The Art of you finding YOU in all the Noise

When we are little, we talk about all the different things we want to be when we grow up. One month it’s a firefighter, the next week a police officer, a doctor, a veterinarian, and so on. As we grow older, we often lose that sense of wonder for many reasons. Most, of course, are practical. Others are less practical and are influenced by the voices around us—parents, teachers, friends, social media—some with good intentions and others not, telling us what they feel our career path should be.

Many people, even the ones who truly love us, give advice for so many reasons, and most of the time, it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with them. They fear for us failing or not "making it." Sometimes neither they nor we will ever understand why they can't see our dreams as real, but in truth, it doesn't matter.

Always remember, no one but you will ever live YOUR life, work YOUR job, or make YOUR happiness happen. That, my friend, is all on you. This is your life and yours alone. I have watched more people punch a clock purely to make a paycheck day in and day out than I have seen people pull into a parking lot, excitedly jump out of their car, running inside, about to burst because they can’t wait to begin the design they’ve been envisioning over the past couple of days.

Take Your Time to Learn What You Love

I don’t care if it’s underwater basket weaving or creating the next Amazon—love it. I promise you this: if you love what you do and have real passion for it, the money will always come. Quiet the noise from everyone, but also all the noise and constant barrage of news, social media, and endless distractions. Grow your passion, and the rest will fall into place.

I once saw a documentary years ago about a Russian billionaire. In one scene, he was in a huge room with his staff discussing the next launch of some project. He didn’t speak the entire meeting while his staff discussed all aspects of the project. When he was leaving, the journalist asked him, “What’s the smartest decision you have ever made?” He stopped, pointed at his staff, and said, “Hiring them. I know I have made the right decisions when I am the dumbest guy in the room.”

He is the visionary and hires people who are passionate about their individual jobs. That’s how a successful business grows. Dream big. Your voice and your passion are what guide you. Keep all the other noise down, and only listen to those who truly see you and your passion. Hire people who know what you don't but believe in your vision—and allow yourself to flow with life.

Business, love, and friendships are all about flowing with the stream of life. Set your boundaries, but don’t be rigid, and you will find that thing that makes you happy and successful.