Do Yourself A Favor & Veer From Your Vision

From the moment we're little, to when post-high school adulthood strikes, we're inundated with the notion that we need to have it all figured out.

Think about your childhood: how many times were you asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Then, fast-forward to senior year of high school, and all of a sudden, you're expected to know exactly how to craft your future.

When I graduated high school, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I was passionate about entertainment and music. When I got to college and chose Broadcasting and Mass Media as my major, I figured I'd end up either working in radio in Philadelphia, or for one of the city's local news stations. I thought I had it all planned out... however, my future vision was limited to only what I'd been exposed to.

(Even up until a few years ago, in true Taurean fashion, I thought I had my path on lock).

It wasn't until I came out to Los Angeles in 2009 to intern the summer before my college year that I realized I could do -- and be -- so much more. That summer, I soaked up all the knowledge I could. I attended panels and conferences, and sought out stories about other people's paths, so that I could further figure out mine. I thought that somebody, anybody would have the roadmap, and if I inquired, studied, and met the right people, I could gain access to that roadmap, too.

Looking back, I can't believe how naive (and ballsy) my 22 year old self was, literally going up to major studio executives and producers, in attempt to figure out some secret formula. But hey, when you're an intern or still in school, you practically get a free pass.

Years later, what I eventually came to realize was this: no one could possibly plot out your path, and no one's path could lead you directly to yours. 

This revelation has led me to accept opportunities I otherwise would've turned down, if I was still dead-set on the vision I had for my future. This is not to steer you away from setting goals, or having a vision for your life -- trust me, I love a good vision board -- I just believe you shouldn't be completely committed to the vision in your head.

When you're completely committed to your vision, you allow zero space for anything else. You may even totally overlook what could've been your next big step, because it didn't come packaged as how you thought it would. 

Keep your vision closeby, but don't get too caught up in it.

And don't forget to glance in your peripheral, from time to time.