Cover Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash
What do you listen to?
Think about that while reading this story.
The other day I wrote: You Are, Or Will What You Read. The idea came to me when a reader of my other stories said she was inspired by what I wrote.
I then realized how much I was also inspired by many other writers and had become what they write about, simply by continually reading their stories.
Last night, as always, I was listening to a podcast on the way home from work. The guest speaker was talking about morning routines, diet, workout, being curious, learning new things, etc.
And everything he said, I was nodding to semi-frantically, probably looking like a deranged person. Or maybe people just thought I was listening to really awesome music!
It’s then I realized that not only did I become what I was reading, but also what I listen to.
Podcasts
Photo Credit: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795?mt=2
About three years ago, I followed a program by Tai Lopez called the 67 Steps. He has since become a controversial person, but his discoveries in the 67 Steps were good. They put me in the right mindset for wanting to change.
Every day, I would listen to one of the Steps while walking to and from work. I did that for about 3 months.
More recently, I’m listening to The Tim Ferriss Show. For those who don’t know the show, Tim is interviewing incredible people in all sorts of fields, ranging from a sex worker to top politicians, and everything in between.
The magic of that show is that each person is so different that you see other perspectives on the same subject. That is very much on purpose. Tim asks the same questions to each person, then adds other more personal questions. He makes them all expose their vulnerabilities and it’s very enriching.
I also started listening to The School Of Greatness, by Lewis Howes, based on a recommendation from a friend. That friend is a fascinating person and I understand how now after listening to what he listens to.
The great thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them whenever you’re doing mundane tasks, like walking to and from work, brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, etc.
I also find that hearing the person’s voice helps it give it more personality and depth as opposed to reading.
Music
Song: Impossible, Album: Unleashed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qTghUgMOeY
Turn up the volume, close your eyes and let the music take over your soul. — http://kushandwizdom.tumblr.com/
I have particular tastes in music. I listen mostly to a variety of metal genres, but the music that inspires me the most is Epic music.
People find that funny. But it works. It puts me in the mood to accomplish things that are out of my comfort zone. I feel more powerful, both physically and mentally.
Anyone else listens to Epic music?
If you watch TV shows like Masterchef, you know the kind of music I’m talking about. You see epic music in trailers and movies all the time. Sometimes in video games as well.
Currently, I’m listening to a lot of Thomas Bergersen and Hans Zimmer. Thomas is one of the two composers from Two Steps From Hell. Hans Zimmer is best known for almost all the best compositions in Hollywood. These two composers are so inspiring to me. Feel free to try out my Thomas Bergersen playlist on Spotify here.
For me, combining violin and french horn just gets me emotionally. By having no lyrics as well, it helps me get into flow state. I can code for hours. I can lift weights longer. I can do more push-ups, etc.
When I listen to epic music, I feel epic.
I know my wife sometimes fuels on songs with powerful, uplifting lyrics. It works for a lot of people. If anyone has good examples of songs with powerful lyrics, feel free to share in the comments.
People Around You
When people talk, listen completely, most people never listen. — Ernest Hemingway
Who do you listen to the most? Who do you go to for advice? Why do you go to them for advice?
Think about that for a minute.
When I think about that, my wife comes to mind immediately. In my mind, she’s so much smarter than me. I go to her for advice on many things. She’s not afraid to tell me the truth. I trust her.
Who tells you the brutal truth? Trust these people. Listen to them.
She does things I want to do. On many points, I want to become her. Listening to her advice is a first step towards that.
When it comes to writing, I listen to the writers around me. People who do it professionally.
When it comes to working out, I listen to people with a similar body type, but have reached the goals I’m looking for. There’s quite a few of them at the gym.
Hear their journey. No one gets to where you want to be without breaking a sweat. Think of them as mentors. Listen to their advice.
Conclusion
Pause for a minute. Take this opportunity to think about what and who you listen to.
Do you see they shape the person you are today or will become tomorrow, just like reading books or Medium stories?
If you don’t currently listen to uplifting podcasts and music, I strongly encourage you to do so. If you don’t listen to other’s advice, please start now.
All that puts you in the right mindset for improving yourself. Improving your life.
What podcasts do you listen to?
What music do you listen to?
Who do you listen to?
Have you become what you listen to? Do you aspire to become what you listen to?
Keep listening to what inspires you and you will become inspiring yourself.
You can do this!
Thanks for reading! :)