Hip Hop Wisdom Lesson #15: Don’t Try Too Hard

In life, emergencies occur naturally. However, do not create emergencies for yourself by planning poorly. Because when you plan poorly, you tend to create an unhealthy sense of desperation. And unhealthy desperation can lead to mistakes, errors in judgment, moral decay, frustration, and the burning of bridges. The circumstances mentioned in the preceding sentence are absolute wastes of time and can be goal killers.

You are not guaranteed a second chance to accomplish a goal or plan if you do something foolish to stop your momentum. There are plenty of examples of talented people that are rotting in jail or even worse dead because they had an unhealthy sense of desperation. One wrong lapse in judgment and everything you’ve worked so hard for can be gone instantly. It is almost always harder to build something than it is to destroy it.

Every time you have a setback you are increasing the amount of effort you have to put into something. Are setbacks completely unavoidable, no. However, always be conscious of the ones you can personally avoid. Because when you create setbacks for yourself the amount of time and effort to get back on track is compounded. Usually, when unforeseen or uncontrollable setbacks occur, it is easier to reset and regain your energy. Either way, when setbacks do happen, always be quick to eliminate any self doubt or insecurities. Be like Tom Brady when he threw an interception; forget it, move on, and be ready to shine when the ball is back in your hands.

That’s why pace is important. Avoid moving at a pace you are uncomfortable with if you can. If you are forced to move at a faster rate, have a clear understanding of all the objectives you need to meet and any external obstacles you may be faced with. Most importantly, know your own limitations. Remember, if you are faced with doing something you have never done before, the chances of you failing are relatively high. The good news is there are avenues you can use to get the training you need to get up to speed.

Unless you are met with an extreme emergency situation, do not jump head first into something without the proper knowledge. Know the rules of the game you are playing before you play. Lack of knowledge is never an excuse. The more you know about something, the more likely you are to successfully execute when you apply what you know. Also, never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Ask for help when needed.

The key to life or any endeavor you decide to undertake is to minimize complications. Complications equal an increase in energy exertion. Unnecessary use of energy causes physical and mental ailments that can be detrimental to your future. Alleviate any potential health risks by preparing yourself as much as possible before embarking on your chosen path.

The following is a list of suggestions that can help you minimize your input, and yet maximize your output:

• Minimize surprises through preparedness

• Study the actions of others in similar situations

• Be more conservative fiscally

• Be more proactive and less reactive

• Tweak plans when necessary

• Utilize your strengths to get ahead

• Practice delayed gratification

• Seek high success rates over perfection

• Always look for opportunities to increase your cash flow