There’s no such thing as what you “should” be doing with your life. There are only rigid ideals that are created by society and handed down to one generation after another. Things like graduate high school, go to college, get a high paying job, buy a home with a nice lawn, get married and start a family. I don’t discourage any of these, although I don’t agree with some. I’m not married yet, although I am engaged. I don’t have kids and I went to college for seven years and still didn’t graduate. Somehow, I still ended up with a high paying job and a lawn that is pretty nice. Granted, it could use a little work. What I’m getting at is that there is no one definition of success. We are all individuals and success is a very personal idea. What is great for some may be miserable for others. I lived out of a suitcase for close to 13 years. My time was spent away from home on tour buses, planes and in lonely hotel rooms and dressing rooms. I saw the world and lived my dreams but it isn’t for everyone. The road is not always easy. The traveling and time away from home can take it’s toll on you, especially if you have a family waiting for you and missing you. The same thing can be said for the millionaire desk job. These people may have every luxury you could imagine. However, they may also work so much and so hard that they can’t even enjoy the life they have been afforded. Is that happiness? Maybe or maybe not. I’ll leave that for you to decide. My only request is that you question social norms and do you. Want to live off the grid in a treehouse and grow a huge beard and dreadlocks? Go for it. Want to wake up early and do the 9-5 gig while spending your off time still working on your phone or computer? Have at it. However, if you are stuck in a rut...it’s time to make a change and find your own way and your own “personal” success. Stop working diligently on a path that’s not right for you. If you’re happy with your life...that’s great. If you aren’t? I hope you can find the strength to start over. Uncover what’s important to you and live your life in a way that aligns with these values. You’re never too late, too old or too stuck to change the direction of your life. It’s as easy as changing “I can’t” to “I can.”

~Paul Phillips