Finish your breakfast. It's a phrase that inspired a journal entry of mine in 2015. You've heard it before, especially if you know Jay-Z's Public Service Announcement and now Kill Jay-Z. I'm a fan of his as much as the next person, but I'm not here to piggy back on the hype of his latest album. When I heard him repeat that same piece of advice 14 years later, I just couldn't ignore the synergy.

What does it mean anyway? Regardless of what "Strict" meant by it, to me it means finish what you start. But not only that. It means focus on breakfast and finish that before you start thinking about lunch or dinner. In other words, stay present and live in the moment. Absorb everything that this moment has to offer rather than wasting it anticipating the future. 

We live in a world where instant gratification is expected. And the absence of an instant reward or instant success story is the cause for anxiety and depression in many cases. Everyone is always talking about their next move, their dream job, the next trip they're taking. Women are thinking about marriage before the second date. I even know people who are living their lives thinking about what will sound good in their future documentary. 

Finish your breakfast. 

It's cool to have a vision for your life. But let's be realistic about our goals and understand why we want it and what it will take to get there. Let's be thoughtful about the stages we'll have to go through and the experience needed. Let's learn everything we can before we leave that job we think we hate instead of just focusing on being an entrepreneur because "not working for the man" sounds good. Let's focus on how our "dreams" will generate revenue and not just popularity. Let's think about the lifestyle that these "dreams" will bring us and if it's truly what we want. 

Did I just go on a rant? Sorry! 

By no means am I advocating for complacency, but I do think there's value in being okay with where you are on this journey and acknowledging what current times have to offer.

Let's be real. Let's be present. Let's be smart about this thing called life. 

Oh, and don't believe the hype. 

xo, 

Ness