Hip Hop Wisdom Lesson #14: Execute Your Plans

As long as I have known about Hip Hop, being honest has been one of its foundational requirements. Although many artists that proclaim to be Hip Hop have been exposed as liars to some degree or another, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Hip Hop requires truth from its constituents. Phrases like ‘keep it real’, ‘word is bond’, ‘don’t talk about it, be about it’, ‘stand on business’, etc., have been the calling cards of so many Hip Hop heads throughout the history of the game.

Therefore, as a budding Hip Hop Culturist, it is important that when you give your word, especially to yourself via goals and plans, keep it. The worst person you can ever lie to is yourself. So, when you make plans, be diligent in executing them, seeing them come to fruition. Like the phrase Malcolm X made popular, “By any means necessary.”

When executing your plans to full fruition you are building confidence and momentum. That means the next goal you set or the next plan you want to carry out will be easier to achieve. And so on and so forth. Never take your plans lightly and never allow your plans to remain idle. Doing a little daily to see your plans through is better than burning yourself out by doing a lot in short bursts. Now, if you have a last minute deadline or an emergency, then do what’s necessary. Otherwise, give yourself as much time as needed to complete your plans.

However, have systems in place that will hold you responsible to cross the finish line. Purchase a calendar, a dry erase board, set alerts or find an accountability partner to constantly be a reminder of your pending deadlines. Lock in and focus on the benefit intrinsic to completing your projects. All plans have value, both to you and others. Sometimes the value your plans represent for others is greater than the usefulness they have to you. For instance, if you are an advocate for ending homelessness, any procrastination on your behalf negatively affects the unhoused population.

We all do things for selfish reasons, yet the bigger picture should always remain at the forefront of your mind. So, the next time you act out of self interest, try to think ahead and see how your actions will affect others. I liken it to when your parents reminded you to clean up after yourself. Because when you don’t clean up what you mess up, especially in public spaces or in the workplace, it has a negative effect on others. Have you ever been on a road trip or at the airport and walked into a filthy restroom when you had to go really bad? No one likes that feeling; therefore, strive to be the person that leaves things equal to or greater than how you found it. Never add to the chaos.

Always finish what you start. Even if it’s something you kicked off years ago and abandoned. If it has any value to you or others, it’s worth completing. Prioritize it in your modern life and accomplish it when you can. Avoid regret at all costs. I know a man that’s a retired police officer who did good things for the community; however, he often regrets not following his dream of being a professional stuntman in the film and TV industry. Although he’s still healthy and in good physical condition, he no longer sees a path for himself to be a stunt double. I once suggested to him that he could be a production consultant for feature films that used police storylines.

In closing, where there’s a will there’s a way. It’s not just a cliche, it's actually a factual statement. It’s up to you to ensure your will is greater than any obstacles you may face. In order to stay focused on completing your journey, here are some suggestions that may help:

• Fully commit to achieving the goals you set

• Minimize any distractions

• Eliminate or limit any drug or alcohol use

• Communicate the sense of urgency of your plans to those you care about

• Identify and overcome any addictions or bad habits

• Avoid burnout by pacing yourself

• Seek external help if you need it

• Aim to stay under budget for any costs you need to incur

• Learn from others that did something similar to what you’re doing

• Remain optimistic and keep pushing if you miss any targets

• Never give up

• Eat as healthy as possible and get as much rest as possible

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated