Deciding to work for yourself is often cited as the best decision folks in our community have made. Hearing the same response over and over led us to ask them about the next best decision folks have made and we’ve shared their responses with you below.

Elissa Nelson | CEO, 1st Assistant Director

The active decision to pursue whatever made me happy was the most definitive choice that has contributed to my success. In pursuit of a career, or a destiny, that has to be an absolute priority. There were several moments in my life that were distinct forks in the road, and when those choices presented themselves I chose happiness over security every single time. The only real security we have is in finding our purpose. The intent of your intuition is to guide you along this life path, and following that leads to a sense of fulfillment. Being a freelancer is difficult because there’s no guarantee that the work is coming, you just have to have faith. This faith and commitment to happiness is what undoubtedly allowed for everything to unfold for me in the perfect way to where I get to do what I love every day. Obviously, I work hard when the work comes, but I don’t force it, I don’t overwork and I am just eternally grateful to get to do what I love. Read more>>

Sasha Graham | Metaphysical Author & Tarot Deck Creator

Trusting in my voice as a writer and believing that if I showed up and did the work that everything else would fall into place. Which it did. In utterly mind blowing ways. It is easy to get overwhelmed, Easy to feel like you have to do everything yourself which in the beginning, you do. But I have always trusted if my written work was true and good and strong that people would resonate with it. Thankfully, they have. Read more>>

Ki Bonilla | Entrepreneur

Brainstorming sessions. I’d select a friend or two (entrepreneurs) to sit with me on a Saturday at an office or even at a dining table and just talk. Talk about our ideas and how we can accomplish them. We’d each talk about our wildest dreams and everyone would offer their resources and tips. We’d call each other out on our excuses but also encourage one another to put things in writing and to push forward. It is the best 2-3 hours an entrepreneur can spend and it also brings you and your friends closer together. When ever you all decide to meet again, you bring out the old notes and talk about what you’ve accomplished. It’s an amazing feeling. My best brainstorming sessions to this day are with my sister, her husband and my closest colleague Jay. Read more>>

Lori Phillips Ed.D. | Dr. Lori Phillips, Arts Educator, Home Remodeler, Painter and Cruise Ship Speaker: The Art of Travel

Don’t give up your day job! Early on some one gave me some great advice. They said ” Never reinvent the wheel, just add to It”. Each project or thing you are working on, should tie into the other things you are doing in your life. This way you are never creating something totally new, you are adding and improving what you have already know. This allows you to use your ideas, work, and energy from one thing to connect to something in another area. For example, I never quit working my full time job as a researcher/ educator. But, I often use the data and connections I make, in my “day job”, to create new writing, courses, speaking engagements, resources and art that I claim independently. Read more>>