Jennifer Garner told grads to insist on one surprising goal, above money, fame, marriage

Jennifer Garner told graduates at her old alma mater, Denison University, to insist on optimism. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jennifer Garner thinks goal-setting after college graduation shouldn't be the goal.

The actress spoke to Denison University students last weekend at her alma mater, having graduated from the Ohio university 25 years ago as a theater and communications major.

"At some point, you will realize that there is no finish line to cross," the "13 Going on 30" star told graduates. "There is no moment when you're just supposed to be happy."

Goals can just prevent you from living in the present, said the mom of three.

"While you wait for those moments, while you wait for the perfect job, the MCAT score, the engagement ring, your life is happening," she said. "Isn't it enough?"

Garner was presented with an honorary doctorate during the commencement ceremony.

The one thing to strive for

Garner told the college graduates that before they go after the big bucks, the house or the family – or maybe while they pursue those things – they should keep one thing in the forefront of their minds: optimism. Because it's that quality of living that will carry them through their day-to-day life and help them find focus.

"Fight for what makes you optimistic about the world," she said. "Find it, insist on it, dig into it, go after it."

Even with a sunny disposition, life isn't perfect, she told graduates. "If you’re lucky, your life will be 65% happy, and that’s ‘fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes," she said. Still, they hold the key to getting that high of a percentage, she added.

“Happiness is your own responsibility. So, attack it."

Garner's funny, or just plain solid, advice

The mom passed along some quick-hit advice she's learned over her 47 years.

Don’t walk down the Grand Canyon. It's hard to get back up, and the view from the top is better.

Don't forget your sunscreen. "Nothing looks better in your 50s than sunscreen in your 20s," she said.

"Mixed signals are not mixed signals, they are a 'no!’ "

"Don’t smoke and don’t vape! Just don’t do it."

Always have a book on your bedside table and actually read it.

"Always have a sense of humor about yourself."

When it comes to Halloween costumes, go with fun over flirty. "Why would you dress like a flirty nurse when you could be a mailbox?" she asked.

Yeah, why?

Watch Jennifer Garner's commencement speech

Look for Garner to come on at the one-hour mark.

Contributing: Craig McDonald

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