Hope To Happiness

You Did What!?

A few weeks ago I made a split second decision to quit my full-time job and go fully independent. I gave the company a few weeks notice and this was my first week on my own.

With most decisions I try to weigh my options, putting myself in a position to have all the necessary information to make the right choice. This type of thinking works for many things, but can paralyze you in situations where a quick decision is the best path. Any decently intelligent person can figure out a rationalization to continue with self-destructive behavior, so we must figure out how to get out of this mindset when necessary.

In this case, I made a decision based on my gut. I’ve had a passion for entrepreneurship since the days of downloading and selling And1 mixtape DVDs to people on eBay (thanks Phin Barnes) when I was 12. With one failed startup under my belt (hip hop outreach/events company in college), I knew I had enough experience and ability to make something work. More importantly, though, is the need to know that I tried. I don’t think I could live with myself 50 years from now knowing that I had all these creative business ideas and a passion to leave the world improved, but didn’t try them out because I was too scared to walk out on my own. It is comforting to know that there are many others who face the same feelings and employ this advice. 

Fear can rule you or push you to action. Situations that invoke this fight or flight response are the ones that truly define who we are. I have no real savings and a ton of debt (yay college and failed startup!), but I wouldn’t let those things stop me from reaching for that which is within my grasp. Luckily for me, there are some really really good people who are helping me with gigs, places to stay, and general support. I’m lucky to know and work with these people.

So what’s next? My last company had as our tagline “Passion Through Music”. I hope to rekindle my passion for music and its ability to unite cultures, channeling this energy into creating some innovative solutions for the music industry. There are some parts of the industry that are completely broken, and someone must make an attempt to fix them. Songsicle is one such product that I hope to fully reveal soon. Just remember it is all part of a greater vision of how we can use music to communicate, inspire, and impact lives.

So who’s coming with me?