You have to keep your vision clear.

Success requires a certain amount of both vision and action. Those who take calculated risks are the ones who come out on top—those who see the vision. 

Walt Disney was a visionary. He saw the world in a different light than others and yet still found a way to show the rest of us his vision.

Shawn Fanning & Sean Parker were visionaries. Not only did they create a new way to file share online, but their creation of Napster forever changed the music industry and may have even been the inspiration for the now common social media phenomenon. They saw the internet in a way that nobody else had ever imagined—they had a vision. 

Alexis Jones has a vision. She is constantly fighting to better the lives of women & empowering her peers to do the same. She strives to help others to see the beauty that she sees in the world—her vision. 

Chris Zarou is a visionary. He has approached the music business in a way that is revolutionary—stumping major labels along the way. He recognizes raw talent & helps them maximize their potential through a common vision. 

All of these people are completely different. They look different, act different, and even their visions are different. What they have in common is their will to succeed and their ability to share their vision with others.

Visionaries never fail.

What is your vision?  

Just in case you read this.

We don't need to have just one favorite. Our favorite things are those that speak most directly to us in that particular stage in our lives. Our favorite books, music, movies they are ever changing and we are always adding to the list. However, some favorites are more lasting. 

For example, I will never outgrow Star Wars and Fast and Furious (yeah, I'm a weird girl), they will always be favorites of mine. Another lasting favorite for me resides in music. The best feeling is when you hear a song that takes you back to a vivid memory. Nas, Big L, Biggie, A Tribe Called Quest-- so many of their songs are soundtracks to my life and will forever be favorites. 

For a long time I never thought my favorites would change in regard to hip hop though. I mean yeah, I loved Food & Liquor, but come on guys-- Soulja Boy, really? BUT, I was wrong. In 2009 I was surfing the internet in the middle of the night looking for music as per usual and this kid who was just barely older than me popped up on YouTube. He just so happened to be in about the same life stage as me in regard to his family drama, the lack of money, and the ability to find some inner drive. 

In fact, I recently wrote a post about how "hip hop just gets me" and mentioned him in it. You can find that post here. And over two years ago I wrote a post about creating positive change and in just a couple of sentences summed up why he is my favorite and it still applies today. Click here to read that one.

Logic is one of those lasting favorites for me. Maybe it is because we are the same age or maybe it is because I can relate to his complicated childhood, but whatever the reason I am grateful. Through his music I have met some of my favorite people and some major doors to future opportunities have opened up for me. So thank you. Thank you for understanding me even though we have never met. Thank you for adding to the soundtrack of my life.   

Brave enough not to settle.

You cannot please everyone.

There will always be that one person who insists on judging you for the situation that you were born into rather than acknowledging the life that you built for yourself.

There will always be that person who decides that they get to dictate what is best for you in life. And if you let them—they always will.

There will always be those people who discourage you from chasing your dreams because they don’t understand the significance of them or why you could ever want to do such things.

Just remember, nobody knows you better than you do.

Nothing seems more formidable than disappointing people that you care about, but sometimes they just can’t see the bigger picture. You cannot live in fear of being who you really are—those who truly love you will try to support you even if they can’t quite understand your interests.

Yeah, your dreams aren't going to be easy to achieve, but so what?

Be the one who is brave enough to conquer the impossible. Brave enough not to settle. Just because you were born into a crappy situation or a family that doesn't quite understand your aspirations doesn't mean that you can’t change things and live the life that you have always imagined.

I believe in the impossible. I believe in my dreams. I believe in you, even if you don’t believe in me.