Stop at nothing.

First, prepare to have your heart broken in three years by Metallica's Black album. You won't believe how bad they're going to suck. Also: 95% of what you worry about never happens. Don't give in to your pressures: jobs, poverty, bad people, negative idiots, the wait, the hassles, the relationships, losses, terror. Stay on your own path and don't worry about the rest of them. Travel overseas, avoid serious relationships for ten more years. Don't mistake your freedom for failure by contrast with others. Most people like to be told what to do, how to live, and they like to follow. That doesn't make them right about you or themselves. Change your mind about tattoos because in 20 years everyone and their moms will have sleeves. Have a good time with life, and at the same time keep your head into your work, keep doing your work. It might take over twenty years, but keep pushing. Stay smart, stay aware. Write. Stop at nothing.