How embracing variety catalyzed Lauree Ostrofsky’s path in life

“It was clear to me that smart people studied math and science,” Lauree Ostrofsky tells me, looking back at stories she internalized growing up.

“I majored in both in high school, taking all the advanced classes. I didn't necessarily like it, but I liked the praise” (#relatable!).

But then, in college and afterwards, Lauree felt herself drawn to learning about a greater variety of subjects in the arts and humanities. She started making different choices; she even went to art school. To her delight, she found that once she made a decision and committed to it, the people she was most worried about disappointing — her parents — rallied behind her. And the more often she flexed this muscle, making decisions that were true for her, the more her self-trust and confidence grew.

Today, Lauree is a coach who helps fellow “A-students” get off the treadmill and create lives and careers they love. Do yourself a favor and read her books: “Simply Leap: Seven Lessons on Facing Fear and Enjoying the Crap Out of Your Life” and “I'm Scared & Doing it Anyway: How a Little White Blob Changed my Life.”

Click the button below to download an illustrated version of Lauree’s story.