BLOG #22
We take in so much media every day whether it’s scrolling through Twitter or Instagram feeds, listening to music, or turning on a podcast on your commute to work. How much control do we have over the media we take in? I say we have more control than we might think. Ultimately, it is the things we take in and words we consume that shape who we are. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the media we listen to. Ask yourself whether or not the media you are spending time on is adding value to you. Is it improving your life in any way? Does it provoke you to think differently? Does it motivate you to take some kind of action? We are the sum of the people we spend the most time around. Just like the people, we keep close; music, social media, podcasts, YouTube videos, television, and many other outlets in today’s culture have a huge effect on our productivity and our mindset. You are what you listen to. Don’t forget that. Consume the things that interest you, provoke feeling, and help you learn every day. Forget about the drama, the number of likes you get on a post, or finding answers in the top 50 music charts. Find outlets that are meaningful and powerful to your everyday development.
“I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. “ – Roald Dahl
Have you ever fallen in love with a new song and can’t stop playing it? I get in those modes where I get hooked on a song and I have to play it as loud and often as possible. I will get out of work on Friday and I will blast this new song on maximum volume with all the windows down and I am immediately in the mood of I can do anything and I am on top of the world. I think that mindset is something that doesn’t just pertain to music, but it involves every aspect of your life. If you are passionate about something or you’re talented at some skill, you have to have that same intensity of finding a new song. Play it loud, and play it often! Don’t be afraid to show people what you are capable of. Don’t be afraid to say things that you believe strongly about. You have to keep going at that high level of intensity and conviction with the ability to embrace every challenge thrown your way. Be proud of who you are and wear your heart on your sleeve with no shame or self-doubt. Do everything at maximum volume and roll your windows down so everyone can hear.
Music and media are powerful tools. Use them as motivation. Use them to make a change or promote your brand and beliefs. Listen to new music every day and save the ones that speak to you on a discovery playlist. Some of the bands that I love are the Lumineers, The Head and The Heart, Dispatch, Vance Joy, Hozier, Mt. Joy, Leon Bridges, and Quinn XCII. There are so many bands and artists that go unnoticed because they don’t fit the mold of “mainstream music.” Find the bands that speak to you and build your playlist. This playlist will come in handy on long car rides, when you need a boost of motivation to get some work done, or when you are hanging out with friends by a bonfire. You are what you listen to. Play it loud and play it often. Be proud of what makes you tick and share it with the people you care about.