We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
rob spampinato
A typical day for me is built around balance and structure. I start my morning by taking my supplements and heading to the gym, setting the tone with some heavy weights and focus. Once I’m back, I prep my meals for the day so I can stay fueled and on track. By around 11 AM I arrive at the school, where I dive into emails and phone calls to make sure everything is running smoothly. From there, I shift into marketing mode, planning and shooting videos for social media to keep our message strong and consistent. Read More>>
Sanam Farahanchi
I start my mornings at 6:00 am preparing breakfast and lunch for my family. By 7:30, I’m out the door to drop my son at school before heading to my office and warehouse in downtown Los Angeles. My workday begins with answering emails, fulfilling customer orders, and organizing content in ClickUp for my VA to use in the upcoming weeks. Read More>>
Lori Prashker-Thomas
Yes, I have stood up for someone when it cost me something. For me, doing what is right has always been more important than doing what is easy. I believe that every person deserves to be treated with respect, kindness, and dignity. When I have witnessed unfair treatment or seen someone without a voice, I have stepped forward, even when it meant I might lose opportunities, friendships, or comfort. In those moments, I reminded myself that integrity is not about convenience; it is about courage. Standing up for others has sometimes come with personal cost, but I would rather carry that weight than the regret of silence. Read More>>
Efrain Larenas
Upon waking up at 430am I first pray and thank God for blessing me with another day! I then do a 10-minute bed warm up to loosen up my hips, back and knees. Afterwards I sit up and read my daily devotions and do another seated 10-minute warm up. After hitting the bathroom, I make some coffee, get dressed and then head to the gym. Monday through Friday I try to get to the gym by 530am and workout before taking care of clients. I want to lead by example and get my workout in before they get there’s in. First clients are usually at 630 or 730am. Read More>>
Juliana Castro
Lately, painting outside has been bringing me so much peace and joy. As an illustrator, making art is part of who I am, but when I get really busy, creating just for myself can feel almost impossible. My brain feels too full to even think about what to draw.
So recently, I’ve been giving myself permission to take little afternoon breaks and head to one of the many parks near me. I’ll sit down with my sketchbook, look around, and simply paint what I see, maybe it’s a flower, a tree, or the way the sunlight hits the grass. No overthinking, no big plan. Read More>>
Olivia Howell
When I find myself getting too frustrated with work, the news, or just the general chaos of the world, I always go back to watercoloring. I’m not a trained artist by any stretch of the imagination, but there’s something deeply grounding about it for me. The way the colors interact, the soft edges where they bleed together, the moments where they surprise you—is pure magic. There’s this little thrill in dipping my brush into water and pigment and watching a color appear that has never existed before, right there on the paper in front of me. It feels a bit mystical, like I’m collaborating with something beyond myself. Read More>>
Eau Claire
One of the biggest misconceptions about the music industry is how musicians do (or don’t) make money. The main factor that allows many musicians to continue to make music is merch and ticket sales. Read More>>
Bobby Couch
I believe many entrepreneurs secretly struggle with finding stability; both in their routines and their finances. Navigating the ebbs and flows of business is only half the battle. What’s rarely discussed is the mental health tolls and the silent fears of having it all, and losing it all. Read More>>
Richard Newkirk
Right now, a normal day for me follows a pretty simple script. Working full time, and trying to be a creative is a bit of a challenge when it comes to finding time for things, so I try to stay fairly structured, in order to make time. Usually I’ll start my day with a basketball workout, I’m currently trying to fix my jumper. After that, a little bit of writing in my journal, reading a book, and making breakfast. I try to call every morning my “lock-in” time as that’s when I’m at my most productive. After work, I try to go full steam ahead on creative projects I may have started. My normal days aren’t the most exciting, or crazy, but they are very productive, which is something I’ve been placing an emphasis on in my life. Read More>>
Dini McCullough
I think a lot of people struggle with trusting themselves—really listening to their intuition—and with sitting quietly in discomfort. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, not just because it can get really uncomfortable running a small business, but also because, now in my 50s, I know myself better and tend to pay closer attention to how I navigate relationships, personal and professional. Read More>>
Tee Marie Hanible
The battle I am avoiding is with myself, holding myself to the impossible standard of living up to every single goal I have set. I have accomplished things I once only dreamed of, serving 20 years in the Marine Corps, building a nonprofit from the ground up, writing a bestselling book, and creating spaces where people feel seen and empowered. I have even done things I never planned, like starring on a hit TV show and being completely transparent for the world, for millions, to see. And yet, there is still so much more on my list. Read More>>
Neka Leslie
