Build a firm foundation

A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.

Sometimes they’re worth it

In this world we have to take chances,
sometimes they’re worth it and sometimes they’re not.
But I’m telling you now, you will never know until you try.

Let go of all the toxic people in your life

Until you let go of all the toxic people in your life,
you will never be able to grow into your fullest potential.
Let them go so you can grow.

It’s called mindset...

As my friend was passing through the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a rope tied to their legs. It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time, break away from the ropes they were tied to but for some reason, they did not. My friend saw a trainer nearby and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away.

“Well”, he said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.” My friend was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were. The powerful and gigantic creature has limited its present abilities by the limitations of its past.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life holding onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before? How many of us refuse to attempt something new and challenging because of our so called mindset?

Your attempt may fail, but never fail to make an attempt.
Choose not to accept the false boundaries and limitations created by the past.

To be an overnight success

It is said that to be an overnight success takes years of effort. So it has proved with me.
- Sir James Dyson

Pure perseverance

I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs
from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.
- Steve Jobs

Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.

An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.

Doesn’t leave you when you fail.

A true friend is that one person
who’s proud of you when you succeed
and doesn't leave you when you fail.

Books - That is exactly how they work.

Books open new pathways…

These are your kids on books

Get over your self-sabotage

How to feel fulfilled as an artist
(or, how to get over your self-sabotage)
1. Never compare yourself to other artists.
2. Know that your family is biased, whether for or against you, their views are skewed and do not represent an accurate reflection of your work in the world.
3. Base your success on how your art has enriched your life and how you feel when you create it.
4. Constantly push yourself to expand and learn.
5. Know that art can never be measured in dollars – and will only ever appreciate in value.
6. Trust that when you are making the world more beautiful, there is always enough. Honest work is not a compromise if it supports the creation of art.
7. Remember, it’s the job of the artist to create new culture, not simply to regurgitate what exists.
8. Never expect your family to understand your art, but do your best to educate them about it, patiently.
9. Whenever a client/gallery owner/patron offers their advice, smile and nod. Then create your art authentically.
10 Remember what Dali said: “Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it.”

Success - What it really looks like

Success
What people think it looks like / What it really looks like.

Success is...

Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.
- Maya Angelou

Ignite a fire within you

Walk with the dreamers,
the believers, the courageous, the cheerful,
the planners, the doers, the successful people
with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground.
Let their spirit ignite a fire within you
to leave this world better than when you found it.

Magic is believing in yourself

Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

The better you become, the better you attract.

Live life. Regret nothing.

Take chances. Tell the truth. Date someone totally wrong for you. Say no. Spend all your cash. Get to know someone random. Be random. Say I love you. Sing out loud. Laugh at stupid jokes. Cry. Apologize. Tell someone how much they mean to you. Tell a jerk what you think. Laugh till you stomach hurts. Live life. Regret nothing.