Added: Aug 30, 2023
In this podcast episode, renowned singer-songwriter Jason Derulo shares valuable insights on various aspects of success and achieving one's dreams. He emphasizes the importance of choosing your competition wisely, the significance of routine, the power of collaboration, and the nature of success itself. Derulo's experiences as a musician, entrepreneur, and performer provide a unique perspective on these subjects.Choosing Your Competition
Derulo emphasizes the importance of competition and how it should be approached. He advises against competing with the people around you and instead suggests competing with the person who is already doing what you want to do at the highest level. He encourages individuals to strive to one-up their competition and push themselves to achieve more. For example, if someone is posting two videos a day, Derulo suggests posting three videos a day. He believes that setting a high standard and constantly working to surpass it is essential for success.
Derulo explains that by setting the bar too low and only comparing oneself to those in close proximity, individuals limit their potential. He uses the analogy of his son being a golfer and how he advised him not to compete against his teammates or conference rivals, but rather against golfers from around the world who are working tirelessly to improve their skills. Derulo emphasizes the need to work hard, have routines, and constantly strive to be better than the competition.
The Importance of Routine
Derulo attributes a significant part of his success to his adherence to a routine. He shares how, during a challenging period in his life when he broke his C2 vertebrae, he relied on a strict routine to maintain focus and productivity. By waking up at the same time every day, dedicating specific hours to his craft, and persisting even on days when he didn't feel creative, Derulo was able to achieve remarkable results. He emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of routine and the discipline required to stick to it.
The Power of Collaboration
Derulo discusses the value of collaboration in both music and business. He shares how he has collaborated with various producers and songwriters, often taking chances on individuals who had never had a hit before. By being open to working with different people, Derulo believes that creativity can flourish, leading to unexpected successes. He also highlights the importance of finding like-minded individuals in business collaborations, where each party can contribute and learn from one another.
Success is Rented, Not Owned
Derulo challenges the notion that success is a permanent state. He asserts that success is not something one can possess indefinitely but rather something that must be continually earned and maintained. He emphasizes the need to keep pushing oneself, as there will always be someone younger and more driven waiting to take one's place. Derulo's perspective on success encourages individuals to remain humble, continuously learn, and strive for personal growth.
Criticism
Derulo acknowledges that criticism is inevitable, especially for those who are successful and in the public eye. He mentions how even popular figures like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber face constant criticism. However, he believes that criticism can be valuable if one is willing to find the light within it. He shares his personal experience of receiving criticism for using autotune in his music and how he used it as an opportunity to showcase his singing abilities without relying on autotune. Derulo encourages individuals to view criticism as a chance for growth and improvement rather than letting it discourage them.
Following Your Dream
When asked about advice for someone who has a dream but is unsure where to begin, Derulo suggests studying successful individuals who are already doing what they aspire to do. He advises finding someone who is closest to who they want to become and learning from their journey. By studying their actions, routes, and strategies, individuals can gain valuable insights and implement them in their own lives. Derulo emphasizes the importance of putting in the work and constantly striving to improve. He shares a personal anecdote about challenging his nephew to take more basketball shots each day, using the example of Stephen Curry's work ethic to inspire him.
Implementing Principles
Derulo highlights the importance of principles and how they can be applied in various aspects of life. He mentions that certain principles are universal and can be implemented in different areas, such as music, social media, and business. He encourages individuals to identify these principles and apply them to their own lives. Derulo believes that principles provide a foundation for success and can help individuals reach their full potential.
Studying Successful Individuals
Derulo emphasizes the value of studying successful individuals and learning from their experiences. He suggests finding someone who is already excelling in the desired field and studying their journey, actions, and strategies. By doing so, individuals can gain valuable insights and apply them to their own lives. Derulo shares his personal experience of implementing feedback and criticism he received and how it helped him grow as an artist. He encourages individuals to look up to those who have achieved success and strive to surpass them.