13 reasons why
The decisions that I've been able to live with and be happy about have always defied conventional 'advice' on what I should be doing.
And most of the times, those decisions aren't the ones I've taken in a calculated way. It was just what felt right at that point in time. If I would have followed conventional advice I would have ended up exactly where everyone else is, which is a crowded space. It's called rat race for a valid reason. It's a crowded space, each vying for a few spots which again put them into another race, and so on and so forth. How pleasant it is to have the freedom to choose - what I wish to work on, how I spend my time, who I work with, etc.
99% of the times if you ask yourself 13 consecutive whys on WHY do you want a certain thing, you'll be able to reduce it down to something you don't need or already have. Point being, be aware of what you're chasing. That will either put you off an unnecessary path or 10x your resolve to attain it.
Conventions miss the context. Escape the advice, listen to yourself.