Today, Nicole is sharing with us her thoughts on perseverance. I'm so glad she connected with me, as I'm impressed with the work that she does.  Plus, she is pretty inspiring!

Nicole Pyles is a writer, blogger, and social networker. These days, while she isn't hunting for a job, she's finishing her first novel, working on her blog, and fantasizing how great the future could be. Check out her blog World of My Imagination, where she posts about her experiences as a writer, as well as the fabulously weird world we live in. Read Nicole's interview below!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Who did you receive it from?

My mom told me, "Have something that you love and that you enjoy and never let anyone take that away." That has been such important advice which has stayed with me for a long time.

How important is mentorship in terms of your success?

I would say very important. As a writer, it's wonderful to receive feedback from people and listen to what they have to say about your work.  It's how writers grow. In terms of other facets of my career, I think it is always important to learn from your peers and from people who have the success you want. Mentorship does that!

What has been the best moment in your life so far?

Two things - graduating from college in 2011 and finishing my first novel in 2012!  I can't wait to see what the rest of this year brings!

What tips would you have for living a healthy life?

Being active regularly. Eating healthy. Be clean. Be honest. Have someone in your life that you are accountable to. Always remember what comes in, must come out; so remember that the next time you expose yourself to a lot of negativity or things that are just bad for your brain (and body!). Be kind to yourself. Don't overly criticize yourself. Be your own best friend.

How do you motivate yourself to persist despite setbacks?

Just remember that setbacks are a part of life. We all face them, even though we don't like it. Each setback also means it was something that I did that I tried. Even if that something is something I failed at, what matters is that I tried. Also, every setback is a learning experience. If you learn from your setbacks, it means that all was not lost.

What has been your biggest setback? How did you deal with it? What did you learn from it?

Well, most recently for me, was getting laid off this year. In February, I lost my job and I've done what I always do - pick myself up by my bootstraps and move forward. There isn't any other choice. What I have learned by being laid off is how to keep growing my skills and what it means to get up each morning with determination to succeed.

How do you deal with critics?

I keep reminding myself that sometimes people come from a place of negativity because of hardships they aren't able to handle in their own life. But, of course, this is a mature perspective that sounds easier now than it is when I do face critics.

How important is social support in overcoming obstacles?

To me, very important. I receive a lot of support from my family on overcoming obstacles. We talk things through, figure out our options. I am so grateful for that, because I know I am not alone!

What advice would you give others about goal setting?

I am a huge fan of goal setting. I know not everyone is, but to me, the benefit is that you think differently when you know you have an expectation set before you. You think quicker, you are motivated to reach that goal. I always suggest setting small goals for yourself when you are trying to attain an ideal, a dream, or a career goal.

What life lesson have you learned that you would like to pass along to others?

Wow! This is the biggie question, isn't it? For me, it's been to look for the positive in difficult situations. Or if you can't find the positive, find ways you can learn and grow from it. Also, learn about who you are. Be your best friend. And remember that being kind is always a good thing. No, there isn't financial retribution for being nice. But remember, any kind word, gesture, or act is a good thing. Even if the person receiving the kindness doesn't see it. Other kind people appreciate it. Whether they know about it or not, just know that your kindness makes our world a better place. It's the one free thing that we can always give to other people, even if we have nothing else.

Thanks, Nicole, for sharing your thoughts with us! Keep up the amazing work!!!

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

See you at the beach!