My first experience with procrastination and the terrible feelings it brings was in fourth grade. I was supposed to do a report on Leonardo da Vinci.

I don’t remember whether it was that night or the next morning when I suddenly remembered that I had this project to do, and panicked.

My mom let me stay home to complete the project with the understanding that this would be the last and only time I’d be allowed to do that.

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Over the years, some of my students have affectionately called me the “dream crusher.”

I don’t mean to tell kids they can’t do things. As a matter of fact, I believe so strongly in my students’ ability to achieve their dream that I want to help them to separate fantasy from reality and get clear on what’s actually possible.

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I started teaching music lessons because it was a skill I had that matched what people were looking for.

Once I moved to my new city, it took a few months for people to find me, but after that, I had all the students I needed.

I didn't leave it there, though. I took a next step: What about all of the people whom I couldn't serve because I already had too many students? I needed to find a solution for them.

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A lot of us entrepreneurs and artists always have a list of projects we want to do.

It's an impulse that is difficult to quiet. We could take up calligraphy, start a taco stand, record an album of songs played entirely on toy instruments, or finally sort that scary box of papers in the corner and see who we might owe money to.

It's a strange feeling when there is nothing to grow, fix, or tinker with.

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Why have some of the most wealthy and famous people in history been so miserable?

It's possible that they spent their lives chasing money or fame when what they really wanted was love, joy, freedom, or peace.

Maybe they wanted to be respected for their art, but all they got was admiration for their beauty. Life is rough, isn't it?

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