When the Beastie Boys released Paul’s Boutique in 1989, I did not get it. I was expecting Licensed to Ill Part II. Where were the hard rock samples? The highly anticipated frat boy lyrics were replaced Brady Bunch, Flintstones and NOVA references. I listened to it once and put it away with no inclination to play it again.
However, I could not completely stay away. Every listen brought something new: a Mountain sample here and a Daniel 3:12 reference there. With each listen, I learn something new. This blog is also intended to serve as a constant learning experience for me. As a result, the name of this blog is Marc Jason’s Boutique.
I’m going to use this blog to reflect upon an important lesson learned and think about how to apply the lesson to my life going forward.
The first lesson relates to another white rapper, Eminem. I absolutely love the song “Lose Yourself.” It is my go-to song when I need to get pumped up and especially when I’m getting ready for an interview or an important meeting.
This week, I took a Leadership Development class at the University of Michigan Ross Business School Executive Education. On the final day, we discussed two different mindsets regarding potential leadership opportunities.
The first mindset is Learning-Growth where you try to find a learning or growth opportunity in each experience.
The second mindset is Performance – Prove or Performance – Avoid. This mindset involves proving yourself to others or avoiding situations where you might fail. “Lose Yourself” enhances this mindset.
“Lose Yourself” is about a struggling rapper believing he has one shot at fame. For him, winning the rap battle was life or death.
All the pain inside amplified by the
Fact that I can’t get by with my nine to
Five and I can’t provide the right type of
Life for my family ’cause man, these ******* food stamps don’t buy diapers
And its no movie, there’s no Mekhi Phifer
This is my life and these times are so hard
And it’s getting even harder tryin’ to feed and water my seed, plus
See dishonor caught up between bein’ a father and a prima-donna
Baby mama drama screamin’ on and too much
For me to want to say in one spot, another jam or not
Has gotten me to the point, I’m like a snail I’ve got
To formulate a plot fore I end up in jail or shot
Success is my only ************** option, failures not
Mom, I love you, but this trail has got to go, I cannot grow old in Salem’s lot
So here I go is my shot
Feet fail me not ’cause maybe the only opportunity that I got
A job interview or business meeting is not life or death. I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself to succeed. I need to take a step back, appreciate the opportunity and learn. I will be a better person in the long run with much less stress.
Unlike Paul’s Boutique in 1989, I have every inclination to keep “Lose Yourself” in heavy rotation. I will just save it for before workouts and car rides…after job interviews.