Some wise words from Bruce Springsteen’s fascinating talk at this year’s SXSW festival. They apply to whatever it is you’re trying to do in life, whether that’s writing songs or getting ready for an expedition to Greenland.

I was an average guy with a slightly above average gift. And if I worked my ass off at it…

Rumble, young musicians, rumble. Open your ears and open your hearts.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. And take yourself as seriously as death itself.

Have iron-clad confidence, but doubt: it keeps you awake and alert. It keeps you honest.

Stay hard, stay hungry and stay alive.

Treat it like it’s all that we have, and then remember: it’s only rock and roll.

You can watch the whole talk here or read a transcript here.