Rediscover your natural persistence...

A great excerpt from the 50th Law written by Robert Greene and 50 Cent on persistence and mastering your craft..

This is the dilemma we all face: to accomplish anything worthwhile in life generally takes some time—often in blocks of years. But we are creatures who find it very hard to manage such long periods. We are immersed in the day-to-day; our emotions fluctuate with each encounter. We have immediate desires we are constantly working to satisfy. In that long period of time that we need to reach a goal, we are assailed by a thousand distractions and temptations that seem more interesting. We lose sight of our objectives and end up following some detour. This is the source of so many of the failures in our lives.



To force yourself past any obstacle or temptation, you must be persistent. As children we all had this quality because we were single-minded; you must simply rediscover and redevelop this character trait. First, you must understand the role that your energy level plays in mastering a process and bringing something to completion. If you take on added goals or new tasks, your focus will be broken up and you will never attain what you wanted in the first place. You cannot persist on two or three paths, so avoid that temptation. Second, try breaking things up into smaller blocks of time. You have a large goal, but there are steps along the way, and steps within the steps. These steps represent months instead of years. Reaching these smaller goals gives you a sense of tangible reward and progress. This will make it easier for you to resist any diversions along the way and fearlessly push ahead. Remember: anything will give way to a sustained, persistent attack on your part.

The man behind the beats... AraabMuzik [Video]

Araab discusses his inspirations along with what it takes to make in the new era of hop hop. Great inspiration along with some great beats. A must watch for those on the come up...

 Abraham Orellana, better known as AraabMuzik is an American hip hop record producer of Dominican and Guatemalan descent. From Providence, Rhode Island, he first rose to fame after showcasing his skills of making live beats and instrumentals on a MPC drum machine on the internet. Being known to use MPC, he has the ability to produce rapid, rhythmic drum patterns as well as making melodies using various samples and other sounds all at once. He has worked with artists including Cam'ron and Vado, The Diplomats, Hell Rell, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes and Fabolous amongst many others.  (Source)

On automatic pilot...

‘I was on automatic pilot; ideas for gadgets kept coming, fed by a force of energy flowing through me and around me. I wasn’t really conscious of pausing to eat or sleep, I was caught up in a flurry of activity. I must have been experiencing the same sort or rapture of creation I imagine composers or poets get carried away by when they lose themselves in their work. I forgot about everything else to concentrate on what I was doing. I’d work eighteen-hour stretches and fall asleep in my clothes. Then I’d wake up in the middle of the night, brew a pot of tea, and start work again. I was tired, but work had become pure enjoyment.’ — Trevor Baylis

No Church In The Wild...

Music video by Jay-Z & Kanye West performing No Church In The Wild feat. Frank Ocean & The-Dream. © 2012 Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC

The more you sweat in times of peace, the less you bleed in times of war...

In a world full of chaos and duress, it is estimated that only 10% of animals are true predators. Lions and tigers and such, hunting other animals for survival.  Now if we extrapolate this to humans, that means 10% of us are predators, and the rest among us…..are prey.    This is a very intriguing concept to think about... 

Which leads me to my next memoir, “Excuses are what you give when you got nothing, because you didn’t try everything!”  

Through the years, I have been blessed to be mentored by some very notable men and woman, whom I consider to be renowned in their fields.  Amongst their many preachings, beatings, and epilogues, one of the many correlations noted, happens to be on the execution of patience and practice.  As it is said that, “The more you sweat in times of peace, the less you bleed in times of war!”  

From a Hard Core Philosophy perspective, One must take the time to master oneself, before he/she can even have the privilege to lead others.  There is an old Eastern Philosophy Mindset that concentrates on the art of penetrating and execution, known as Gancui. This simple art concentrates on the discipline of penetrating neatly and completely.  

As there is an old story told by Dr. Lung of a man that was so determined to kill his enemy, that he first practiced thrusting his sword into the wall of his home for almost a decade, practicing his thrust, until he knew his arm and mind were firm enough to do the deed upon battle.  Until one day, after many years of practicing on the wall, his arm and most importantly mind were congruent.   Than the time came upon battle, when the two met eye to eye.  Upon the dual, and with one single strike, the power emitted by the single thrust transcended through the sword and cut through the enemy like a hot knife through butter.  This is the way of the Gancui, the art of execution through practice and patience.

