A lot of people want a shortcut. I find the best shortcut is the long way, which is basically two words: work hard.

Earnestness is highly underestimated. It comes from the core, while hip is trying to impress you on the surface.

Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.

Being successful doesn't make you manage your time well. Managing your time well makes you successful!

Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.

Want to have a short phone call with someone? Call them at 11:55 a.m., right before lunch. They'll talk fast. You may think you are interesting, but you are not more interesting than lunch.

I also think my dad would be reminding me that kids — more than anything else — need to know their parents love them. Their parents don't have to be alive for that to happen.