Bordeaux (Vol. 15)

Don't get trampled over by your grind. Don't let it hurt the lives of those around you either. Be focused, but make time for the people and things you love. Sure, success seems fleeting and it would appear that every minute counts, but feeling energized by your loved ones is a reason to have drive. No relationship should be parasitic.

When asking for support, remember to be there for others in return. This balance, though hard to maintain in the wilderness of a budding career, is key to a successful life. In fact, balance in general makes everything satisfactory. I'm not advising you to go to the club every week because overindulgence is as debilitating as tunnel vision. I am, however, encouraging a broad perspective of success that includes more than just money and fame.

Don't let your success exclude the people who kept you sane and alive throughout your grind.

The world waxes colder and colder to strangers. Sources of warmth reside with your loved ones, and within yourself. When you set foot upon the glacial terrain of the industry, that heat source becomes ever more necessary. Just don't forget, you too are that heat source for someone in your life. Probably multiple people.

We can't be artists and forget about life, that which is our duty to depict. To paint, set the landscape you must observe. In order to add the feeling, you must participate in life. In order to be successful, you must take ownership of life. That starts at home.

-Chance Fischer