Whether you’re a musician, an inventor, or an artist, you’ve probably dreamt of thousands of people going crazy over your work. But immediately after that you think, “how do I get there?” Take some time to watch these five videos that will motivate you to follow your dreams and succeed.

Patti Smith: Advice to the Young

In this 2012 interview at the Louisiana Literature Festival, punk icon Patti Smith speaks about how accepting life as it comes and building a good name are the keys to success. Patti gives great advice–when you focus on your work, knowing that there will be ups and downs, you can weather the storms of life.



Eric Thomas: Secrets to Success

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Part 2



We all want to be successful, but sometimes we don’t have the drive to follow our bliss. This speech by Eric Thomas, a once homeless, high school dropout turned motivational speaker, will inspire you to push aside whatever maybe holding you back and focus on achieving success.

Neil Gaiman: Inspirational Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts 2012

In this commencement address, writer Neil Gaiman helped me realize that, no matter what happens, I need to make great art. It doesn’t matter if I’m currently working at a coffee shop or touring the world. I also learned that some career decisions can derail your dreams, so I decided to walk away from an industry that pays well to focus on music. Without this speech, I would have never attempted to be a full-time musician and writer. Hopefully this video will inspire you as well.

Henry Rollins: The One Decision that Changed My Life Forever

Henry Rollins, former singer for Black Flag, went on to become an actor, journalist, and T.V. show host (The Henry Rollins Show). Henry attributes his success to one decision he made in 1981 at an ice cream parlor. Part of success is being in the right place at the right time, but you must be ready to start your journey when an opportunity presents itself. You may never get that opportunity again.



Jimmy Valvano’s 1993 ESPY Speech

This speech was given by Jimmy Valvano, the coach of the 1983 NCAA Champion North Carolina State University basketball team, just eight weeks before his death from cancer. In it, he points out that we need to work hard, but we also need to see the big picture. While working towards your dreams, remember to take time for yourself to have fun, laugh, cry, and enjoy your life–because life is short.

Dubspot guest blogger Josh Spoon is an Ableton Live veteran, blogger, drummer, music producer and live performer. Josh has a residency with the eclectic Los Angeles electronic music collective Space Circus,performing every first Wednesday of the month, and just released his first concept EP of grooving low-end originals entitled Man on Mars.