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

Ariana Abedini | Pianist, Composer, Psychologist

“You need to find a secure job” From time to time, I would hear this “piece of advice” coming from relatives or friends. It would often make me wonder if my passion for creating was “wrong”, if I should sacrifice my dream and find a job with a stable income that would make me a “successful” person. Even though my parents would always tell me to follow my passion, I can’t deny that sometimes I would doubt myself – especially when others tried to change my mind about my career choices. I actually tried working for a company, but it didn’t really work for me. Read more>>

Veronika Voskalchuk | Professional dancer, dance teacher and dance studio owner.

“If you work hard you will succeed” If you used to hear since you were a kid that you have to work hard and you won’t get anything easily, that’s how you end up living. At the same time, the System is broadcasting another idea: “You need to be successful, you need to earn a lot. And for this you need to follow a certain pattern with the appropriate attributes and skills. And if you don’t know how to do this, then you won’t become rich and successful.” The media regularly show literally a dozen rich and successful people on the background of a mass of people with a completely different level of income. Read more>>

Meneftha Pierre | Business Consultant & Project Management Professional

You have to grind 24/7. Grind and hustle culture is dangerous. Not to minimize the benefits that can come from grinding it out, but there has to be balance. Although I believe working hard to achieve your goals is admirable, part of what you need to get there is discernment. Burn out is real. Rest, recovery, and reflection are essential for success and progress while you’re in pursuit of. There is no glory in a grind that literally grinds you down to dust – Eve Ewing Read more>>