We’ve all heard Edison’s famous words: “Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.”

For every success we experience, we’ve been given a thousand opportunities to give up on our dreams. In Andrew WK’s recent advice column, he was asked this question:

I’m dating a guy who refuses to give up on his dreams of rock stardom. While it’s admirable in a way, I need a little bit more stability if we’re going to make this work. How can I gently break this to him?”

Andrew WK’s response?

“Don’t you dare say anything to him about giving up his dream. You’re not the right person for him. Never ask someone to give up on their dream just so you can feel more stable. It’s his choice and his choice alone, no matter how ridiculous his dream may seem to you, or to society, or even to himself. Dreams make humans into self-realized individuals. Your only responsibility is to love everything about him, including his dreams. The idea of ‘making this work’ sounds more like a way to make his life more boring and predictable. At worst, it’s a genuine sadistic desire to control someone else because your own life feels out of control — or a cruel need to dominate and break someone’s spirit for the sake of your own peace of mind. Look for stability and peace of mind inside yourself, and not in your relationships or the dreams of others.”

[Thanks to MusicMarketing.com for pointing this lovely story out to us.]

Usually hidden behind an overnight success you’ll find years of hard work, endurance, and perseverance– a musical Energizer Bunny fueled by dreams; and quitting wasn’t an option. So how do you keep going when you get discouraged or set back? What fuels your fire? What music, faith, friendship, or internal hope helps you get back on your feet and continue on?

-Chris R. at CD Baby

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