Podcasts > On Purpose with Jay Shetty > Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

By iHeartPodcasts

In this episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Big Sean explores strategies for self-improvement and growth. He discusses the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and setting healthy boundaries. The rapper shares his personal practices for overcoming challenges, including meditation, visualization, journaling, and intention-setting rituals.

Big Sean also reflects on navigating life's obstacles, drawing from experiences like recovering from addiction. He touches on the role of spirituality, mindfulness, family, heritage, and community in his journey. The conversation highlights embracing one's authentic self, focusing on intentions over circumstances, and developing strategic habits to achieve desired outcomes.

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

1-Page Summary

Cultivating Self-Awareness and Acceptance

Big Sean discusses how difficult experiences can signify one's potential for growth. He talks about separating self-identity from external expectations, and the importance of self-acceptance over self-judgment.

Big Sean touches on setting healthy boundaries to prioritize self-respect. Jay Shetty suggests allowing friends time to resolve issues internally instead of influencing them externally.

Big Sean emphasizes focusing on intentions over resisting circumstances, and embracing all facets of oneself.

Developing Strategic Practices for Personal Growth

Big Sean illustrates how attracting desired outcomes with one's gifts empowers, rather than stressing about chasing after them.

He advocates strategizing habits like pre-envisioning success to align with priorities, citing how strategy helped secure his first record deal.

The Role of Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Daily Rituals

Big Sean outlines his meditation routine incorporating visualization, affirmations, color associations, and energy work tailored to personal needs.

He stresses the ritualistic intention-setting in his journaling practice, affirming declarations by signing off.

Big Sean recounts overcoming [restricted term] addiction and drawing strength from family, new activities like skydiving, and prioritizing holistic wellbeing during recovery.

The Influence of Family, Heritage, and Community

Big Sean recognizes ancestral wisdom, trauma, and the choices behind one's lineage. He highlights breaking unhealthy generational patterns for a better future.

Big Sean honors his roots and grandmother's monumental achievements, which inspired his music path and reciprocal support.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While difficult experiences can lead to growth, not all individuals have the same capacity or resources to turn challenges into opportunities, and some may need external support.
  • Separating self-identity from external expectations can be empowering, but societal and cultural norms can sometimes provide a framework that helps individuals understand their place in the world.
  • Self-acceptance is crucial, but self-judgment can sometimes serve as a motivator for personal improvement and should not be entirely dismissed.
  • Setting healthy boundaries is important, but overly rigid boundaries can lead to isolation and missed opportunities for collaboration and connection.
  • Focusing on intentions is valuable, but sometimes actively resisting negative circumstances is necessary to bring about change.
  • Embracing all facets of oneself is a positive approach, but there may be aspects of one's character or behavior that are harmful and should not be embraced but rather addressed and changed.
  • Attracting outcomes with one's gifts is a positive mindset, but hard work and persistence in chasing goals are often necessary components of success.
  • Pre-envisioning success is a useful strategy, but it can lead to disappointment if expectations are not managed realistically.
  • Meditation and journaling are beneficial practices for many, but they may not be suitable or effective for everyone, and other forms of self-care might be more appropriate for some individuals.
  • Overcoming addiction is a significant achievement, but the process of recovery is complex and can vary greatly from person to person.
  • Recognizing and breaking generational patterns is important, but it's also essential to understand that some traditions and patterns may have value and be worth preserving.
  • Honoring one's heritage and family achievements is meaningful, but it's also important to acknowledge and foster one's own individual identity and accomplishments.

Actionables

  • Create a 'growth map' to visualize personal development by drawing a tree where each branch represents a difficult experience and the leaves symbolize the skills or insights gained from it. This helps you see challenges as opportunities for growth and track your progress over time.
  • Develop a 'self-identity shield' by crafting a collage or vision board that represents your values, interests, and aspirations, separate from external expectations. Regularly update and refer to it when making decisions to ensure they align with your true self.
  • Initiate a 'boundary buddy' system with a friend where you hold each other accountable for maintaining healthy boundaries. Share your goals for self-respect and check in weekly to discuss challenges and successes in sticking to your boundaries.

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

Cultivating Self-Awareness and Acceptance

In a thought-provoking discussion, Big Sean and Jay Shetty explore the nuances of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the journey towards growth and transformation. Through their commentary, they shed light on the power of embracing one's starting point, acknowledging identity beyond external expectations, and choosing self-acceptance over judgment.

Embracing the Starting Point For Growth and Transformation

Difficult Experiences and Struggles Confirm Greater Purpose

Big Sean discusses the transformative power of difficult experiences, such as depression and anxiety, viewing them as signs that one is not in alignment with their true purpose. He suggests that these low points are indicative of a person's potential for something greater. He stresses the importance of choosing to let go of these negative experiences as a step towards growth and realizing one's greater purpose.

