The successful ones rack up rejection after rejection after rejection. They know that by staying in the game, they are strengthening their resilience and perseverance.

Artists break the rules.

If you're a musician, explore guidance behind your music.

If you never tell stories, maybe it's time to experiment with talks and let people into your world.

Breaking the mold is what helps people connect with you, and that's what turns listeners into true fans.

When you love what you do, you willingly endure the pain and the process to find success.

You make an effort to overcome your doubt and perfectionism in the service of your calling.

You take action. Fail. Learn. Iterate. Try again.

Repeat until you succeed.

I heard that when you have a child, you see the world fresh through their eyes. What was once routine becomes new again.

So I responded, and lo and behold, they wanted to know the cost. I had no idea how to price it, but I decided to charge $100 per teacher. (I wouldn't recommend doing it this way.)

I got 22 signups, and just like that, I had a contract for $2,200.

When my wife and I moved from New Jersey to Oregon in January, the plan was for my income to continue, so she wouldn't have to go back to her PT job.

I failed.

My wife had to return to work, and during her pregnancy, to boot.