• How To Get Something From Nothing

    in Motivational Minutes,Self-Improvement

    Today’s post isn’t directly about music but anything you aspire to achieve in life.

    In most pursuits, you’ll probably start with nothing. Heck, if you’re like me, you’ll start with less than nothing.

    Well no, I actually take that back because we ALL START WITH SOMETHING… so, I admit, the title of this post is a little misleading.

    On the surface, it’s easy to see “nothing.” But there’s always something there.

    For me, growing up in the inner city of Long Beach, CA, most would say I started with nothing (and I’ve been guilty of this) but as I ponder it, I had MORE than enough.

    I had a loving mother and grandma who sheltered me from the mean streets. I had a church community that loved and supported me. I had a gift to learn fast, which included teaching myself piano at 7 years old. And I had a knack for talking. I was always the one picked to represent the group in class.

    It’s not surprising that what I do today encompasses all those strengths. Purposefully or not, I found something that harnessed everything I was good at.

    I think a lot of people find themselves in situations, careers, and endeavors that don’t complement what they’re already good at.

    I subscribe to the “fix your weaknesses” ideology to some extent, but I’d far rather build up my strengths and team up with or have people around me who are strong where I am weak. That way, you get exponentially better at what you do great… and you let those around you get great at what they like doing.

    When you have passion (what I call “The P Factor”) for something, you’ll never go wrong. (With that said, the endeavor has to be worthwhile but assuming it is, passion will keep you there trying and trying again until SOMETHING HAPPENS).

    So when people ask me for advice, I always try to pinpoint what they are already good at and more so passionate about because where there is passion, everything else will fall in line.

    But passion can’t exist without ACTION. And if you’re truly passionate about something, you’ll take action to learn everything you can about it… to do everything in your power to get better at it… to strive for excellence… to live it, breathe it, daydream about it, envision yourself doing it at your best.

    On another note, imagine if someone gave you $1,440.00 everyday. You don’t have to ask for it. In many cases, you don’t deserve it but it keeps coming anyway… everyday, none stop — $1,440.00 (…a lot of money right?)

    The only kicker: You have to spend it because it won’t “rollover” to the next day. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

    Would you find a way to spend it… give it away to someone who needs it… put it to [good] use?

    Well, we do get 1,440 minutes a day but most squander it. And unfortunately, when it’s gone, it’s gone.

    Yet if time were money (like many people say it is), why don’t we treat it the same way?

    When it comes to your dreams, goals, aspirations in relation to others, TIME is the common denominator. We all have the same amount — no more, no less. So if “they” can do it with the time they have, you can too!

    So if you truly want to get “something” from “nothing,” assessing your strengths, being passionate, taking action, and being cognizant of time is where it all starts.

    Gotta go!

    JG

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    Hi, I'm Jermaine Griggs, founder of this site. We teach people how to express themselves through the language of music. Just as you talk and listen freely, music can be enjoyed and played in the same way... if you know the rules of the "language!" I started this site at 17 years old in August 2000 and more than a decade later, we've helped literally millions of musicians along the way. Enjoy!




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