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

Christian Delpech | Bartender & 19 times World Champion in Flair Bartending

Fake it until you make it! I think people usually take that one to an extreme, and they put themselves in hard situations that lead to disappointment as a final result, and in many cases to a bad reputation in the industry. Easy example is to lie about your expertise behind the bar and called yourself an experienced bartender when you are not, that will shine right the way as soon as you make a beginner mistake, and from then on you’ll be on the spot light. Obviously you need to start somewhere, but honesty and work ethic will take you way farther in the long run. Don’t take shortcuts, learn as you go in your league and slowly get out of the comfort zone gradually, study, learn, and challenge yourself, but don’t take on things you can’t deliver. Read more>>

Obdulio Piloto | Scientist & Artist

“You can do anything you want, as long as you set your mind to it” I understand why well-meaning people used to, and some still, promote this message. For one, it’s a simple and positive statement one can easily say when someone is down and discouraged. Who doesn’t want it to be true? It’s meant to encourage focus and convey a sense of infinite opportunities. This works well for young children, but does a disservice to teenagers and young adults. Obviously, one does not want to discourage people from taking certain risks and trying something new or difficult. We all know the first step towards an unknown endeavor is the most psychologically tricky, and we often need a ‘push’. Yet such a statement negates the sizable role of luck, which recently has taken a more nuanced meaning: privilege. Read more>>

Alessandra Ochoa

“Fake it ‘til you make it”. If you have passion for what you are doing there’s no need to fake it. Besides, who likes fake? Read more>>