1. Tavi Gevinson, editor-in-chief of Rookie Mag
“The best cure for procrastination is to have so much on your plate that procrastination is no longer an option.”
2. Julia Hartz, co-founder and president of global events marketplace Eventbrite
“Learn how to ask for help. Everyone thinks it’s brave to go out alone. I think it’s even braver to ask for help when you need it.”
3. Amrit Richmond, Founder of CMYK Ventures
“If you genuinely want something, such as a new job, or if you think your product should exist in the world, don’t wait for permission, a paycheck, or funding to get started. What can you do now to get started?”
4. Michelle Obama, lawyer, writer, First Lady of the United States
“Choose people who lift you up.”
5. Rachel Finley, founder/head designer at Teenage and Hot Lava
“I often find myself thinking about that old saying about doing what you love means you’ll never work a day in your life and I don’t think it’s quite true. A better saying would be ‘do what you love and the heartache you’ll endure will be equivalent but the rewards will be priceless and the time spent toiling will feel like a step forward rather than a stagnant pool of time ticking by’… But that’s not as catchy.”
6. Lauren Conrad, author, designer of Paper Crown, LC Lauren Conrad and XO Eco
“Think in the long term, but make your goals as specific as possible and revisit them every day. Create a vision board or a list and keep it where you will see it every morning.”
7. Jessica Williams, actress, comedian, former senior correspondent on The Daily Show
“It’s impossible to be perfect, and you won’t do a good job if you’re too focused on proving yourself to others.”
8. Petra Collins, artist & photographer
“You don’t have to wait for anyone’s approval to do things. You don’t have to try to get a job and go through set steps before you start a career or start your life. You can do anything you want. Just start.”
9. Sophia Amoruso, founder & owner of Nasty Gal
“If you learn to control your finances, you won’t find yourself stuck in jobs, places, or relationships that you hate just because you can’t afford to go elsewhere…money looks better in the bank than on your feet.”
10. Shonda Rhimes, creator, head writer, executive producer, & showrunner of Grey’s Anatomy
“There’s nothing wrong with being driven. And there’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first to reach your goals. The other stuff still happens.”
