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

Catherine Packer-Williams | Counseling Psychologist

There is a “Positivity Only” movement that I understand, but do not always agree with. It is critically important to surround yourself with people who support your vision and affirm you. I find that it is equally important to be able to hear and accept constructive criticism. A person who does not agree with you or questions you is not necessarily a “hater”. Even if you do not agree with the feedback, it is important to listen and engage in some perspective taking. Perspective taking can be an essential skill for success. In my work it helps with marketing, negotiating, and consulting, It can also build resilience as you learn to address feedback that does not always feel good. Furthermore, taking a positivity only approach can turn toxic if it leads to ignoring or silencing negative parts of our lives that are part of the human experience. Read more>>

Kate Kennedy | Founder/President The Boyce L Ansley School

Women are amazing, powerful, and resilient. My mother’s generation truly broke the glass ceiling making it possible for women to “have it all.” I grew up being told that I could do and be anything I desired. I simply needed to work hard and stay strong. I still believe this to be mostly true, but I have also come to believe that this expectation is overwhelming an entire generation of women. I spent years staying home full-time to raise my 4 children. For me, this was an intentional choice, but I constantly felt guilty for putting my career aspirations on the back burner. Now that I have returned to my career full-time, I feel guilty for not always being as available to my children as I once was and for not having the same number of years of professional experience that those who stayed in the workforce have. When I first founded The Ansley School, I thought I was just going to add a career without sacrificing my current role. Read more>>

Ryan Dills: | Water & Hemp Advocate

‘Good things come to those who wait’ In general, the above is a sensible sentiment but I feel handcuffs more than empowers with respect to business and entrepreneurial ambitions. It assumes a more passive approach, an almost bystander mentality to one’s own life where ‘seize the day’ begs more relevance. Ask yourself- what are you doing today to further align yourself with the reality you wish to create? Patience is no doubt a virtue and both sentiments demand an ideal balance but too often it seems folks wait for the perfect time to start a business, to have a baby, to take that trip, and so forth. The time is always now with respect to getting your thoughts right, your words, your actions, your focus, your commitment. Expect ‘failure’ and bumps, hardships, unforeseen challenges. That’s normal. That’s life. There are hurdles en route towards any successes. Read more>>

Alana Becker | Owner & Lingerie Designer at Desvalido

“Don’t do business with your emotions” I create my work with heart & soul, every creative does – if you take the emotion out of creative business you take out the passion & the story. Excitement is contagious, I really don’t think I could run by brand without it! The deeper the emotions, the more organically they come through to my customers. I understand not making decisions based on “discontinuing this unpopular piece will make me sad” however, “bringing in this new colour because it makes me happy” leads to easier marketing, I don’t have to fake any of the feelings that lead customers to fall in love with that product. Read more>>

Jenee Day | Author and Podcaster

I am not a fan of the “hustle” mentality. I see it promoted so much on social media, and I know it’s meant to be motivational, but I think it can be damaging, too. This idea that we need to get up early every day, grind at the job or the side hustle all day, eat, sleep, repeat. I think it sets people – even extremely productive people – up for failure and exhaustion. It affects mental health and self-perception in a negative way, as well. Instead, I like to promote balance. Hustle as hard as you can some days, and allow time to rest on other days. Consistent action in the right direction will get you where you want to go, and that action will look different from day to day, and that’s ok. You do not have to push to the point of burnout in order to achieve your goals. Read more>>

Kaija Saarinen | Owner/ Operator, Green and Gone Pest Solutions

I disagree that starting your business has to be a big all or nothing risk. The idea of quitting your job and putting every penny you have (or taking out a huge loan) to put into your venture is romanticised but not always practical for every business. This mindset of the only way to be successful is to be fearless and put it all on the line is not the only way to be successful. Big risks and short timelines for financial turn around can devastate a lot of entrepreneurs. Pest control is a service based business, so you need to build up your clientelle in order to be successful and that does not happen overnight. I dove 100% into my business as I launched, but I kept my bartending job a few nights a week while building my business, just to ensure the bills were always paid without borrowing. Read more>>