Identity vs. External Perceptions and Expectations

Big Sean talks about learning to accept things he cannot control, such as how others perceive his art. He and Jay Shetty delve into the concept of the "power of separation," which is the idea of separating one’s own definitions of success and happiness from those imposed by society. They caution against the danger of becoming fixated on external opinions, as this can lead to self-discontent while seeking approval from others.

Embracing Self-Acceptance Over Self-Judgment or Resistance to Circumstances

Big Sean encourages embracing self-acceptance, regardless of less-than-ideal life circumstances. Acceptance, he posits, is about readiness to move forward and grow, acknowledging that one is meant for different things or to be in different places. Until one accepts their current situation, they cannot progress to what lies ahead.

Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Respect

Setting boundaries emerged as an essential theme in the dialogue. Big Sean reflects on his life before he learned to set boundaries, sharing how he used to feel disrespected by letting people take advantage of him. He understood where they were coming from but realized he was not respecting himself. Choosing to prioritize his son over performing in Dubai demonstrates his commitment to self-respect and trust in his path, viewing these tough choices as vital to maintaining his sense of self and happiness.

Encouraging Inner Solutions Over External Influence

Jay Shetty discusses his approach to offering support to friends, where he suggests speaking in a few days, allowing them time to process ...

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Cultivating Self-Awareness and Acceptance

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Difficult experiences do not always confirm a greater purpose; sometimes they are just challenges to be managed and may not have a deeper meaning.
  • Self-acceptance is important, but it should not preclude the desire for self-improvement or addressing behaviors that may be harmful to oneself or others.
  • While it's valuable to define one's identity independently of external perceptions, feedback from others can sometimes provide useful insights for personal growth.
  • Setting boundaries is crucial, but it's also important to maintain flexibility and openness in relationships and to ensure that boundaries do not become barriers to connection and understanding.
  • Inner solutions are key, but external support and guidance can be instrumental in overcoming challenges and should not be undervalu ...

Actionables

  • You can start a "Growth Diary" where you document challenging situations and the personal growth they lead to. Each entry should include the difficulty faced, emotions felt, actions taken, and lessons learned. Over time, this diary will serve as a tangible reminder of your resilience and development.
  • Create a "Self-Acceptance Jar" where you write down moments of self-judgment on a piece of paper and replace them with a positive affirmation of self-acceptance. For example, if you catch yourself thinking "I'm not good at this," write it down, then replace it with "I am learning and growing in this area." Fold the paper and place it in the jar. Regularly review the contents to remind yourself of your journey towards self-acceptance.
  • Develop a personal "Intention Setting Ritual" to start each day focused on your intentions. This co ...

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

Developing Strategic Practices for Personal Growth

Jay Shetty and Big Sean delve into the importance of creating effective strategies for achieving personal growth and success. By understanding the differences between attracting and chasing energy, you can build habits that align with your priorities and vision.

Differentiating Between Chasing and Attracting Energy

Chasing Goals Causes Stress; Attracting Outcomes Empowers

Big Sean illustrates the distinction between chasing and attracting energy. He suggests that chasing something implies a struggle, as if the object of desire is fleeing from us. Attracting, on the other hand, involves drawing our goals toward us using our intrinsic gifts. Jay Shetty extends this by advocating for a focus on small wins over problems, shifting our perspective and fostering a chain of positive developments. Big Sean adds that living in the present allows for an actionable plan to attract, rather than chase, what's needed, reducing stress and encouraging positive stress (eustress) that motivates.

Strategizing Habits to Align With Priorities and Vision

Strategy and spirituality are complementary for Jay Shetty, who sees strategy as the practice of intentionality. Big Sean emphasizes the crucial role of strategy in advancing from one's current position to their desired destination. Strategy could involve studying a respected individual for inspiration or more tangible actions like writing down intentions or organizing a daily plan.

Big Sean shares his preparation tactic of meditating and pre-envisioning success prior to a studio session, aligning his energy with the desired outcome. This pre-planning and setting intentions can serve as a powerful tool in attraction.

Strategic Thinking and Planning in Life

Big Sean reflects on his journey to securing his first record deal, which involved strategic thinking and planning. He spoke with confidence about his goals and outlined a strategy to achieve them, which included participating in battle ...

