We love rebels and people who challenge the status quo, conventional wisdom and mainstream narratives and so we asked some really bright folks to tell us about one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

Leon Williams IV | Podcast Host & Customer Service Rep

People say all the time that you shouldn’t judge anyhow. If I don’t make a final judgment call, how will I know how to interact with you!?. Read more>>

Janine Wiggins | Federal Resume Writer, Certified Federal Career Coach & Job Search Trainer

One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is, “You have to work hard to be successful.” In my opinion, working hard leads to burnout. I believe that you should work efficiently and consistently to be successful. When you work efficiently, you maximize your productivity and reduce wasted time. Efficiency allows you to complete more in less time. When you work consistently, your efforts compound over time, leading to long-lasting results and inevitable success. Personally, consistency has afforded me more success than working hard. For example, I show up consistently for my business which has brought me opportunities to network, gain clients, and share my knowledge. Read more>>

Demaia Coleman | Content Creator, Social Strategist & Business Owner

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is that you don’t need anybody and can do it on your own. I feel that you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to, but there is a reality that you need others and building the false narrative in people’s minds that you don’t need anyone but yourself is wrong. Whether they’re vendors, printers, or even the mail-workers, you need others to successfully run your business. If you keep that in mind, you’ll always move correctly because you need others, which doesn’t make you weak or any less of a business owner. In fact, it makes you stronger because you’re able to seek help when you need it and outsource for efficacies. Read more>>

Tamarío Holland | Luxury Chemist

“Don’t quit your job it pays your bills.” I know everyone doesn’t want to be an entrepreneur but don’t take that away from someone who believes in themselves. This person may be the next Jeff Bezo! It’s like the elders still look at life as if it’s the same as it was decades ago. Just accept the changes in today’s society and let people be creative and build their empire by just supporting them regardless if you disagree with their way of life. If you love and care about them, support isn’t a second guess. Read more>>

Symone Lakes | Visionary Artist | Founder of Omi Grace

One that has always made me feel a way is ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead”. Admittedly, based on hip-hop references I chose this one because, it’s usually used to convey grinding, working hard, and a no days off mentality. But I looked it up today and found out, it’s not even about that. It’s about partying and enjoying all of life. And though that’s a way better sentiment, how exactly can one enjoy life sans sleep? I love a nap. Especially when it’s not planned. I also love relaxation, leisure, and a good night’s sleep. As a matter of fact, I get my best ideas when I’m not working. It allows me space to be inspired. To imagine. To refresh. All of these together make for powerful creative tools. Tools that help me be a better artist, a better creative, and a better human. Read more>>

Desireé B Stephens | Spiritual Guidance Counselor

The idea that we can do it alone. We are not designed and created to be alone or do things on our own, It is grind culture and capitalism that drives this thought. I fully believe and support having community and working together to achieve a healthy balance of success and support. Read more>>

Cori Cranford | Regional Director

I have never fully agreed with the phrase, “Never give up.” We have all been given this advice at some point in our lives. This phrase, in my opinion, is overused and overrated. I have come to realize, if we do not leave the things that aren’t working in our favor behind; then we won’t be able to move forward to the things that are truly meant for us. Refusing to give up on something that is difficult and out of our reach will only hold us back from bigger and better opportunities in the end. Read more>>

Jarel Bell | Head of Content and Branding For Atlanta Reign and Atlanta FaZe

The whole “grind culture” concept isn’t the only way to make it in this industry. Anyone who wants to get their foot in the door – listen to this. EVERYBODY HAS A DIFFERENT JOURNEY. Everyone has key opportunities and tests on their path to their “dream.” Some people might work harder but some also work SMARTER. Test yourself and see which caters to you. Read more>>

Taneisha Gordon | Wood Artist & Wood Worker

I don’t agree with the advice “Work hard and you will be successful”. I always grew up with this belief that if I did the best and made it perfect, then everything would work in my favor and would fast track my career. I soon found out that is not always the case. The reality is sometimes no matter how much hard you put in, you may come up short or not as far along as you initially planned. Even though working hard doesn’t always result in success (Success viewed within society in terms of money, status, and material possessions), it allowed me to change my mindset and give success my own meaning that isn’t fueled by society’s definition. I view success as achieving the small milestones that will get me to my larger goals and the freedom and joy I feel while doing what I love. I by all means still work hard and work smart, but I don’t let the societal definition of success diminish how far I’ve come along and the success I’ve achieved so far. Read more>>