Furthermore, I will end this Hard Core Philosophy perspective with a more serene conclusion.  As the brain always chooses the easiest and quickest path to rationalize on life. One must take note that sometimes the easiest and quickest path is not the felicitous way to go.  In the end, all victory depends on the skill of the single warrior, yourself!  So take the time to master your crafts, before your crafts, and most importantly enemies, master you!   

Ie…check yourself..before your wreck yourself!! , its like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder why we keep from going under. Hahahahaha

Wise words...

The Pursuit Of Cool...

It all started with one quote...

"There is no algorithm to define cool, you just know it when you see it".

From the schoolyard kids to the marketers everybody wants to get close to the cool guy…so what defines cool? R+I Creative presents "The Pursuit Of Cool", a short series about hedonism, sharing and meeting cool people with stories. (Source)

Pharrell Williams... 10 Quotes on Music, Inspiration, Life...

"I'm a student. There's no real way [we do anything]. I'll never say I do it this way or I do it that way because I'm always learning new ways of doing it."

“If you are not curious, that's when your brain is starting to die. And discovering, I think, that's what separates us from the rest of the other species. It's that we discover and pioneer.”

"I would advise them that the world is yours, go out there and get it.  once you get it, watch what you do with it.  everyday is a hurdle.  the fact that God gives me motivation to jump and keep jumping is key.  i believe that education and exposure are important.  you have these kids who aren't exposed to anything.  they set limits.  i say the world does not revolve around you, but it does revolve around the sun.  do you want to be part of the revolution?"

"I'm a nice dude, with some nice dreams."

"In and out of dimensions I walk through walls, just saying you can't put me in a box that's all."

"You treat the air as a canvas and the paint is the chords that come through your fingers, out of the keyboard. So when I'm playing, I'm sort of painting a feeling in the air. I know that might sound corny, but--And when you know it's done, you know it's done. It's like painting or sculpting. When you let it go it's because you know that it's finished. It's completed. And vice versa-it tells you, "Hey, I'm not done."

"So my brain is bursting inside me. Ideas are leaking all over the place. You come on the bus I'm on now, and you might slip on one. "I'm dying right now. Dying, dying, dying."

"I'm kicking ass, shaking ass, breaking ass. I'm watching as they take my ideas and manifest them into something beyond my wildest dreams."

"I love what I do, I love my job. There's no better feeling than just going in and just working with someone and what comes out is something that the world knows about. I can't believe it, still to this day. You never get used to that. You get used to it when you feel like you're an artist. I don't know, the artist thing is not me. I love making music, though. I love playing. The keyboard is my journal."

"I think all music is a gift from God."

10 success tips for young entrepreneurs...

An interesting read for those young moguls on the come up...  (Source)

 
1. Do what you love.

All successful teen businesses have one factor in common: Their owners love what they do - so choose a small business idea that aligns with your interests, no matter what they are.

2. Know what you want.

Are you willing to leave school if your business takes off? Or do you envision your business as a side project? Being able to answer questions like these will help you organize your time and priorities.

3. Be radical...

In your late teens and early 20s, your thinking is fresh, original and full of energy. Don't be afraid to try something no one's ever done, create an off-the-wall product or shake up an existing market by changing factors (such as a service or delivery model) that established companies take for granted.

4. ... but follow the rules.
Being a young entrepreneur doesn't exempt you from registering your business, keeping records and paying taxes. Following these simple rules now will save you from legal and administrative headaches later.

5. Manage your time.

Running a business while going to school is stressful and difficult. Understand what is required of you in your separate roles as a student and a business owner, and employ planning and organizational tools - for example, a well-maintained appointment book, Microsoft Outlook or an online time/project management system - to make the most of your time.

6. Use school resources.

Being a student isn't a handicap in business; on the contrary, it can be an advantage. Your campus offers free computers and Internet connectivity, a host of potential employees and/or volunteers and the expertise of professors who would be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. You're literally surrounded by people and resources, so make the most of your situation.

7. Find a mentor.

Buddy up with a local entrepreneur or business leader with a record of achievement to be your small business mentor. Your mentor will help you understand the risks and challenges of business, provide a sounding board for your ideas and help you find investors for your company.

8. Exploit online resources.

Your computer can connect you to hundreds of online resources for young entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in these resources; they'll help to inspire, direct and motivate you.

9. Be good to yourself.

Regardless of how organized and enthusiastic you are, some days will overwhelm you. Don't be afraid to step back from work and do whatever relaxes you. Whether it's the endorphin rush of exercise, the lively company of good friends or a quiet day of meditation on the beach, take advantage of opportunities to invigorate yourself and balance your responsibilities with relaxation.