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Developing Strategic Practices for Personal Growth

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Attracting outcomes may not always be within one's control; external factors can influence success regardless of personal strategy or mindset.
  • Focusing solely on small wins might lead to complacency or a lack of attention to larger, more complex issues that require resolution.
  • Living entirely in the present without considering future consequences can result in a lack of preparedness for upcoming challenges.
  • Strategy and intentionality are important, but they must be balanced with flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Studying respected individuals can be inspiring, but it's also important to critically assess whether their path and methods are applicable to one's unique situation.
  • Writing down intentions and organizing a daily plan are helpful, but over-planning can lead to rigidity and stress when deviations from the plan occur.
  • Pre-planning and setting intentions are useful, but overemphasis on pre-planning can stifle spontaneity and creativity.
  • Strategic thinking is important, but overemphasis on strategy can overshadow the importance of intuition and emotional intelligence in decision-making.
  • While securing transportation and preparing in advance are strategic, they may not always be feasible for everyone due to resource constraints.
  • The idea that a lack of strategy leads to strained relationships may oversimplif ...

Actionables

  • You can use a vision board to visually map out your desired outcomes, enhancing your focus on attracting them. Start by collecting images and words that represent your intrinsic gifts and the small wins you aim for. Place this board somewhere you'll see it daily to constantly remind yourself of the positive developments you're working towards.
  • Develop a habit of evening reflection to stay present and strategize for the next day. Each night, take a few minutes to jot down what you attracted that day and what you need to attract the following day. This practice keeps you grounded in the present while maintaining an actionable plan for the future.
  • Create a 'goal ladder' to ...

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

The Role of Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Daily Rituals

Big Sean sheds light on his approach to spirituality and daily practices that include journaling and meditation, weaving in affirmations, visualization, and energy work into his routine for personal growth and success.

Cultivating a Regular Journaling and Meditation Practice

Jay Shetty inquires about the daily habits that have become ritualistic for Big Sean, particularly his routines surrounding journaling and meditation, and how these practices differ from other forms of writing, like music or books.

Incorporating Visualization, Affirmations, and Energy Work Into Meditation

Big Sean outlines his meditation practice, encompassing various techniques like visualization and energy work. He describes visualizing the sun's light filling his body, cleansing away anything that doesn't serve him, and sometimes imagining himself immersed in nature where he can let go of negativity. He mentions using color associations during meditation, such as green for healing or royal blue for the universe's power, stressing the importance of personalizing the practice to individual needs.

Ritualistic Significance in Journaling: Affirming Intentions

Big Sean emphasizes the ritual of journaling, treating it as a strategy and intention setting. He mentions that he finishes his journaling sessions by signing the page, similar to a contr ...

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The Role of Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Daily Rituals

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Counterarguments

  • The scientific evidence for the impact of positive and negative speech on the crystalline structure of water, often cited from Dr. Masaru Emoto's work, is controversial and not widely accepted in the scientific community due to lack of rigorous methodology and reproducibility.
  • While many individuals find personal value in journaling and meditation, the benefits can vary greatly from person to person, and what works for one individual may not work for another.
  • The use of color associations in meditation is a subjective practice that may not have the same meaning or effect for everyone, as personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can influence one's response to color.
  • The idea that affirmations can significantly affect our physical and emotional well-being is supported by some research, but the extent and nature of these effects are still being studied, and some psychologists argue that for some people, positive affirmations can actually have a negative effect if they provoke internal contradictions.
  • The claim that mindfulness and meditation are universally validated pr ...

Actionables

  • Create a personalized morning routine that includes elements of nature and light to set a positive tone for the day. Start by spending a few minutes each morning sitting by a window or outside, focusing on the natural light and imagining it filling you with energy. Incorporate a small plant or a picture of a serene natural landscape in your space to help you connect with nature.
  • Design a set of color-coded cards that represent different aspirations or emotional states you want to cultivate. For example, you might have a green card for healing, a blue card for power, and a yellow card for happiness. Each day, select a card that aligns with your current intention and carry it with you as a reminder, or place it in a visible spot where you'll see it throughout the day.
  • Develop a personal affirmation mantra tha ...

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

Navigating Life's Challenges Through Personal Experiences

Big Sean delves into his battle with reliance on [restricted term], initiatives towards holistic wellbeing, and recounts drawing strength from family ties and embracing novel pursuits during recovery.

Overcoming Addiction and the Temptation of Synthetic Highs

Acknowledging [restricted term]'s Temporary Effects and Committing To Holistic Healing

Big Sean reflects on his journey with [restricted term], which began as an attempt to increase productivity under the pressures of work, particularly while touring with Rihanna in 2016. He compares [restricted term]'s alluring synthetic high to that of synthetic heroin, noting how it ultimately compromised his essence and led to a dependence on the drug. He acknowledges that while [restricted term] might assist some individuals with ADHD, it also suppresses natural [restricted term] production, which in turn impacts happiness, inspiration, and creativity. When he made the decision to quit [restricted term] cold turkey, the resulting depression underscored the substance's profound impact on his mental health.

