As we work through the hustle and bustle of our 20s, it's easy to lose steam as we push towards our goals. We live in era where gratification has seemingly become instant, so it's not too far-fetched to believe success will come just as quickly. That, however, is not reality, and even the best of us can use a reminder of just how important doing the work is from time to time. As I continue to try and figure things out, I recently came across an interview Complex did on radio legend and life-coach (I added that part) Angie Martinez, and it was a great crash-course in what it means to put up, or shut up.
In the three-part interview, which I strongly suggest you watch if you're a fan of Hip Hop, women's empowerment, or just need to hear no-nonsense pep talk, Angie drops a slew of gems as she gives a condensed history lesson about her career in radio. While I'm well aware of her history, having read her autobiography My Life when it first came out, to see just how hard this woman has worked to build and maintain her longevity, is enough to kick anybodies ass into high-gear.
Of the many things Angie touched on, one quote that rippled through me came when she said "you can't be afraid to be wack." This quote came about as Angie spoke on her initial entry as an on-air personality, and how her preparedness in learning the ins and outs of radio allowed her to be ready when the opportunity to try her hand at hosting, presented itself. That portion of the interview triggered something inside me, and caused me to question if I was I working up to my fullest Kevin Hart (every unit of work should be rated lazy to Kevin Hart. I'm putting this on the ballot).
I'm not a lazy person, but I have to be honest in saying there some days where I just don't got it. It's been two years since I've walked across the stage, but there are moments where I don't feel any closer to accomplishing my goals now, than I did back then. Those feelings can quickly turn into seeds of depression, and before you know it I'm laid out on the bed, swimming in a pool of self-loathing
I don't want to come off as someone in a perpetual state of self-doubting, because there are a number of accomplishments that I applaud myself for. Finish college? Done. Move out the house? Complete. Get a job (or in my case jobs)? Check. I mean for all intents and purpose I'm doing exactly what's expected of people in my age group are supposed to do; a young man in his mid 20s, just grinding away like everyone else. Yet in still, while listening to Angie talk about her rise through the ranks, and seeing how diligent she continues to be in her work, I began to ruminate about my own work ethic and how it played into the goals I hope to achieve. My conclusion, I'm hustling at about a 4; the presence is there, but..eh, which brings me back to the interview.
Angie's 27 minute sit-down covered the important markers that have helped define her career thus far (though if you want to know the good s**t, you need to pick up her book. Good. As. Hell). However, it was the tidbits of advice sprinkled throughout the interview, that makes the nearly half hour that it takes to watch it, worth it. The section that stuck out to me most, occurred during the second segment of the interview, where Angie was able to lay out some fast-facts that anyone can use, as they look for guidance in working smarter toward their goals.
1. Don't Fear Failure.
The idea that you have to start somewhere, isn't new, but it often bares repeating. One of the most crucial lessons Angie dispensed occurred when she said "if you never give yourself the permission, to be wack at something, you'll never learn anything new. You can't be great out the box. You have to be wack at first." Too often we find ourselves scared to branch out and try something new, or become stuck in a routine due to a fear of deviating from the what we know. The truth is, no one starts out the gate running. Failures will happen, but that can't be the determining factor in whether or not we attempt something new. Starting this blog scares the hell out of me, because it's such a public format. But, I know I would have hated myself even more had I not tried, so I'm taking a stab at it and seeing where it lands. I haven't fallen flat just yet so fingers crossed I can keep this up.
2. Take the Initiative
Showing up is one thing, but to put in the work is entirely different. Angie mused on how during her early tenure, she essentially became self-taught in how to connect with her audience in way that was entirely her own. As she sat alone in the studio and cut together listener calls, Angie was able to utilize that time to approach her audience in way that was authentic to her, and consequently, sounded good on-air. As Angie put it, "when you're building something, [and] when you're starting something, it's much easier to take a chance [because] there's not a lot of expectation." It was that mindset that allowed her to grow into her brand. By establishing her own blueprint, Angie was able to pave an individualized path to success, which the powers that be noticed. It's a great lesson in the importance of not being afraid to create a path where you see fit, and leads to the next gem that was dropped.
3. Find Your Voice
Few things seem to be as critical in the development of your 20s, as developing your voice. Whether it's being on the radio like Angie, or making sure your opinion is heard at a company meeting, finding your voice is crucial to aiding in establishing your trajectory. It allows you to find your power, and alerts those around of your presence. For Angie, finding her voice meant becoming a part of the conversation, and it's a lesson that 20 somethings worldwide can hold on to. Our voice should never necessarily take precedent over the voices of others, but to say our voices aren't the ones that will pave the future would be a lie. Realize your viewpoint, your voice, is an integral portion of who you are, and should be cultivated and strengthened, not the other way around. Finding your voice lends itself to helping you unravel different parts yourself, and segues into the final piece of advice.
4. Expand Your Vision
In the midst of attempting to sustain our livelihood, It's hard at times to stop and take in the view of the landscape. However, in my opinion, that's one of the joys of being in your 20s, and serves a huge role in allowing us the chance to evolve and grow. We have the prime opportunity to visualize an almost limitless number of possibilities, so why not do it. Angie notes the moments that she began to realize just how grand of an impact her work was making, stating "that was a transition for me, in terms of what I did. I didn't look at it so small anymore. I started, kind of, taking stock." With Angie being able pause for a moment, it allowed her to really assess her current state, and analyze exactly where she was at, and what she was hoping to accomplish. So often we become engrossed in this constant notion of forward movement, that we don't take the time to really assess our own situations. By doing this, it allows us not only see the past progress that was made, but helps us course correct towards a better, more productive, future.
As someone who works in radio, I often turn towards the veterans in my field for guidance, and Angie Martinez, whether she knows it or not, is one of those people. The desire she has to succeed is infectious, and it becomes a prime case study of sustainability and adaptability. Above anything that I took from this interview, it showed me there is a quiet power in taking a bare bones approach to growth, and it's one I will be doubling-down on in the months to follow. So whenever you're in need of a little life-coaching, remember to engage your own voice, be sure too pause for minute in order to take stock, and don't be afraid to be "wack."