How to Build a Power Playlist
All this talk of Power Playlists raises the question: how do we curate our own? This takes time, experimentation, and exploration. If you don't already know what your inspirational tools are, the best approach is to try them all out. I've listed TEN of my favorites here, but there are a myriad of other creative outlets and inspirational tools you can explore. Ask your friends and family what inspires them. Comb through your past and reflect on what has previously helped you overcome challenges. Test different outlets one by one until you find one that speaks to you. Remember, crafting the perfect playlist is a journey that may take years, adapting as we grow and enter new life stages. That’s perfectly fine. Embrace the process and savor the journey of discovery.
Finding your Inspirational Tools
1. **Ask Those in Your Circle**
"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon." - Jim Rohn
Begin by reaching out to your friends and family to understand what stirs their souls and ignites their passions. This is more than just casual conversation; it's an exploration into the diverse ways people find joy, motivation, and inspiration. Each person’s source of inspiration adds a new color to the palette of possibilities. Whether it's a specific genre of music, a particular author, or an activity like hiking or painting, learning about the diverse range of inspirational tools that resonate with others can open new doors for your own journey. This collective wisdom is invaluable, offering you a starting point from which to embark on your personal exploration.
2. **Reflect on Your Past**
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." - Søren Kierkegaard
The next step is to dive deep into your own history. Reflect on moments when you've faced challenges or experienced lows. What breathed life back into you? Perhaps it was a comforting melody, an engrossing book, or the serene solitude of nature. These memories are clues, breadcrumbs on the path to understanding what truly moves you. By identifying the activities, experiences, and expressions that have historically served as your beacons of light, you're compiling the foundational elements of your Power Playlist. This reflective process not only helps you rediscover forgotten joys but also reaffirms the resilience and adaptability of your spirit.
3. **Experiment. Try New Things**
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." - Neale Donald Walsch
The final piece of advice is perhaps the most exciting: experiment with every possible outlet you can find. From artistic endeavors like painting and writing to physical expressions such as dance and yoga, give yourself the freedom to explore without judgment. Each new experience is a chapter in your book of self-discovery, offering insights into what resonates with your soul. Remember, this is not a race. The creation of your Power Playlist is an ongoing process, reflective of your evolution as a person. What inspires you today may differ from what moves you tomorrow, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace the journey with an open heart and a curious mind.
Embrace the Journey
Crafting your Power Playlist is a journey that transcends mere preference—it's a quest to understand the core of what drives you, what heals you, and what propels you forward. It’s about building a toolkit that you can turn to, time and again, throughout the various phases of your life. This journey of discovery does not promise immediate results, nor does it follow a linear path. Instead, it offers the richness of self-exploration, the joy of discovery, and the comfort of knowing that within you lies the power to uplift and inspire yourself, no matter what challenges you may face.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." So, take your time, explore widely, and let the creation of your Power Playlist be a testament to the uniqueness of your spirit.
"Shaun's a master of his craft and a wonderful role model for all people, not just students." - Earl Hurrey, former Walt Disney Entertainment Manager and Deputy Executive Director of the National Association for Music Education.
A thrilling message and musical performance
Shaun is one of the most entertaining and inspiring talents of our time. Mix in an Emmy-nominated artist, add his captivating storytelling from the piano and wild musical challenges, top it off with a message that'll pierce you directly to the heart, and you have Shaun Barrowes. His content and performance are both youth-tested and parent-approved!
Students, teachers, and parents constantly praise Shaun's powerful insights and unique approach for competitive problem-solving and innovation.