96-Undecided

Dear Walt,
I want to make a living as a DJ. But I don't like the idea of selling my product or playing for others since I find it very personal. Should I go to school for electronics, (for which I have a slight interest)? Would this be considered being untrue to myself? [Being a DJ] is the only thing I've had a passion for but an electronics education might [be the wisest thing to do]?
--Undecided

Dear Undecided,
Even though your first two statements are a bit contradictory, I know just how you feel.

When I was growing up, I LOVED to draw. I'm very good at it, and even drew my own line of comic book superhero characters. However, like you, I did it for my own personal gratification. I don't think I would have like doing it to deadlines and on demand. However, as I matured, I realized that being creative in some way was my destiny, and I knew I wanted to do my own thing in life. I've done many ventures and loved the experience of them all. My greatest thrill, coincidentally, was being a radio DJ for 5 years. I got to play music for people, got to share my ideas on the air, got to introduce people to rare music that they weren't hearing anyplace else. I was in heaven! Eventually, I moved on and as you may know, I've had my own record label, written several books, and I now have the "Friday Inspirations" that I do.

So why am I telling you this? Well, I always followed my dreams. I started doing the radio show while I was studying engineering in college. I was running my record label while I was designing roadways and bridges as a civil engineer. I wrote my first and second books while I was working in corporate America, and that finally allowed me to jump out on my own just 4 years ago to now where I earn my money on my own terms through exploring more aspects of my creativity.

My advice: Continue to do what you love. Make the time and the room to do it. Never let it die. You may not be able to pay the bills with it right away, but that fire you have inside of you must not be given up for something "more practical."

Ask yourself: what would be my perfect life? Would getting up each day running to the electronics lab be part of your ideal life, or would being known as the best DJ in the land make you excited to jump out of bed each day? Only you know the answer. What is it that gives you your greatest feeling of power, satisfaction, fulfillment and purpose? Find that thing and go in that direction. And live with passion! You've got but one life.... How do you want to spend it?

sometimes our dreams will lie in state
like lost loved ones at a wake
we never dare to take a chance
to eat and have our cake

so ask yourself when called to choose
the role that you must play
is this the path my heart doth crave
or someone else's way?

with time as cash your dreams are bought
through fair and even trade
you spend your time and in return
in memories you are paid

your precious days are dollars
that in time will all be spent
so purchase things that make you smile
and own the life for which you're meant!