Mike Posner's 5 Gems of Truth
Crazy journeys can teach us the most simple, important truths of life. Here's what walking almost 3,000 miles across the United States from coast to coast taught Mike Posner.
Sitting in the large auditorium at Peacock Theatre, I had my Notes App up and ready to go for the next VeeCon 2024 speaker, Mike Posner. During most panels, I was feverishly writing down every nugget of information I could from the incredibly successful entrepreneurs who were graciously sharing their most important lessons and advice.
Mike’s presentation had the least number of bullet points in my notes in the end. But, Mike’s presentation struck me with the most feeling. His story stuck with me deeply, because while it was so unique, his succinct list of takeaways are extremely applicable to everyone on their own individual journeys.
Mike walked onto stage, strumming his guitar, and singing an acoustic version to his song “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” which I have heard many times at clubs, frat parties, and on the radio. However, this version was slow, deep, and I was really listening to the words. The upbeat editing of the popular version washes over the pain and truths admitted throughout the song, covering topics such as loneliness, insecurity, failed relationships, and the warning that fame is not all it makes out to be.
“But you don’t want to be high like me, never really knowing why like me.
You don’t want to step off that roller coaster and be all alone.
You don’t want to ride the bus like this, never knowing who to trust like this.
You don’t want to be stuck up on stage singing [..] ‘All I know are sad songs.’”
Lyrics to I Took a Pill in Ibiza by Mike Posner
He had many popular songs at one point, but I hadn’t heard much of his new music in a long time. Where had he been?
Well, he had been on a personal growth journey to save his life. He had been walking almost 3,000 miles from coast to coast across the United States. Here’s what he learned:
1. Not all crazy ideas are great, but all great ideas are crazy.
There is a balancing act with being practical and being courageous. If you have the runway to go after a dream, or maybe nothing to lose, a little crazy is a good ingredient in your plan. Go for it.
2. The first step is taking the first step.
Most of us already feel defeated and intimidated by what is required and the uncertainty of a whole journey. This man had 3,000 MILES ahead of him. How did he get over the large feat ahead so he could start?
He took the first step. Once that was done, he focused on the second step, then the third. Now he was off and actually doing it, and it didn’t feel as scary.
It is good to think through our plans, understand our direction, and break down our journeys into steps. But at a certain point, if you are committed to the goal, don’t get stuck in a planning prison where the planning is a means to avoid action.
3. Reasons are excuses.
There is always a reason to not do something. It is easy to come up with reasons why not to do something, but don’t talk yourself out of a dream just because you can think of reasons why not to do it.
4. True happiness comes from growth.
Just like his song says, money, cars, girls, recognition did not bring him happiness. He talked a lot about how he dedicated his life to getting people to like him, making money, feeling special. He had the money, the fame, the people cheering his name in crowds by the thousands.
Yet, despite his efforts, this did not make him happy. What made him happy was when he finally made it to the other side of the country and jumped into the Pacific Ocean, because he realized he did it. He survived a rattlesnake bite, blistered feet, broken legs, mental stress, and still accomplished a huge goal that took dedication, believing in himself, and growing into someone who could do hard things.
Many of us are sold snake oil for happiness: get as many followers as you can, as many nice things as you can, as much money, be famous and you will be loved, you will be happy. Hearing someone who had all of this say, “THIS IS NOT IT,” was very impactful. We should stop focusing so much on these things and spend our focus, our mental space, our conversations, our support of others on their JOURNEYS and their GROWTH.
5. Don’t wait.
Do it. DO IT. DO IT!!!
We think we have ample time to change our minds, be someone we dream of being, doing something we have always wanted to do. But life is short. We never know how much time we have left, or how much time others we love have left to share in or cheer on our journeys. Go for it.
#YouGotThis