder of Global Coaching Corner. She leads the Ignite Caribbean 30 Under 30 Emerging Leaders program. Drawing on over 20 years of global HR leadership experience, she's passionate about helping professionals navigate change and design fulfilling lives through intentional goal setting and self-discovery. Her research was published in the JAABC Business Journal, and she was a featured author for the 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival's 250th celebration. 🎉 A thank-you: SuccessfulLeaders.net just crossed 100,000 views! Grateful for every reader who's made this milestone possible.

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