1. Dreams Change
I had always pursued this one undefined music dream job. However, through time and experience I realized that dreams change and new unexpected opportunities arise. Now I advocate the passionate dedication to the pursuit of short-term goals. It’s being micro-ambitious. I tell people to work hard and with pride on whatever is in front of them… you never know where you might end up. Just be aware that the next worthy pursuit will probably appear in your periphery. If you focus too far in front of you, you won’t see the shiny thing out the corner of your eye that could change the dream.
2. Bloom where you're planted
Don’t be so ready for the next thing that you forget to learn and grow where you are. The next opportunity will come, they always do. But only successfully when you’ve outgrown your current place. Bloom where you're planted.
3. Be Hard On Your Opinions
Your opinion should be constantly and thoroughly examined. Be intellectually rigorous. Identify your biases, your prejudices, your privilege, your shortcomings, and think critically. Not just about the ideas of others. Be hard on your beliefs. Take them out onto the porch and beat them with a baseball bat. It will do you good.
4. Be a teacher
Even if you’re not a teacher, be a teacher. Become a mentor. Share your ideas. Don’t take for granted your experience and education. Rejoice in what you learn and know, and share it.
5. Don’t rush or compare
You don’t need to already know what you’re going to do with the rest of your life. Life changes and that's ok. Find what you're most passionate about and do that. Be patient and don’t compare your book of life to someone else's. Your chapter 3 is not their chapter 20. Enjoy the journey and read your own book.
