Work Hard and Always Be Curious

What does Pose star Michaela Jaé (also known as Mj Rodriguez) draw on to keep pursuing success? First, it’s about looking at the bigger picture and not making it about yourself. And then keep your head high and smile genuinely, she says. That will help you to rise above any criticism that lands in your path and allow you to focus clearly on the road ahead.

When it comes to pursuing your dreams, “just do what you want to see,” says actor Matt Damon. Try to create something that you love and have a passion for — and don’t worry about how others may react. If you’re pleased with the result, that tends to resonate. It’s also beneficial, he says, to surround yourself with smart people who bring out the best in you.

Finding success is not an overnight achievement, says actor Sanaa Lathan. For the Love & Basketball star, “it was a really slow build but it was consistent.” Perseverance is key to getting where you want to be, she suggests, because obstacles are inevitable. However, it’s also helpful to heed good advice from people you love. In Lathan’s case, that person was her dad.

“Where am I going to have the most fun and the least regret?” That’s the question billionaire Tony Xu asks before deciding on new challenges. The CEO and founder of DoorDash encourages people to be relentlessly curious when it comes to dreaming. Also: Explore new horizons with the goal of achieving your potential — while enriching your community.