The choice between love and ambition
What happens when you honor your heart
By my early twenties, I had a plan.
I would finish my master’s degree, move to New York, and throw myself into the jazz scene.
Every step I’d taken had led me toward that vision.
But then I fell in love—with someone who wasn’t in New York. He was in London.
Suddenly, the path ahead wasn’t so clear. New York meant ambition, career, and everything I thought I wanted. London meant love, connection, and a life I hadn’t considered before.
During my last semester, I asked a mentor for advice on a trip to New York. I expected her to tell me to stay the course and be practical.
Instead, she said,
“Follow your heart because without love, what’s the point?”
That one sentence changed everything. I moved to London.
The relationship didn’t last forever, but it shaped my life in unexpected ways. It led me to Nashville, influenced my music, and taught me that following your heart doesn’t mean abandoning ambition.
I learned that choosing love over ambition doesn’t make you less serious about your career; it makes you human.
When you honor what feels authentic—love, connection, or a totally unexpected opportunity—you create space for growth, joy, and inspiration in ways no rigid plan ever could.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of storytelling in the last few months.
It’s the bridge between you and your fans or customers, creating the emotional link that drives likes, follows, and sales. Whether you’re an artist or solopreneur, it’s the fastest way to build an audience and business.
Most business owners fear storytelling, thinking they have nothing to say, no one cares, or they will feel emotionally exposed. But there are many ways to turn one's lived experience into meaningful stories without revealing the private details of one's life and business.
For example, the first part of this post was a “mentor story.”
You already know many archetypal story styles. The “hero story, “quest,” and “rags to riches” are at the heart of most books or movies we consume.
Stories about your business require different archetypes, and I love these seven:
The Underdog Story
The Transformation Story
The Mentor Story
The Failure & Redemption Story
The Client Hero Story
The Why Story
The Future Vision Story
Here’s a break down for Mentor Story:
What it is: “I used to believe [common misconception]. Then, a mentor gave me this game-changing piece of advice…”
Why It Works: Positions you as a guide, sharing insights and lessons that save your audience time and frustration.
How to Use It: Share advice you’ve learned, mistakes you’ve made, or industry truths that challenge common thinking.
Reflection Questions to create your own Mentor Story:
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
What’s something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Have you ever had a belief or mindset shift that changed everything?
What common mistakes do you see others making that you’ve learned from?
Do you want to learn more about the other six?
Let me know, and I’ll send you all seven in a free PDF, plus a bonus section on vulnerability vs. oversharing so you can share confidently without crossing your personal boundaries.