“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” ― William W. Purkey
Would you like to live like a rock star!? No I don’t mean having casual sex, staying up all night partying, and living with reckless abandon. (I know it sounds appealing, but it probably won’t go so well in the long-run, take Jim Morrison and Sid Vicious for example!!!) Being a rock star isn’t about being a hedonistic thrill-seeker, but it is about living with more passion, freedom, and self-expression. It is about doing what you love and doing it your way! A rock start doesn’t kiss ass or try to please everyone. They go out and rock! I recently shared some personal information in my last article about how I am following my dream of playing drums, coaching, and traveling the country. It’s scary, uncertain, and frankly it feels a little irresponsible, but I am also happier, more alive and free, and feel like I’m living with a clear purpose. So, to me these are the reasons why I’m following my dream, and how you can live like a rock star in your own personal way!
Crank up the volume! Live without regrets
What if you made decisions because you wanted to live the most fulfilling and powerful life possible? It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve been through, you can’t change the past. All you can do is make the most of today! Instead of regretting what you should’ve done, go out there and turn the volume up today! Have some adventure, be playful, and have fun! Live loud and live bold! Do something to leave your mark on the world and have an amazing time in the process!
Walk to beat of your own drum
When I was a teenager and even a young adult, I used to break rules all the time. Unfortunately this didn’t always end well at the time. After enough negative consequences even I learned my lesson. So I started to follow rules religiously. I started to believe that if I did something different or played by my own rules I would be chastised, get in trouble, and people would disapprove.
“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” – Rita Mae Brown
It took me many years to recover from this and stop always playing defense. I think many people stifle their self-expression because it isn’t the norm. But let’s face it, nothing feels better than following your heart and creating your own path.
Do what you love, love what you do
Why does a rock star play music? Because they completely love it! They would play for free if it came down to it. It is easy to get caught up in the day to day responsibilities and forget that we can have fun too. What if you did more of what you wanted? What if you were willing to actually do what you love? I know this idea is cliché, but why not? Why not start to enjoy more of your life, instead of dreading what you feel like you “have to” do?
Feel free as a bird
We all want more freedom in our life. We want to be able to do more of what is important to us and not feel constrained by our circumstances. When we feel chained and stuck it starts to wear down our spirit. Any caged bird that is meant to be free eventually goes a little “coo-coo”. To me feeling free is having a sense that your life if your own. You have time to do what is most important to you. You have time for rest and relaxation.
“If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on now, there’s just too many places I’ve got to see.” – Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free Bird
Own your fears
We all have challenges and fears but living like a rock star means we don’t let these hold us back. Even if you don’t have it all figured out you can still follow your dream. I have plenty of fears about following my dream but that isn’t a reason to hold back and settle for less. Own your fears and don’t let them get in the way of what you want.
Don’t settle for less
Many people tolerate a lot in life. They do work they hate and stay in relationships that are toxic, all because it’s safe and they don’t feel like they can really create what they want. Stop tolerating all the things that make life a drag and start creating what you want! Don’t tolerate excuses about following your dream. Never settle for less than you deserve! Alright, now get out there and rock the world!
“I will keep smiling, be positive and never give up! I will give 100 percent each time I play. These are always my goals and my attitude.” – Yani Tseng