New Year life lessons from country star: 'Never forget where you came from'

Read on for Sheppard's best life lessons as 2024 wraps up and 2025 is set to begin.

1. Never forget where you came from if you want to get where you want to go in life. 

This is a lesson that Elvis pulled me aside at Graceland one night and shared with me. After hearing it, I applied it to my career. Learn to be humble.

2. There's no room for ego in this business. 

The fans of what you do give everything to you - and if you don't stay accessible, down to earth, true to your music and true to your beliefs, they have the right to take it away from you.

3. Never say "no" to a fan who comes up to compliment you and asks for an autograph. 

Always consider it an honor when someone takes the time to acknowledge you. 

It's the ultimate compliment.

4. Take the time to stop and smell the roses on your journey toward success. 

After all, success is not a place. It's the incredible trip you take that's the most important. 

So be careful not to overlook your journey by taking time to reflect along the way.

5. Money should not be your barometer for success in your career. 

Long after the smoke clears and the fans stop screaming your name, your relationships will be the most important thing and comfort you more. Be sure to cherish them.

6. Never get caught up in believing your own press. 

After all, it's just press.

7. Never stop dreaming. 

No matter how old you get, it's never too late in life to be who you might have been. 

Dream big, be big. Dream small, be small.

8. To be successful, surround yourself with people who know more than you do. 

They will help you get where you want to go. A great team can help get you much further than going it alone.

9. Use your money and influence to improve the quality of life of those around you.

That's one of my greatest lessons and joys in life. Paying it forward is an incredible feeling, even if it's to help a total stranger.

10. Never continue to worry about a problem you have no control over. 

Worry about it once, then let it go - because each time you think about the problem, you're paying for it over and over again. 

11. Take time to think through every decision you make in your career, no matter how small.

Remember that small decisions are sometimes just as important as the big ones.

12. Take time to thank and acknowledge the people who helped pave the way to your success. 

A public "thank you" is usually worth more to someone than money.

13. If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all. 

It's a small business and everyone in it usually knows or finds out what is said about them.

14. Never envy someone for their success. 

15. Don't forget to be thankful for all that comes your way. 

It will take you higher than you ever imagined.