How Does Music Motivate You?
I love music! I have loved it since I received my first cassette tape (oh wow) when I was ten years old. That Christmas I received a ghetto blaster too, and my love for music was solidified. My wife is always amazed at the “UBI” (Useless Bits of Information) that I know about music. But when you love something, you are a sponge for every little detail!
Family, sports and my career are the most important things in my life, but my passion for music is not far behind. If I had more time, I would go to a concert per week, and travel the outdoor music festival circuit all summer. Getting together with friends under blue skies and the stars to bond and watch incredible music have provided me with some of the greatest memories in my life.
I have connected with many people who have the same passion for music. I have been an active participant in Paul Castain’s LinkedIn Group called “Sales Playbook!” for well over a year now. I have enjoyed posting discussion questions during that time, with two of those threads being very specific to music. The number of comments posted, and the depth of the discussion far exceeded the results that I have received on any other question! People apparently love to talk about music!
Three years ago, I had a one hour drive to work, and I listened to a lot of music on the open highways. I soon realized that I did not have all of my favourite music on a specific iTunes Mix. I had to fiddle with my iPod while driving (now that would result in a distracted driving ticket if caught). I was experiencing some work challenges and my attitude was all over the map. I needed something to help me get back on track at a moment’s notice, or even get me pumped up to a higher level than I already was.
The result was the “Get It Done Mix”. I wanted the title, and not just the music, to have meaning. Every time I looked at my iPod, I would see the words, and it would subconsciously help get me going too.
I am not here to tell you what to call your favourite mix, or what kinds of music to put on it. My point is that if you love music, YOU NEED ONE, if you don’t already have one. Only you will know what feels right. My rule with the “Get It Done Mix” is to never skip a song. If it is all of your favourite tunes, there will be no need to skip!
The nice thing about current technology is that you can add to your mix as you discover more music that you love. Don’t worry about making the “perfect” list, just get one started and let it evolve over time as you discover (or remember) songs that pump you up! If you are as passionate about music as I am, you can connect certain songs to very specific times in your life. Focus on the times that made you very happy, and make darn sure that those songs are on your mix!
When I first checked out Paul Castain’s website ( www.yoursalesplaybook.com ) I went directly to his “Playlist for the Aspiring Sales Rock Star”. I was initially drawn to him by his love for music. I soon realized that his sales content and messages for life were second to none as well! Paul provides incredible suggestions for a music mix if you want to check it out at:
The sales profession and business in general can be very demanding. Incredible swings in emotion can happen even hourly. I do not know how many times that I have played my mix over the years when I needed a pick me up, or to take me to another level of awesome. While driving, I recommend taking some deep breaths to help relax you if the mix is being used at that moment to calm you down!
The true test if your music mix is working may occur when you are driving. If the people in the car next to you catch you singing, drumming on the steering wheel, or nodding your head to the beat, then my mission is complete!
What songs MUST be on your playlist?
Wanna talk music and take a break during your busy day? Stop by the best place to talk music on LinkedIn – The Daily Music Sanctuary. Paul Castain has given myself and my good friend Roger Demas the incredible opportunity to oversee this group. We have met many fantastic people, and are having a blast. Hope to see you there soon!
Posted on July 24, 2013, in Motivation, Music, Rewind, Success and tagged Blogging, Daily Music Sanctuary, LinkedIn, Personal Development, Wordpress, Your Sales Playbook. Bookmark the permalink. 10 Comments.
Sell, Lead, Succeed! 
Tim,
It’s funny how great minds think alike! I was actually contemplating a blog post on this very topic. Music plays an important role in all of our lives and it can set the tone and the mood for whatever you are doing. I have multiple “Get it Done Music Mix” playlist that set the mood for what needs to be done.
Great post and that’s for sharing!
As Paul Castain might say “Rock on DUDE”!
Hey thanks for your comments Bruce! I really appreciate it. A fantastic topic indeed! I truly don’t know how I survived all those years with a “walkman” and cassette tapes. Wow! Music mixes come in handy for me all the time, to help get me back on track! Thanks again and stay in touch.
Ah Timmy, we have so many similarities you and I. I too, got my first cassette at 10 years old and have been a die hard music nut every since. Of course it was also a pleasure that we were able to spend some of those open sky rock festivals together. Your blog is kicking butt my friend. I love the content and especially the have a laugh Fridays. Have a great weekend Pal, Rock On!
I also like to sing out loud and if it’s a great song … at the top of my lungs. I do the rest of the world a favour then and make sure the windows are closed because I’m in the “joyful noise” category, not the talented category!
Ahhh yes Laurie! We have all sung in the car at some point! It is all good. I do it all the time. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend….
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! I find that I can’t listen to music and work on the computer (writing, thinking, etc) at the same time. My brain just won’t multitask this way. But there’s no better way to get my office organized or the dishes done (so I can move on to something better). It’s also great for generating creative ideas. While I can’t write and listen, I can (and do) create and listen.
I love the idea of a specific mix for getting it done. I have mixes for the gym, for driving, for background music when friends are over, but not a “Kick in the Pants” mix. It’s just what I need!
Thanks,
Jess
Hey Jess.. Glad you loved loved loved this 🙂 I really enjoyed writing it, and living it day to day. Music always gets me in a place that I need to be.
I am happy that you have other mixes, but are going to step up your game with a “Get It Done Music” Mix…
Let me know how your kick in the pants mix works for ya!
Have a great weekend 🙂
I’m not in sales, well not specifically, but I came across your blog thanks to Susan listing it as one she enjoys and this post really made me think “hey, you’re right, Everyone needs a pump up playlist and even better with a super intentional title.” I think I’m going to adopt your name for mine and start building ASAP. Thanks!
Hi Keita! Well I am glad we found each other through Susan’s blog post. I am glad the message resonated with you. Yeah I could not agree more that we all need a playlist with a super intentional title! Let me know if it helps. I am looking forward to following your content. All the best and thanks again for stopping by….
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