How to find your rockstar drive

I just went on my first media tour this week and it was the most incredibly and most insanely intense experience of my entire life. 

And even though – aside from a few karaoke appearances – I no real idea what it means to be a rockstar, my recent travel/hotel/publicity/speaking experience made me think about how rockstars do it - how they go on tour and put on shows night after night and keep promoting their music nonstop. 

That is what it takes. Constant promotion. Constant hustle. Constant belief in yourself even when it seems no one else believes in you. And it's about putting on a good show every time, no matter where you are. 

And believe it or not, your college and future success relies on a very similar system. 

Success in whatever it is you are pursuing in life will require you to push forward every day, build relationships (like rock stars do with their most dedicated fans), and give yourself to others in some capacity (e.g. giving people a great show).   

How do you have that drive to keep going and keep touring the avenues of your life with the force, excitement, and dedication of a rockstar?

You find what you love. You find your music. You find your voice. And you find a passion to share that voice with the world. You must find that thing that keeps you awake when you want to sleep, that keeps you giving to others when you wish someone would give to you, and reminds you that if you keep sincerely chasing your goals every day, you will reap the rewards. 

So keep going. Keep building positive relationships. Keep driving forward. And keep giving. Rockstars love their music, but they seem to love it most when they are able to share it with others. Find  your voice and what you really care about, and tour the world. 

Setting your summit

I have written a good old-fashioned motivational post in a while.

So here goes… :)

I think life is a bit like climbing a mountain.

This isn’t an original metaphor. In fact, anything that Miley Cyrus sings about (after all, it is all about the climb) disqualifies itself from being an original thought ;)

What I think is important – is that we must decide where we want the summit of that mountain to be. Where are you climbing to? What is your destination?


Is it worth the climb to you?

My goals are written on post-its and stuck to my bathroom mirror.

It helps me remember that the climb - the hard stuff - is worth it. 

And yesterday, I reached a summit that I never thought I'd reach this soon.  After a year of writing, editing, pitching, and negotiating, my book was officially released by my publisher. 

A year’s worth of effort. A year of climbing.

And the view is great – it always is when you reach a goal – when you get an “A” on a test, finish a research paper, graduate, or get a first job that excites you. The feeling is self-worth – the understanding that our effort is being recognized. 

But here’s the deal - there is a reason adventurers climb Everest, right?

I think that at some level, those who wish to do something great undeniably commit to reaching greater heights. 

So if we want to be great, we have to keep climbing.

Grades are cumulative, relationships bloom and must be cultivated; degrees build towards other degrees, and graduations lead to jobs.  And the reality is that your first job most likely won’t be your last.

It doesn’t mean that the view isn’t great when you reach a peak - it is such a rush.

It just means that you will have option to stop and decide that the view you have found is good enough, or push onward to the higher peak – to go onward to the next post-it note on your bathroom mirror.

Because that is what life requires from us, especially if we want to build something, find success, fulfill our highest potential, and give the world our greatest contributions. 

So press forward and trust that the view you can reach will be one worth the climb. Because you have so much to give. 

29 things to do on your February 29th

Okay so I know it’s just another Wednesday.

But, let's face the facts: 

We get an extra 24 hours this year – that means 24 extra hours for you to move forward in reaching your goals. 

With that said, here are 29 things for you to do on your extra day. Happy leaping! =)

1. Begin using Google calendar (if you don’t already).
2. Buy The Other Wes Moore or check it out from your local library.
3. Update your Linkedin profile – or create one if you don’t have one.
4. Schedule a meeting with one of your professors to discuss your future in your major.
5. Ask your advisor at your college about PTK (Phi Theta Kappa).
6. Create an online resume (like this one).
7. Join Pinterest.
8. Visit your college’s Facebook page to see what is happening on campus.
9. Write three of your long-term goals on a post-it note and stick them on your bathroom mirror.
10. Download Nike Training Club onto your phone or iPod (it's free!) – this is my favorite workout app and can save you a trip to the gym.
11. Eat something healthy - here is a good site to help with recipes. 
12. Call a friend on the phone – don’t just send a text message.
13. Put together a professional outfit that still shows your style. 
14. See if your campus has a branch of NSCS for you to join.
15. Visit YouTern and take a look at the internships they advertise.
16. Form a study group.
17. Be the bright spot in someone’s cloudy day.
18. Check in with your choice of college major. 
19. Deal with that test that you didn't get an "A" on. 
20. Check your email address and make sure it is professional. 
21. Take the "Are You Really Trying" quiz.
22. Go through your Facebook pics and make sure your tagged photos are job interview friendly. 
23. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie.
24. Join in on a Twitter Chat - they are great resources for you to get great free advice and network with others in your field. 
25. Clean out your car. I am always amazed at how much better I feel when my car is clean. 
26. Go to your dream employer's web site, look at what positions are regularly being hired in their careers department. 
27. Read Darren Hardy's blog. 
28. Apply for this scholarship - it changed my life. 
29. Beware the Ides of March - mainly because my book releases on that day :)