When I was growing up, my mum earned about $20,000 a year to support herself, my brother and I.  By living very frugally and only spending money on things that were investments into our future (such as extra-curricula activities) she was able to bring my brother and I up to get our educations and go to university.

When I was considering being an entrepreneur, this really consoled me because I knew firsthand that if I completely failed at all my entrepreneurial endeavours, my relationship failed and I was left to look after two young kids, I would be able to do it.

Knowing what the worst that can happen looks like makes it less stressful to take a leap of faith and reach for the stars.

When I was younger, we couldn't afford a piano at home, so my mum would take me to my piano teacher's house each day to practise for an hour.

I didn't really know how to appreciate music.  I could only distinguish different sounds at a very rudimentary level.  So I was shocked when I went to my first Eisteddfod and came 3rd.

Over the years I would leave with many 1sts, 2nds, 3rds;  and come first in the state in my piano grades 3, 6 and 7 examinations.

Put in the work.  Even if you don't know how to appreciate it, your work will speak for itself.

Clear away some space and time for yourself.

Without the pressure of someone bursting in and occupying your space.

By giving yourself the time and space to think about things, without the pressure of looking good in front of other people, you can give yourself the chance to have clarity in thought and the freedom to create something authentic and deeply meaningful.

I've noticed in contests I've been on the judging panel for that those who have an expertise in a field, are more critical of entries that cross over into their field.  Whereas even basic (but flashy looking) things get high remarks from judges adjudicating over something not in their field of expertise.

Similarly, I have full admiration for those who have a regular schedule and produce excellent work to that schedule.

What do you admire?  There is probably much to learn from that.

The world is so noisy!  Every day there's the breaking news through your multiple most trusted news sources; there's the buzz of your twitter and your Facebook showing all your friends seemingly enjoying a better life than yours; the technology feeds telling you how you can be a better leader.  Everywhere you look, there's more and more stimuli and it never stops piling up.

Step away from the blogs, the news, twitter, Facebook.  Stop the constant need for stimuli, for being faux-connected through living through other's online lives.

Step away so you can find your inner calm and focus on creating things that matter.