Copyright Steven Chee @ DLM Artists

Dannii Minogue, who grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, is a singer–songwriter, talent competition judge, actress, and TV and radio personality. Dannii is most widely known for her roles in the Australian television talent show Young Talent Time and Home and Away, and her work as a musician and judge on Australia’s The X Factor.

Dear teenage Dannii,

You’ve been a career girl for years now so you don’t need me to explain to you the value of hard work or tell you that spending 95 per cent of your time tweaking this, learning that, or paying attention to the teeny-tiny details makes that 5 per cent of the time you get to do the thing you love most immeasurably exciting and rewarding.

You’ve already experienced things other teenagers with stars in their eyes can only dream of, but I want you to know that just as there are even more amazing times ahead of you, there will be some tough times as well. Know that they’re a natural part of life, and that when you go through difficult times, you have to go through all of the emotions.

You’re like a rainbow and every colour and shade is beautiful from dark and stormy to light and sparkling. It’s okay to be those different colours of emotions – each of them is a part of you and they’re what make you beautiful. Trying to suppress or hide them doesn’t improve you, how you’re feeling, or how people see you. Let all your colours shine though.

It’s okay to sometimes feel upset or alone. Just try not to get stuck in the dark place. Don’t stay there.

Feel it, live it, move on.

Don’t fear failure or try to avoid it by giving up the things you’re passionate about if they’re not easy. The people you like, admire and look up to the most have all tried, failed, and got up and tried again on their journey to be the best at what they do.

So, when an unfeasibly successful entertainment guru tells you, ‘It’s as much from your failures as any of your successes that you’ve made it where you are today,’ heed his wisdom, have faith in yourself and take the plunge. In fact, jump in feet first whenever you’re presented with a new opportunity whether you know what you’re doing or not (and you generally won’t).

Your life will be richer for it.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, look silly, or show your vulnerability. People relate to your mistakes, and your vulnerability is what helps them feel a connection with you. And make sure you’re receptive when others show their vulnerability. Only good can come of that.

Try to remember that perfection doesn’t exist. It’s an ideal, not a reality, although I can promise you that you’re going to get a lot of fun and fulfilment out of striving for it.

Lastly, did you know that people asked to list the top 10 things they love rarely put themselves on that list? Make sure you’re on your list!

Dannii x