Live Your Life, Not Theirs

A note to young leaders.

To thine own self be true.

Unless you have the courage to define what “success” means to you – and not default to the answer dictated to you by mainstream culture or your parents – it’s impossible to live a great or authentic life.

Unless you can do that, and do that unapologetically – you won’t live your life, you’ll live someone else’s life.

It’s what Billy Joel said in his brilliant song, My Life: “Sooner or later, you’ll need to sleep in your own space – either way, you’ll wake up with yourself.”

It’s your life. Live it according to your terms and your values.

People are entitled to their opinion. They can speak their mind … but not on your time.