So if you didn’t know, I’m a music creative and writer who currently works in the technology industry.

I’ve had about 15 years of experience in the music industry, have written stories and songs for as long as I could write and even got a Creative Writing degree to back up my passion of songwriting. It’s different, I know.

Most recently (ok, over the past year) I decided to be a grown up, because it’s never too late to abandon a woman-child mentality. I challenged myself to take advantage of whatever amazing opportunities came my way and came to realize I wanted more. I don’t mean the simple promotion more, which is totes cool, I mean the unfathomable more. I want the, I can’t believe this is my life, how cool is this – more. Now, I have a pretty nice little gig going but I knew that if I really wanted the freedom my heart desired career-wise, I had to give my dreams some new life.

So here it is, advice from a person in transition of making their unfathomable dreams an attainable reality.

Take Matters Into Your Own Hands

You are responsible for your own dreams. No one owes you their love or support when it comes to something you feel passionate about. You will be your biggest cheerleader, supporter, motivator and whatever other -er or -or noun you come up with. Support is a gift, it’s your cherry on top. It’s not a main ingredient and it took me years to honestly realize it. Along with that you can’t wait for other people to help move your forward. You must use every tool and resource you have to push yourself further. Again, this beautiful and amazing thing is YOUR responsibility. Why would a mother immediately let someone bond with her child right after giving birth? Unless some medical hurdles get in the way, it ain’t happening. Your dream is your baby that you nurture and grow. It’s yours to help grow.

Seek Counseling

It’s tough being on a journey solo-dolo and feeling like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. In your times of growth and exploration of your  dream you have to make sure that your mental well being is taken care of. Just as you exercise your body, you want to make sure that your mind-set and emotional state are in tip top shape. Getting in tune with your spirit and your mind is one of the most overlooked and empowering things you could gift yourself. With my spiritual and emotional growth, I’ve really felt a genuine breakthrough. I know I’m finally turning into the best version of myself. I don’t fear anything and I’m ready for the world. Take care of yourself, you won’t regret it.

Never Compare Yourself To Anyone

It’s great to gain inspiration from other amazing people, but your path isn’t their path and your experience will never truly align with theirs. I used to think that I was supposed to be a Disney star before being a pop princess at 18, but guess what…that made no sense. I didn’t even know how to get a tape to Disney and I barely even knew anything about the music business. What I did know was that I was a shy person with lots to learn and a ton of untapped potential. As the years went by, I saw my friends and peers (who I grew up with) in the business become internationally acclaimed creatives, working on TV shows, making tons of money, starting amazing businesses and everything else you could imagine. I began to doubt myself. They looked perfect, acted perfect, sounded perfect, lived perfect and Instagram did not help!

After a mental breakdown or two, I had to pull it together. I realized I’ll never be someone I’m not. I don’t want to even know the things they’ve been through to get what they have and I’d probably never be willing to make the sacrifices they made. I had to learn I’m the expert at my life and that my knowledge, faith, and works will take me where I want to go.

Don’t get me wrong folks, I’m still learning but I feel so powerful now and can’t wait to see what my future holds. How are you giving your dreams new life? <3

-D.Wright

From left to right: JJ, Quiana, Ky, Crystal, and Ashley.

I know, I know. You’re probably wondering how quitters could possibly win but I’m here to tell you quitters can indeed win. Quitters can win when they quit the dead end jobs that hold them back from pursuing more fulfilling and financially lucrative livelihoods. At least that’s what business coach Miara Shaw proposed to a room full of super fly and ambitious women on last Saturday.

This is one of those ironic stories because I wasn’t really expecting to go, I already had plans. I didn’t find out about the panel until the week of and if you know anything about Houston and this last weekend, EVERYTHING was going on. I knew that Pride was going to be a big deal and that I had a scholarship banquet to attend, but when I saw the flyer, I knew I needed to be in the room (thanks Ashley)! I had to make it happen however I could. I rushed from my great-aunt’s banquet (even at the protest of my mom), waited 15 minutes on valet while observing colorfully dressed and scantily clad people excitedly heading to the parade, and then zipped over The Star off of Rusk for the big event. It was less than five minutes away from the banquet location and there was complimentary valet. I’m telling you, it was meant to be.

Miara dropping jewels.

The building was beautiful, so I knew I would be in for a treat. I, sadly, was a little late but popped in right while introductions were being made. As I walked through the small audience, I saw bright smiles and fabulous outfits. Everyone was dressed to the nines. I was greeted by a sweet woman in yellow, who turned out to be the Ms. Miara and immediately took my seat.  There sat life coach Quiana Larae, media personality Ky Meyer, (athlete, author, and Ebony/Jet Magazine strategic partnership manager) Crystal Hadnott and  my buddy (founder and president of Medley Inc.) Ashley Small in living color. Mediating was Miara and media personality JJ. It was so cool. I had seen these women working different projects and events all over the city but now had the opportunity to sit in on a super candid conversation about their moves from traditional career paths to entrepreneurship.

They didn’t wast any time either and dug right in. The topics ranged from transitioning from your old job to tips on strategizing your new work flow for entrepreneurial ventures. It was like they were there just to tell me how to run full speed ahead into my new life. They gave in depth perspective on living purposeful lives, branding, confidence boosters and all kinds of other cool topics as well. Everyone felt so familiar and kindred. And when it was close to wrapping up, they encouraged us all to network and to get to know one another. It was a blast. I met so many new faces and got re-acquainted with familiar ones.

The intimate “Quitters Do Win!” panel at The Star.

This panel was definitely the boost I needed to keep my stamina up for this season of my hustle. I’m so glad I was able to attend and I’ll definitely continue to invest in myself by popping in to more meaningful networking events like these.

Is there anything that you are doing to motivate yourself while working at your current job or preparing for a transition into another field? Please share, I’d love to hear all about it! <3

-D. Wright