When I was seven, I was convinced that the best thing to do with my life was to become a Ninja. Dress in black, own a pair of sais, some throwing stars, and a sword, of course. I also wanted to capture and study the largest, most deadly snake in the world, the Bushmaster. Why? Besides being awesome, they are difficult. They take grit, passion, and determination.

You are going to go through some really difficult times. They will take you off course unless you remember to believe in yourself, in your abilities, in your grit. Don't take others' words as truth. You know who you are. Believe that, and go get that proverbial Bushmaster! Be the Ninja!

At 7 years old, my dream was to become an architect. I would pretend that large pieces of drawing paper were blueprints, and I would draw out various versions of an art studio that was designed entirely of windows on the top floor of my imaginary house.

If I could offer advice to my 7-year-old self, it would be that being an architect is not the goal. If making art surrounded by light with a great view is the goal, then make art and hire the architect. Be clear on your goals and the roles that accompany those goals. Concentrate on your strengths and provide opportunities for others to shine in theirs. 

When I was 7, I wanted to work at our family ranch. It was a way of life, and I did not know anything different. We had way more amenities than the Amish. Watching my grandfather feed and milk the cows was a seven-day-a-week job. Friends enjoyed coming over to work and play on the Ranch. My great-grandmother prepared big breakfasts for all the workers every morning. Side note: she never bought milk from a grocery store.

Value each relationship, observe, and listen to others. Telling a 7-year-old to be patient will never work, but focus on the big picture and enjoy being a kid. Appreciate the family meals at a big table in the kitchen.

When I was seven, I wanted to be a flight attendant because we had a career day, and a flight attendant visited our school to talk about her job. She described all of her adventures and what it was like to be able to travel for work, and I thought that was the dream life! I've always had an adventurous spirit and loved the idea of taking trips. 

Don't be so in a hurry to grow up and start a career. Take the time to explore your passions and really think about what makes you feel the most alive. It's ok to fail and make mistakes because that's the beauty of self-discovery and growth. Slow down and embrace the journey of your life. 

When I turned seven, the Boston Bruins were the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Boston is a hockey town, and the entire region was excited after Bobby Orr flew through the air after scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal. I wanted to play for the Bruins and win the Stanley Cup, the coolest trophy in sports.

My advice would be “find a way”. As I got older, I realized my average hockey ability was not going to get me to the Bruins. When I got to college, I got a job in the Athletic Communications office as a student-assistant. That started me down a path that took me to the Boston Red Sox, the Texas Rangers, and eventually, the Public Relations Director for the Dallas Stars. I had found a way and made it to the NHL. Six years later in 1999, the Stars won the Stanley Cup and my name was engraved on the trophy I dreamed about as a kid.

I wanted to be a garbage man. Specifically the guy who rode on the back of the truck. I could watch them sling bags and dump cans all day. The job was the perfect mix of danger (avoiding being hit by passing cars), filth (it is trash, after all), and adventure (scouring trash cans for rare finds). 

Some advice for 7-year-old Joe? Find a different career path, dude. The back-of-the-truck garbage man will be replaced by machines. Thanks, technology.

A truck driver. When I was a kid, there was a TV show called BJ and the Bear and it was about a truck driver with a pet chimpanzee. They drove across the country and would usually end up solving a crime in each town they stopped in. As a seven-year-old, I couldn’t imagine anything cooler than driving around the country in a red and white semi with a pet monkey.

No matter what you end up doing for a living, make sure it’s something you love and are passionate about. Bring that passion with you to work every day and don’t forget that happiness is worth more than money. And definitely get a pet monkey!