Get A Theme Song
90. Get a theme song.
Just like you define your personal mission statement, you need to develop your national anthem. Find a song that you can play to get yourself psyched up. In addition, you can find songs to meet different needs, relaxation, thought, love, time out, etc. Bottom line, find songs that kick start what you need. For example, I used to listen to metal and punk to get ready for football. I would put on dance music when I was going out. I love to listen to 1970s music to get a smile on my face. When I was running my first marathon, I played Rocky on repeat for over an hour to get me through the final leg. When I was in fourth grade, I remember my mom listening to Barry Manilow’s “Ready to Take a Chance Again” and explaining to me about my future stepfather (who by the way is one of the greatest men I have ever met and who I consider a father). Songs can also be great ways to bring you back to feelings in your past. I can remember being in the back of my dad’s Vette listening to Billy Joel. When I walked up to my first high school dance, I can remember hearing “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straights. I also remember hearing “You Had a Bad Day” minutes after a girl had broken up with me. Bringing up old feelings can help bring back feelings you want to avoid and launch emotions that can be used for growth. That is how this Tool works its magic; it sparks feelings.
The strength of music is its ability to move you, and the movement that most of you need is motivation. Many of you need to find a way to propel yourselves into reaching your goals, and finding the right tunes can be your catalyst to do just that. Find the music that motivates you. Find a song that can help define who you are and where you want to go. I mentioned earlier about using music to complete my first marathon. I compiled a list of songs that got me pumped up. When things got really tough at the end, I simply repeated one song over and over to help me finish the race. This strategy can be applied to many other areas. You may not know it, but many of you have done this before. I believe most of us have listened to music to help us get through a long drive. Music is used to inspire religion, to celebrate a wedding, and even to remember those who have passed.
I think to best use this Tool with regard to success is twofold. First, make playlists to help you course through areas listed in your S.A.N.E. section. They can help you get through a workout, start your day on the right foot, or even help you in your times of relaxation. You will know best what compilation will work best for you and what your target is. Second, just as you pick an affirmation to be your mantra for the tone you hope to set for your blueprint, picking one song to be your theme song or personal national anthem can also set the tone for keeping your mindset where you want it to be. I described earlier how we correlate music with times in our lives and feelings we have had in the past. We can use this connection with music and mind to place us in the headspace that will best set us up for success. Find the song or songs that would best describe the country known as YOU.