10. Check your mentality.

One of the problems that can afflict young entrepreneurs is a mental block against, as Nike might say, just doing it. We've all been raised on stories of Internet billionaires, wealthy young actors and other tales of spectacular overnight success. Knowing how well other people have done in business and how quickly they've scaled the mountain is demotivating. It can make some young entrepreneurs lose confidence and feel as if they don't want to get started on a business unless it's going to be the next YouTube.

This is a self-defeating mentality. Combat it by reminding yourself that you're not competing against anyone but yourself. Do whatever it is that you can do today, whether that means tutoring, designing T-shirts or building online communities. The important thing is to get your feet wet - not to take over the business world.

The bottom line is that your student days are ripe with entrepreneurship opportunities. You may never again have the energy, resources or motivation to start your business, so get to work.

Steve Aoki - Avant/Garde Diaries [Interview]...

Steve Aoki - Spirit Shaped by Music (Source)

The essential qualities of a General...

"The commander [in battle] must trust his judgment and stand like a rock on which the waves break in vain. It is not an easy thing to do." -Clausewitz, On War

An excerpt from Clausewitz, On War...


...If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth: and second, the courage to follow this first light wherever it may lead. The first of these qualities is described by the French term coup d'oeil, the second is determination.... 

...The essential qualities for a general will always be as follows: First, A high moral courage, capable of great resolutions. Secondly, A physical courage which takes no account of danger. His scientific or military acquirements are secondary to the above-mentioned characteristics, though if great they will be valuable auxiliaries. It is not necessary that he should be a man of vast erudition. His knowledge may be limited, but should be thorough, and he should be perfectly grounded in the principles in the base of the art of war. Next in importance come the qualities of his personal character. A man who is gallant, just, firm, upright, capable of esteeming merit in others instead of being jealous of it, and skillful in making this merit conduce to his own glory, will always be a good general, and may even pass for a great man. Unfortunately, the disposition to do justice to merit in others is not the most common quality.... 

...Only those general principles and attitudes that result from clear and deep understanding can provide a comprehensive guide to action. It is to these that opinions on specific problems should be anchored. The difficulty is to hold fast to these results in the torrent of events and new opinions. Often there is a gap between principles and actual events that cannot always be bridged by a succession of logical deductions. Then a measure of self-confidence is needed, and a degree of skepticism is also salutary. Frequently nothing short of an imperative principle will suffice, which is not part of the immediate thought-process, but dominates it: that principle is in all doubtful cases to stick to one's first opinion and to refuse to change unless forced to do so by a clear conviction. A strong faith in the overriding truth of tested principles is needed; the vividness of transient impressions must not make us forget that such truth as they contain is of a lesser stamp. By giving precedence, in case of doubt, to our earlier convictions, by holding to them stubbornly, our actions acquire that quality of steadiness and consistency which is termed strength of character ...

A dream is your creative vision...

"A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown." Dennis Waitley

 

The key question...

"The key question isn't 'What fosters creativity?' But it is why in God's name isn't everyone creative? Where was the human potential lost? How was it crippled? I think therefore a good question might be not why do people create, but why do people not create." - Abraham Maslow

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying...

An excerpt from Bronnie Wares book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A life transformed by the dearly departing... (Source) 
 

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way.

From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard – This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship.

Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings – Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends – Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier
This is a surprisingly common one.

Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.
They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
 

My #1 piece of advice...

 

"Persistence, persistence, persistence. That's my #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs. I’m surprised at how few entrepreneurs follow up.  I’ll see them a year later and they’ll say, 'You weren’t interested,’ and I’ll say, 'How do you know? I'm not trying to excuse myself, but it’s really hard to have portfolio companies, respond to so many emails in a day, and still have two kids and a wife..... If you try once and give up, you don't have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You'll never succeed in sales or business development." - VC Mark Suster

Something Ventured *Trailer* Venture Capital...

"Everything comes from the entrepreneurs. I tend to look for scrappy people who were not born with a silver spoon. They're also people who aren't motivated by an unhealthy desire to stick their finger up at establishments. "- VC Mark Suster

Something Ventured is a documentary film about the original venture capitalists and the companies they helped to start and grow--like Apple, Intel, Genentech, Cisco, Tandem and Atari.

Every human being has...

"Every human being has a work to carry on within, duties to perform abroad, influence to exert, which are peculiarly his, and which no conscience but his own can teach." ~ William Ellery Channing