Dear Ivan:

What do you do when nothing is working? When you’re spinning your wheels and working exceptionally hard, and nothing is coming of it?

What do you do?

All around you, people are getting ahead, enjoying success.  You’re working as hard as they are.  Harder.  Why do they have money and you don’t?  Why are they famous and you’re not.  Why is their life amazing and yours isn’t?

What do you do?

Yes, there are people with less than you.  That doesn’t mean you have a lot.  Yes, there are people in pain, and you’re not.  That doesn’t mean you’re not suffering.

What do you do?

How do you get people to notice you when you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do to get notice, and you’re still not being noticed?  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, Networking online and in real life, and still it’s like you’re a ghost.

What do you do?

Maybe it’s time to stop trying so hard.  Maybe.

Maybe it’s time to stop worrying so much.  Maybe.

Maybe it’s time to think about whether you feel stuck because you’re not even sure what you’re aiming at.  Maybe.

I wish I knew the answer to all this, Ivan, for I’d surely tell you.  All I can say is do what you love and don’t worry about anything else except being honest and treating people with respect.

And make sure to laugh plenty.

Oh, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.  And, brush your teeth.  And, read.   And, make sure to do some exercise everyday.

Okay, that’s about it.

Otherwise, have fun.

Love always,

Daddy