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

Aja Nichols | Lead Dentist

“Fake it ’til you make it”- No. You don’t have to fake anything. Just make it. Wake up earlier than others. Focus. Map out your plan. Affirm and reaffirm yourself. Write down your goals. Experience who you want to become and what you want to do all in your mind multiple times a day. Ask questions. Read. Be honest with yourself. Take feedback. Focus on impressing yourself, not others. Imagine often. You will be there sooner than you think. Read more>>

Gaby Macias | Film and Television Makeup & SFX Artist

Over the last few years I’ve had friends and peers in the TV and Film Industry advise me that I should build more on my brand. I don’t agree with this new conventional advice. Not every business needs to necessarily ¨build a brand,¨ particularly one such as myself. Yes, It has worked well for others and their businesses. My integrity leads me to follow an older school of proprieties. My unconventional character tends to focus more on the individual interactions: whether that be with my clients or coworkers. I find a way to build value by helping people in a more personal way. I help one or two people at a time instead of trying to reach thousands of followers and fans. Read more>>

Micaiah Slaughter | Writer, Poet & Media Creator

Any type of advice that advocates for the “grind-til-you-die” mentality. Yes, you should absolutely work hard and go after what you want in life, but you won’t be nearly as successful if you replace sleeping with coffee and put your mental health on the back burner. Read more>>