With a general understanding that our thoughts play an important role in the direction of our paths, it’s essential to remain proactive in training those thoughts to continue pointing north, with the assistance of guideposts, whatever form they may come in for you.

Although it might seem counterintuitive, unrestricted creativity usually leads to chaos because there is no strategy involved.

my 1975 album, Mellow Madness,

Youth is an extremely impressionable time of life, and while that can be a great asset, it can also be detrimental to your development if the things you are molding into don’t serve your best interest. Hear me when I say that this doesn’t only apply to my economically disadvantaged brothers and sisters; it applies to each and every human being. You

As beloved jazz bassist Christian McBride notes, Clark “taught thousands of students who have taught thousands of students, who are going to teach thousands of students.” One simple act has the power to go a long way, so don’t underestimate the impact that you can have on those you come into contact with.

have found that my purpose is so much greater than my problems,

Dreaming big has led me to heights that I never expected, and I’ve surprised myself with my ability to be stretched in so many different directions. I sure didn’t know where my aspirations would take me, but in a way, I’m glad I didn’t. If I had known, I may not have ever applied myself to the fullest extent, as a result of seeing how daunting the

When you get the chance to open doors that have traditionally been slammed shut, it’s important that you hold the door open for the next person to walk through. It’s not about feeding your ego with a list of accolades; it’s about continuing to pave the path that has been set before you.

Hope may be presented in different forms, but it’s always in the fine print. It’s not about starting out on top, but it’s about realizing how far you have to climb and then never giving up. And when I say never, I mean it. I don’t believe you ever reach the top, and well, if you do, you might not be dreaming big enough.