Evan Acres | Christian, Father, Entrepreneur, Business Owner

“Do what you love.” Read more>>

Nicole Williams | Strategic Communications Consultant & Coach

There is this narrative about going all-in by quitting your job. I wish people would stop pushing that ‘all-or-nothing’ strategy. If you’re fortunate enough to have the funds to do that then more empower to you. But most people can’t sustain themselves and their families while building a business without a job. I believe in being smart and strategic. Go ahead and start your business and keep your day job as a way to help you take strategic actions rather than survival actions. Use the income from the job to fund your venture while being able to validate whether you can repeatedly generate value for others. Once your business is consistently matching your job income ensuring you can meet your financial obligations, then sure — go ahead and turn in your resignation. You notice I didn’t say ‘quit’. That’s because you never want to burn bridges on your way out. Also, do note that some jobs do have conflict of interest rules unless you’re in a completely different type of business. Read more>>

Kenya Simmons | Health & Wellness Coach

We’ve become obsessed with the concept of hustle, hustle, hustle, grind, grind, grind. When I started my business, I was working a 9-5, and putting 4-5 additional hours into my business. So, two things here, firstly, don’t allow fear keep you stretched thin. I was unable to work smart due to fear of leaving the “security” and of my 9-5. Secondly, in the beginning stages of business, eagerness to succeed can convince you to overwork, and lack focus. The goal is to work smart: plan (but leave room for change), be strategic and consistent with every move you make. Read more>>

Golden and Daleesha Cheatom | Golden Cheatom- Sr Relations Manager and Financial Coach Daleesha Cheatom- Professional School Counselor and Financial Coach

There is a misconception that the only way to become successful is to go to college, get a degree, and find a job in your respective field. However, the truth is most college graduates have a tough time landing a position in their career field, and they accumulate tons of debt which in turn never allows some not all of them to reach their greatest potential. This misconception in no way means that we do not value education, but there is a more strategic way to reach success that does not require a college education. For example, Steve Jobs a college drop out created the world’s first trillion dollar company all because he had a vision. We feel as though it is imperative to fulfill your destiny by pursuing your dreams and channeling that energy towards something that you are passionate about. Read more>>

Emma Weldon Heather Karellas | Streetlamp Creative

“In order to be productive, you have to xyz.” You know those articles circling the internet. We talk about this often. As much as we take from those articles, they have also helped us see how important it is to work the way that makes the most sense for you. If you are a morning person, work early! If you’re a night owl, work late. If wearing “work clothes” helps, go for it! If playing music and lighting a candle helps, do that! Create the environment that works best for you. We truly believe mental health comes first and respecting that what you need to succeed may be different than other people require. We follow a number of those work-from-home tips and we both have a routine that works for us, but some days working outside or working late to schedule some personal time during the week is what helps us be most productive!. Read more>>

Terri Britt | Spiritual Coach, Intuitive Healer, Author, Speaker, Former Miss USA 1982

I absolutely disagree with our societal belief that you have to work yourself to death and live on a hamster wheel of trying to “get it right,” “do it right,” or “be the best” to WIN success, love and happiness. This drive to WIN life’s rewards continually keeps us in emotional chaos and lack. Think of it as Poverty Consciousness. Instead of feeling fulfilled and joyful, most of us live in survival mode. This lack mindset creates an environment of “you against me,” and is the reason we continually question ourselves and drive ourselves into the ground. You can be a multi-millionaire and still live in Poverty Consciousness. My late husband Steve had a garment company in the 80’s and 90’s, and was listed in the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Top 100 fastest growing companies in the city. Read more>>

Jill Volpe | Board Certified Coach

One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is the level of importance placed on finding your purpose in life. Honestly, I find it all a little over-rated. Finding your purpose often implies that there is only one thing you’re destined for and if you find that one thing then you will be happy. I believe there are two things wrong about this belief. 1, you won’t know your purpose if you aren’t already happy because you won’t be open enough to spot the opportunities, receive the knowledge, or connect more meaningfully with others. 2. In our multi-faceted lives, how can it be true that we only have one purpose? Don’t we have purpose in each area of our life? We have purpose in each of our relationships, we have purpose in our careers, perhaps we have purpose through our interests and activities. Read more>>