1. Find something you love and go for it.

Alicia: I started playing piano when I was 7: Bach, Beethoven and my favorite, Chopin. I enrolled in the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan when I was 12. I began writing songs when I was 14!

2. Tell yourself you're awesome (because you are!)

Alicia: Give yourself a pep talk. Each time before I step on stage I say '"You're fantastic. Get out there and knock them out." Some of the most amazing women and girls I know believe in pep talks, too.

3. Always be positive.

Alicia: Don't use words like won't, can't and shouldn't. Say "When I'm" instead of "If I'm." I think that's a key secret to a great life!!

4. Everybody makes mistakes. Learn from them!

Alicia: I've stumbled. But with each wrong step and each sure one, I have learned lessons worth singing about and worth sharing.

5. Rise above the bad stuff (yes, you can).

Alicia: I grew up in Hell's Kitchen, an area of New York that is nicer now than it used to be. When people would harass me I'd often be loudmouthed and confrontational right back. It kept them away but I felt bad coming down to their level. One day I realized I could just keep walking. Each time you're tested try to be a larger person than you knew you could be.

6. You can get by with a little help from your BFFs.

Alicia: A great friend is someone who looks out for you when you've forgotten how to look out for yourself. Find those women and girls and love them -- and let them love you.