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Success Advice

The Music You’re Listening to Is Keeping You Broke

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In 2015, the recording industry brought in just over 15 billion dollars in revenue. The music industry as a whole is constantly updating and shifting to accommodate the latest updates in trends. From vinyl to cassette tapes then cd’s to digital downloads (and a few other developments along the way). The music industry has learned how to adapt with culture and actually play a part in leading it.

Though most don’t want to hear it, humans operate with a herd mentality. New fashion comes out, we rush to buy it. New technology comes out, we wait in line for hours, sometimes days, to get it. It’s kind of like “monkey see, monkey do”. Now this is not meant to be offensive, but to help you break free from one of the things that is holding you back from success in life.

The music industry, in order to stay relevant, must adopt culture into music to keep people engaged. The artists sing about current events, their lives, what distracts them from their lives, and the ups and the downs. During the 60’s the most popular artists were Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley.

The 1960’s was the time of the Vietnam War as well as the fight for Civil Rights. A lot of the music of this era told of drugs, war, and prejudice. Music reflects society and society reflects what we see in the media. We listen to the songs and we sing along, as we do so, we teach our brain to agree with the words we are reciting.

Be careful what you’re feeding your brain

It is a common belief, proved by science, that what you think — you become. Your brain is a web of trees and those trees grow based off of thoughts that you allow yourself to believe and what you choose to not believe.

The damaging thing about the cycle with the media, the music industry, and society is this: The media will set the standard of how we should see the world and society reflects those standards.

Societies standards are picked up by the music industry and the media publishes it. When you sing along to songs like “Billionaire” by Bruno Mars that says, “Toss a couple milli in the air just for the heck of it.” Or “Time Of Our Lives” By Pitbull sings, “I knew my rent was gon’ be late ‘bout a week ago… This is the last $20 I got. But I’mma have a good time ballin’ or out.”

Songs like these, and so many more, depict people being reckless with their money and choosing to go out instead of hustling harder to pay the bills. Song after song on today’s popular channels sing of money — spending it frivolously, of women — in a degrading manner, and of drugs — as a norm.

“Don’t let the opinions of the average man sway you. Dream, and he thinks you’re crazy. Succeed, and he thinks you’re lucky…Pay no attention. He simply doesn’t understand” – Robert Allen

Singing is good for the soul

An article in Times Magazine describes how healthy it is to sing. “When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape.” Singing along with songs in general can be healthy for you, science proves that songs and what you speak has an impact on how you think.

If you have noticed that you want to change your thoughts, you need to change what you are exposing yourself to. According to Dave Ramsey, “63% of the wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work vs. 5% of poor people.” Why do you think the wealthy listen to audio books whereas only 5% of the poor do? Do you want to act like the poor or do you want to act like the wealthy?

I’ve said this many times, you are what you eat. If you want to be rich and you want to be successful, you have to surround yourself with tools that will get you there. Cut out the negative music, cut out the BS television, the negative friends, and the thoughts that are holding you back.

Listen to podcasts and audiobooks and surround yourself with people that will push you to be successful and grow, not people who will encourage you to stay broke.

“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.” – Plato

What are you listening to today that is setting you up for a better future? Leave your thoughts below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

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Success Advice

11 Mark Manson Lessons That’ll Redefine Success in the Digital Age

Success in the digital age isn’t about hacks, it’s about the raw, real lessons Mark Manson actually lives by.

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In 2016, Mark Manson released The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a brutally honest, thought-provoking book that redefined self-help for a new generation. (more…)

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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