The battle I avoided for a long time was performing live. I’ve always loved writing music and being in the studio, but stepping onto a stage triggered major performance anxiety for me. I used to second-guess everything — my voice, my presence, even whether I deserved to be up there. The fear of being seen, vulnerable and exposed, held me back from touring or doing live shows for years. Read More>>
Dora Endre
I treat my morning routine like fuel for the creative engine: if I skip it, I feel it all day. It kicks off when my alarm goes off and I take a quiet moment to set an intention or repeat a little mantra. It might be something practical like “Pursue my goals with confidence” or on a day-off something like “Slow down, just be.” I’ll repeat a few kindness affirmations “May everyone be well and happy, may I be well and happy”, and then I pull the curtains and drink a big glass of water while watching the light shift outside. Sunshine is a bonus. Read More>>
Yosef Rosenfield
Drawing. I don’t do it often enough, but I find that I really lose track of time when I’m several hours deep into a sketch or painting – even more so than when I’m playing or writing songs, which is my bread and butter creatively. I had very little talent in the visual arts as a child, and I think that finding the delight in using colored pencils, gel pens, and acrylic paint as an adult has allowed me to rediscover the child-like joy in making art as a form of play. Read More>>
Rhonda Botros
Spending summer days on the river with my close friends really brings me joy—whether it’s floating, kayaking, or just swimming. I love being outdoors and on the water; it’s the perfect way to recharge and enjoy simple moments. Read More>>
Inga Strauss Godejord
My first 90 minutes each morning tend to follow the same comforting rhythm. I begin with a glass of water infused with lemon—simple, refreshing, grounding. Next comes a large cup of coffee: strong, blended with frothed milk and a touch of brown sugar. That fuels me. Then I step into my studio, ready to plan, sketch, and explore something new. Read More>>
Samantha Bessudo
I searched for an apartment in Manhattan for years. I stomped all around the city and my husband, an architect, would review the top contenders from each round of searching – it took 4 years until I finally found one! My husband and I lived in it for a couple of years to feel it out, followed by over a year of planning and finally we are renovating and in production for Season 3 of “Love&Design Project”: a home renovation show focused on fabulous urban living. Read More>>
Yvette Shoemaker
The fact that I’ve started a business on my own without the financial help of taking out loans or borrowing against any collateral. I started my travel business with only the shirt on my back, my knowledge and love of travel. Read More>>
Edrica Richardson
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my clients is how often deep emotional pain is hidden beneath success and strength. Many come in appearing composed, accomplished — even admired by others — but are silently carrying grief, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. What this taught me is that emotional suffering doesn’t always look like distress on the surface. It’s made me more attuned to what’s unsaid and more intentional about holding space for healing, especially in high-achieving or high-pressure lives. It has reaffirmed my belief that therapy isn’t about ‘fixing’ people — it’s about helping them remember who they were before life told them who to be. Read More>>
Yung P
My normal day is pretty casual, honestly. I try not to lock myself into a strict routine because my rule is: anything goes. Life moves suddenly, and I’ve learned that when opportunity or creativity sparks, I have to take advantage of it—no matter what’s going on. Read More>>
Braylin Hardin
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is how deeply food can connect them to memories and emotions. I’ve had people try one of my dishes — like my smoked sweet potato cheesecake — and tells me it reminded them of their grandmother’s Sunday dinners or a family trip down South. It showed me that what I’m serving isn’t just food, it’s nostalgia, it’s healing, it’s connection. That taught me to put even more heart into everything I make — because you never know what memory it might unlock. Read More>>
Niahmu Foggie-Brown
The battle I tend to avoid is the one with my own self-doubt. I create art that others genuinely admire, but I still find myself second-guessing it—wondering if the colors are blended right or if the concept really lands. It’s not that I don’t believe in my talent, it’s that I’m constantly chasing a version of perfection that may not exist. I avoid facing that inner voice head-on, the one that questions instead of celebrates. But when the piece is finished, when I see what I’ve made—I feel proud. The joy reminds me that maybe the battle isn’t to silence the doubt, but to keep creating in spite of it. Read More>>
Amy Feind Reeves
I suspect you wanted something personal, but I have to say that I am definitely chasing the idea that I can change the career trajectory of people who are disillusioned with work, never launched in the way they had hoped or have been worn down by the career search to the point where they are emotionally and financially drained. Read More>>
JOHN DACQUISTO
I start my day—where creativity meets curiosity, and structure meets soul. Mornings grounded in connection and clarity, an office that doubles as both a studio and a lab, and days that pivot between brushstrokes and biomechanics. That blend is rare and deeply inspiring to me. The art keeps me sane; the science increases my creative side. Read More>>
