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

Monique Rose Sneed

There are absolutely losers and winners! Competition is a constant, it’s how you approach it that is a game changer. Once you understand the mechanics of competition, it will serve you better than any other outside entity (other than God of course). What I mean by this is; I decided a long time ago to take control of the narrative and definition of competition. Looking back, people started competing with me a long time ago, before I was even aware of it, people close to me, working with me, for me, family, friends you name it, I’ve probably experienced it. You will win and you will lose and it’s important to experience both ends of that spectrum. “Losing gracefully” is powerful in itself, if we allow it to motivate us, but eventually you learn that you are your greatest competition and although doing the work to show up and win everyday, to refine your skills, output and results…all matter- the greatest calling is to outwork yourself every single day. So when I say outwork everybody, I mean it, because there’s enough wins for everybody willing to put that work in. Read more>>

Taylia Trammell | Nail Enthusiast & Wife

“Fake it till you make it.”

While this advice encourages confidence and pushing beyond your comfort zone, I feel that authenticity is more important. Pretending to be something you’re not can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of genuine connections. Being true to yourself and embracing your current level of experience and knowledge will be a more sustainable approach. Read more>>

Aly Sikora | Actress, Writer, Creator of Star Vision Gift, Producer of The Miracle Worker on October 5th to fund a water well in Eswatini

I’d say the piece of conventional advice I don’t resonate with is the idea that there is one direct path in life or a specific time frame for the gifts of life. I value that we are all on our own journey and I love to celebrate everyone for where they’re at. I didn’t perform with a Division 1 football team until I was 25 and I didn’t study abroad in Europe until I was 27, both of which society conditions us to believe won’t happen for us if we’re not there by 22. When I look back on my life thus far, I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve crossed paths with, and I’m often inspired by the events that had to occur along the way for it to all come into fruition in the way that it has. I overcame a severe depression in my teenage years through my early twenties, lost the first love of my life to death suddenly, and I went through a long road of healing from the bullying I experienced when I was younger. I always say my greatest accomplishment in life is being present for people who are feeling suicidal on Crisis Text Line. I also had the chance to be a guest speaker at Be Strong, a student-led anti-bullying organization. I’ve always had a passion for service, but I think my rough road only deepened and strengthened it. Once I had some relief from the depression, I found out I have a rare disease of the retina that has no cure and I’ll never have enough eyesight to get a driver’s license. I think the reason I handled my diagnosis so positively was because of the journey I had already lived. It was as if news that was “supposed” to devastate me and make me uncertain about my future only helped to direct my path into a life of service, creatively, and passion that has always been within me. Read more>>

Francisco Valadez | VP of Brand Management Operations

Follow your passion.
Through the years, I have realized that what matters most are your skills and that people will in general have better outcomes when they maximize the effort focused on skill development and excellence rather than passion.
Following your passion is a very romantic notion that can yield poor results for an individual but with a very slim success rate. Example: a gifted mathematician who wants to sing because musicals are his passion. Fast forward 50 years and you can see the unutilized potential.
Be honest with yourself and identify what you are good at and not good at. People who get this early in life have an enormous advantage. Read more>>