by Kerry Taylor
We recently lost a music icon, and of course, like most, my listening of Prince's music has increased since we found out the horrible news. I'm sitting here listening to "Purple Rain" and thinking to myself there is so much people could learn from Prince. Most of them are just basic principles if you want to be great at something. It's not just music, it's everything about him and how he was.
Learn to be great at your craft
I think they say Prince played over 27 instruments and was the greatest guitarist in the world. He could play with his non dominant hand better than most could play with their playing hand. The music that came from being able to play these instruments will forever go down in history as some of the greatest songs made. Why did he learn to play 27 instruments? It allowed him to truly understand and create music on his own better than most. Many can sing, many can play 1 instrument, but 27, come on!
Like Prince, you have to pour your heart and soul into your craft to be great. Are you going to treat it like a hobby or are you going to treat it like it is truly what you want to be extraordinary at? You're the only person that can answer that question.
Don't be afraid to stand out and be yourself
How much more different can you be? The outfits he dressed in and overall presentation and style was way beyond normal, but he was able to be his version of normal and shine with it. He never cared what people thought about him. This is me, take it or leave it, is how he carried his self. His confidence was through the roof. I mean, come on, who can change their name to a symbol and get away with it? He never put a limit on himself.
Do you conform to what you think everyone else wants you to be? Is there someone else cooped up inside you screaming to get out? Let that person out and be you. Being unique is better than being vanilla.
Coach, teach, and groom others
In his lifetime Prince was responsible for creating Vanity 6, The Time, and Sheila E just to name a few. You may not know them, but they were some extremely popular groups back in the 80's. He used his talents to also write for many different artists, most of the songs he wrote went at least gold for the artists.
When you work so hard to be great at something, every once in a while people come along that you would love to help continue to grow and move forward. Take those people under your wing and give them the lessons you've learned over the years. Let your legacy grow! Your thoughts, ideas and dreams will live on forever.
Don't be afraid to try and be great at something different
Everyone knows Prince for his music, but like most artists, he tried his hand at acting as well. Prince starred in 3 movies- Purple Rain, Under the Cherry Moon, and Graffiti Bridge. If you haven't seen them, check them out. Purple Rain is up there as one of my favorites. If you haven't seen at least Purple Rain, stop what you're doing, find a copy and thank me later!
You can always learn from those who traveled the path of greatness. These are just some of the aspects of Prince I picked up and wanted to point out. Have you applied any of these to your life? If not, take one of these and dive deeper into it and apply it. While you do so, grab yourself a Purple Rain CD and enjoy!
Until next time, continue to live a life 1 degree above the rest!