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What We Learned From Prince
April 27, 2016
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As we mourn the loss of one of the most innovative and creative artists in the history of music, it's worthwhile to not only go back and appreciate Prince's catalog of hits, but to also understand what it was that helped him reach the very top of his profession in the first place.
In a 2015 interview, he offered this quote:
"Larry King asked me once, didn't you need a record company to make it [in the music business]? But that has nothing to do with it. I was well known starting out, we had a great band and every time we played, we got better. We also had studio work, so the more we recorded the better we got. This is what you've got to do, and if you've got great folk around you and a good teacher, you're going to excel at it.
There is so much in here that we can learn from, no matter what our goals are.
First, It's not just good enough to have a natural gift. You have to put in the work. Prince didn't get a major record label deal by simply being a virtuoso musician. He didn't come up in an age where he could make a YouTube video and wait to be noticed. He and his band played the small clubs. They kept showing up in the studio and working to master their craft. They took small action steps every day, knowing that a plan without action is only a daydream.
Secondly, he said you must have "great folk around you." This is a vitally important piece as you work towards creating the life that you want.
As Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the 5 people who you spend the most time with."
Are you surrounded by a tribe of people who elevate you and inspire you? Do they push you to be your best?
Most people who complain about feeling "stuck" in their life happen to be surrounded by negative people who focus on what's not working instead of what's right.
If you are unsure whether you have the right support system, ask yourself if you feel uncomfortable sharing the highest vision of your life with your social circle? Are you holding back out of fear of being judged? Will they tell you that your dreams can't be achieved? Will they not even pay attention to you and redirect the conversation back to their own problems? If so, it's time to find a different tribe.
Third, Prince also talked about having a good teacher. Whether we want to learn a musical instrument, start a business, or simply connect to our purpose, it requires having a mentor who has already accomplished what it is that you seek.
How many times do we seek advice from people with no success in the area where we need help? How many times have you listened to relationship advice from your friend who can't ever seem to have a stable relationship of their own? You need someone who has already walked the road you are traveling to help you navigate the path.
If you are an entrepreneur, find a successful business coach to help you grow your idea into a profitable career. Are you looking for that ever elusive sense of purpose? Find a life coach to help you move towards your dreams. Just find someone who knows what they are talking about.
As Tony Robbins says, "success leaves clues." By studying the habits of the world's top performers, we can build a blueprint to help us achieve the highest levels of success in our own lives.
Would you like free, weekly self-development training emails delivered to your inbox every Sunday? Sing up for FREE at www.creativesoulcoaching.net. While you are there, claim a free, private, 25-minute Creative Breakthrough Coaching Session. The offer is good for the first 5 All Access readers to contact me through the website.
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