If you’ve had any contact with me in the past couple months, you’ll know that I’m going through a bit of a, oh, what would you call it? An all-consuming obsession. I’m just not a person who has casual interests. So when I heard all of the Internet rumblings about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” I tried to stay away at first. I kept my distance. I played it cool.

But after accidentally watching an episode of “60 Minutes” featuring Miranda, his parents, his inspiration and his musical, I caved. And to quote Angelica Schuyler, “I have never been the same.” It’s the only thing that’s played in my apartment ever since. My boyfriend and I have rewritten it completely and changed all the characters’ names to our cat’s, Maggie (Maggiezander Hamilton, George Maggieton, Elizmaggie, etc.). We went to New York with Brad’s family and saw it on Broadway, which has only intensified our obsession. There is no end in sight.

But it’s a good thing, I promise. Beside all of my newfound knowledge of the American Revolution and recent purchases of historical biographies, I’ve gained so much from this musical. I’ve learned things. Lessons. Ten of them. And I won’t even make a Ten Duel Commandments joke. Witness my restraint! And without further ado, here they are:

1. Be grateful
   “Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.” Even though we’re no longer in quite the same position to be a part of our country’s founding and shaping, there’s still so much work to be done and progress to be made! Look at all these opportunities to make a difference! What a life!
2. Be ambitious
   “You want a revolution? I want a revelation. So listen to my declaration.” Alexander Hamilton did not end up on that $10 bill by taking his time. He had a plan from Day 1, and he worked hard to execute it. Don’t be complacent, and make sure people can look at you and say, “Wow, they work hard.”
3. Stay grindin’
   “How do you write every second you’re alive, every second you’re alive?” Speaking of hard work, let me just say again that this man was on his grind 24/7. He was a founding father of our country, he established basically our entire financial system, started the Federalist party, created the Coast Guard and The New York Post (lol), wrote all of George Washington’s dope speeches and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury. What’s on your resume?
4. But stay friendly
   “I have the honor to be your obedient servant.” All that being said…ambition has its price. Hamilton made some enemies, which isn’t advisable in a time where you defended your honor with a pistol. So make sure that as hard as you work for your goals, work just as hard to make some friends.
5. History is happening
   “Remember from here on in, history has its eyes on you.” Still upset that Jefferson ruined our chance at a two-party system? Well, someone 100 years from now is going to be mad at you for not voting in your local election and allowing the future Thomas J to rise to power and mess something else up! We’re responsible for the future here, and history is watching.
6. Encourage your peers
   “The world was wide enough for both Hamilton and me.” You know what might have helped Ham and Burr a bit? A little healthy mentorship. Burr could have helped Hamilton be a little more succinct; Hamilton could have helped Burr steer his political ambition using his actual political views. It could have been beautiful! Don’t throw away your shot to mentor a peer, people.
7. Self-care is important
   “Take a break! Come away with us for the summer, let’s go upstate.” If A. Ham had listened to this sage advice to the real star of this story, Eliza Hamilton, he might have been able to avoid a sex scandal and eventually become president of the United States. Hey, maybe George Eacker wouldn’t have insulted him, Hamilton’s son wouldn’t have dueled him, Phillip would still be alive, Eliza wouldn’t be mad at Hamilton, Hamilton would have been chill and not pissed off Burr, and everything would have been fine! Take care of yourselves.
8. Remember your impact
   “I want to talk about what I have learned, the hard-won wisdom I have earned.” It’s really important to reflect upon your actions and your impact on the world. For those of us who might not be at world-impact level yet, think about what changes you can make or have made in your community, and reflect on if there’s anything else that needs to be done. Write a gorgeous farewell address. Get Lin-Manuel Miranda to put it to music. Win 10 Tonys.
9. Set goals
   “I want to be in the room where it happens.” You don’t have to sing them in a sinister, jazzy tone, but you should definitely know the things you want out of life and set a path to accomplish those goals. Create a vision board, start a bullet journal or write yourself a letter. Be Aaron Burr without the murder.
10. Put yourself in the narrative
    “When my time is up, have I done enough, will they tell our story?” You have an awesome, unique, interesting story to tell — you should tell it! Share your dreams and ideas with your friends, start a blog, write a book, sing a song. Leave a little piece of yourself for the aliens to find a million years from now. There are people who are going to want to hear about your life and the wonderful things you did. Let ’em!