Seeking alternative healing, Big Sean turned to Eastern medicine. He recounts resolving a serious heart issue with natural supplements like magnesium, opting for this holistic method over surgical intervention.

Prioritizing Well-Being For Lasting Fulfillment

In the discussion with Jay Shetty, Big Sean highlights the transition towards self-care as a cornerstone of his recovery. He expresses the newfound trust and confidence stemming from setting boundaries and prioritizing his well-being by reconnecting with personal interests, such as working out. This shift illustrates the importance of self-prioritization for long-term fulfillment over short-term artificial stimulants. Through his experience, Sean emphasizes that the real victory in overcoming addiction lies in ...

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Navigating Life's Challenges Through Personal Experiences

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can explore holistic wellness by starting a "well-being journal" where you track not only your physical health but also emotional and spiritual well-being, noting down things like mood, energy levels, and moments of gratitude or inspiration. This practice can help you become more aware of your overall health and identify patterns or triggers related to your mental state.
  • Try incorporating "creative sabbaticals" into your routine, where you dedicate a day or a weekend every few months to disconnect from your usual activities and engage in something entirely different, like a pottery class, nature hike, or a DIY project. This can help stimulate new neural pathways and reignite creativity and inspiration without relying on external stimulants. ...

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Big Sean: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck From Where You Are Now (Simple Strategies to Eliminate Endless Hours of Work)

The Influence of Family, Heritage, and Community

Jay Shetty and Big Sean delve into the profound impact of one's family, heritage, and community on individual identities and life trajectories, acknowledging that our origins shape who we become.

Acknowledging Generational Wisdom and Trauma Within One's Lineage

Understanding and connecting to one's ancestral stories is vital, as both Jay Shetty and Big Sean emphasize. Such connection gives individuals a deeper sense of belonging and assists in coping with adversity.

Recognizing Ancestral Power and Connection, Even to Unknown Ancestors

Big Sean acknowledges the robust transmission of traits across generations, accepting that family heritage encompasses both strengths and weaknesses. He reflects on the belief that individuals choose their parents before birth, with varying reasons behind such choices. Often, this can result in being born into challenging family environments, which could be an unconscious choice aimed at personal growth or learning from negative examples.

He reshapes this concept with the birth of his son, realizing that DNA carries more than just physical characteristics; it is the essence of an entire lineage. This realization extends to ancestors he has never met but who are inevitably part of him and influences how he perceives life.

Breaking Unhealthy Patterns For a Better Future

Big Sean voices his commitment to personal development and healing from trauma, emphasizing the importance of breaking negative cycles to protect future generations. Insights from his life, such as the fallout with his mother and how parenthood has reshaped his perception of family relationships, suggest that he is conscious of the need to foster healthier generational bonds. He reflects on his father's experiences with kindness being exploited and the subsequent need to establish boundaries to foster a healthier life path.

Honoring Roots to Cultivate Belonging and Purpose

Understanding one’s heritage ca ...

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The Influence of Family, Heritage, and Community

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Counterarguments

  • The idea that individuals choose their parents before birth is a spiritual belief not grounded in empirical evidence and may not resonate with those who adhere to more scientific or secular worldviews.
  • While understanding one's heritage can be empowering, it can also be limiting if individuals feel pressured to conform to certain ancestral expectations or cultural norms.
  • The emphasis on breaking negative cycles and establishing boundaries, while positive, may oversimplify complex family dynamics and the challenges involved in changing entrenched patterns of behavior.
  • The narrative of personal growth through overcoming adversity might inadvertently minimize the systemic issues that contribute to such adversities, shifting the focus to individual responsibility rather than societal change.
  • The concept of honoring one's roots can conflict with the need for some individuals to distance themselves from toxic or abusive family environments in order to heal and g ...

Actionables

  • Create a family recipe book that includes stories behind each dish to connect with your heritage and share it with future generations. Start by gathering recipes from family members, asking them to recount any memories or traditions associated with the dishes. This tangible collection can serve as a conversation starter and a means to bond over shared history during family gatherings.
  • Develop a "strengths and struggles" journal where you reflect on personal qualities you've inherited and how they've shaped your life. Dedicate a section to each family member you know, listing the traits you see in yourself that may have been passed down. Use this journal to acknowledge the full spectrum of your inheritance, fostering self-awareness and a balanced perspective on your lineage.
  • Initiate a "cycle breake ...

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