We asked some folks we admire to share one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

Homan Rajai | Founder of Studio AHEAD- Studio AHEAD is a San Francisco-based art and design collective founded by Homan Rajai and Elena Dendiberia.

Balance is bullshit. If you love something whether it be a person, a concept, a career, an art…. pour yourself into it. “People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” – Joseph Campbell Read more>>

Britt Albrecht | Writer & Illustrator

There’s a lot of conventional wisdom around ‘never looking back,’ often packaged as an unquestionable motivational concept—keep moving forward, don’t dwell, build up momentum. While I understand the intent behind it, I can’t help but feel it’s awfully limiting. Read more>>

Jay Battle Aka “qreepz” | Producer | DJ | Audio Engineer | Playback Tech

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is the idea that music needs to be ‘universally appealing’ to be successful. I feel like there’s so much pressure on artists to fit into a certain box or make music that’s easy for everyone to digest, but to me, that kills creativity. Some of the most powerful music comes from the raw, edgy, and sometimes uncomfortable places that aren’t designed to be liked by everyone. My goal isn’t to please everyone, it’s to create something real and memorable that resonates with the people who vibe with that darker, experimental energy. I’d rather make something that leaves a strong impression (Good or Bad), then play it safe. Read more>>

Dylan Quint | Trumpeter, Pianist, Producer

“Follow your passion, and everything else will fall into place.” I’ve heard this a lot, especially in the world of music, but honestly, I don’t think it’s enough. While passion is important, I believe that determination and sacrifice are the real drivers of success. In music, and in life, work beats talent every time. Talent might give you a head start, but it’s the work no one sees that determines success. Read more>>

Pengwich | Interactive Variety Band

“All bands need to pick one genre and stick to it!” We allow the music to take us on a journey. When writing music, we open ourselves to whatever style strikes in the moment. This has led to exploring a variety of genres. Our catalog consists of some pop, rock, blues, dance, ballads, and so much more. Something for everyone! Read more>>

Emily Bhatnagar | Founder of For Love & Buttercup

Okay so—I’m 20 years old right now and this is my take at this very moment in time (that may very much change in the future!)—but it’s using emojis in emails. I personally love to! I’m a big smiley face and heart emoji girl no matter if I’m talking to my mom or the editor of a fancy magazine. I love feeling everything that comes with being human, and hate when the corporate world feels so gray and faceless if that makes sense? I think we should show our emotions more. Read more>>

Jasmine Peterson | Artist & Somatic + Spiritual Coach

The most common conventional advice I hear in response to someone’s emotional reaction to life’s disruptions is, “just let it go.” Similar phrases with the same meaning include, “It’s no big deal,” “just forget about it,” or “just move on.” Read more>>

Adrian Davis | Actor, Photographer, Preacher, Speaker, and Author

Well you know the phrase “Fake it, til you make it” I don’t necessarily agree with that statement. I believe “Be it, before you see it.” In order for you to become what you truly believe you are called to be, you have to see yourself as that before you walk into that. I don’t believe its about “faking it” It’s about you believing it and moving like you believe it. You are already who you are, you are just wanting on it to manifest to your reality. See yourself as what you desire and BE IT. Read more>>