What I believe is how I do. These beliefs (and “unconventional rules of life”) guide why and how I live my life.

Why vs. What. Why inspires. Why makes others believe. No one cares what you do, they care why you do it.

It’s not about the success of one business or idea, it’s about the success of you. You are not defined by one project or idea or experience. Failure is not a stigma. It’s okay to fail. If no one is responding to what you’re doing and you feel no progress, that might be an indication that you should move on to something else or take a new approach to what you’re already doing. 

Define success as you see fit. You don’t have to live how others expect you to. Shape your world, don’t adapt to it. Break rules that don’t matter. How do you define success? 

If you want the world you envision, create the self you envision. The change you wish to create starts from within. Be that change.

Hell yes or no. When deciding whether to do something, if you feel anything less than “Wow! Amazing! Absolutely! Hell yes!” – then the answer is no.

Be radically honest, even if it’s scary. Whether you’re breaking up with a company, ending a romance with someone who’s just not right for you, or telling someone how you really feel, save time by keeping it real and being honest. It’s better for you and better for them. Conflict presents an opportunity for depth and connection, and life brings you beautiful things when you’re honest with yourself and others.  

Everything is Connected, Love Accordingly. Instead of asking “What can I get from life?”, see what happens when you ask, “What can I give?”

Let Go of Sunk Costs. The law of sunk costs says that nothing leading up to today matters in the decision you’ll make tomorrow. For example: the pre-med student who has one semester left takes a class and realizes he does not want to be a doctor. There’s no way. It doesn’t feel right. Does he finish the semester and get the piece of paper? Or, does he stop and go find what he loves? Law of Sunk Costs say that he stops and discovers his love.

Life is an experiment. It is only an experiment. Thinking of life as an experiment removes the emotion and makes taking action easier. It’ll help you have more fun, try things just to find answers, and not take life so damn seriously.

Create your own rules. What works for me may not work for you. What works for you may not work for me. Break rules that don’t matter to you and instead create your own. Give yourself permission to create a life on your own terms. You don’t need the approval or support of your parents or close friends if it’s not aligned with what you know you need to do. Just start. 

Focus on Abundance. Examples of abundant thinking = there is plenty of money out there and I’ll always have enough. There are so many fish in the sea and the perfect man is out there for me. Examples of scarcity thinking = I’m scared I’ll run out of money. I’m afraid I’m not good enough for him/her. Focus on Abundance.