…but nothing compares to real life experiences. Luckily, I’ve been humbled a bunch of times in 27 years. I am wise enough to know that there is often more than what meets the eye, especially when it’s online. Beware of how others tote their success making it seem quick and easy, or like it hit them on their first try, or like sending them money will help buy yours. It won’t.

Only you can reach a level of fulfillment in life that you can define as success, because pleasing everyone’s definition of it ain’t gonna get you anywhere. Everything you do should be for fulfilling your own purpose and goals in life. You might have a dozen different inspirational figures that are close, but not exactly, the kind of person you aim to be. Remember, you can’t be all of them, and in fact it’s impossible to even just be one of them. You can only be you, guided by the light that was left behind in all of them. In the future, your doings can be the light that guides another on their journey. Isn’t that special?

Perspective is important. Comparison is the thief of joy. I remain a victim of comparison on social media and technology, constantly teetering between finding inspiration and feeling defeat before even beginning. Changing my perspective allowed me to realize I need to listen to my heart and not my smartphone. Stop allowing others to enter the personal space in my mind and allow myself to express how I feel without being sorry about it. Create how I want without following all the “rules” or worrying about the reception. Just simply do. That’s when you will learn the most and have something valid to say about it.