J.O. J.O.

II. Preparation

Most people over prepare. How do you prepare for the unknown? That’s not to say be impulsive. There’s a lot of wisdom in knowing what you’re getting yourself involved in. Your best bet is to set a date or deadline and gather as much information and resources as you can.

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Appendix II - Book Recommendations

I’ve read a lot of different types of books, but the list below are books that I've used to help me along my personal journey. Obviously, this list isn’t exhaustive and it doesn’t cover the books specific to the industry I’m in or the trade magazines/publications that anyone serious about their craft would have to constantly be checking:

  • The Bible/The Quran/other religious or ancient texts/mythology - Some discredit these writings, but in ancient times before everyone was allowed or even able to learn how to read and write these were the stories our ancestors/the ancients made sure were passed down so that we can understand our God, world, the meaning of life, and/or ourselves. It is foolish in my opinion to overlook that regardless of how you feel toward organized religion in the modern era.

  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

  • The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

  • Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse

  • A Hero With A Thousand Faces - Joseph Campbell

  • A Hero’s Journey - Joseph Campbell

  • The Writer’s Journey - Christopher Vogler

  • Tribal Leadership - Dave Logan and John King

  • Relentless - Tim S. Grover

  • The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg

  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey

  • Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

  • Mastery - Robert Greene

  • How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

  • The Art of War - Sun Tzu

  • Crush It! - Gary Vaynerchuk

  • Insight - Tasha Eurich

  • You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Yourself... - Jen Sincero

  • Smarter Faster Better - Charles Duhigg

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Appendix I - Cast of Characters

These are the different types of people who are going to pop in and out of your life/story while you’re on this adventure. Some people can be more than one at the same damn time, or even positive or negative, truthfully some don’t even necessarily have to be human, so keep your eyes and ears open!

1.  Hero - You are the hero of your own story. To be a hero requires self-sacrifice. Also, its important to remember to be clear on WHAT you’re trying to accomplish and WHY! (Hero literally means to protect and serve, ironically)

2.  Ol’ Head - This person is basically the person who schools you to the game. They guide you based on what they know. Sometimes they know a lot, sometimes they know specifics, sometimes they just keep it real and hit you with logic and/or common sense. They don’t have to be old, but experience is a great teacher.

3.  The Shade - A biter, hater, competition, etc... Sometimes they can straight up be your enemies, most times they are just distractions personified. The nouns (people, places, things, or ideas) that are keep you from accomplishing your goal.

4.  The Ace - This is your #1, right-hand, the person who’s in the thick of it with you. It could be your lady, or your homie, etc. The thing is they’re not you, and usually they see things differently than you do. At times it can appear that they’re only person who understands you and at other times like they barely know you at all. They can be the one who saves you from the wolves or feeds you to them.

5.  Mr./Mrs. Cameo - This random person shows up for a time or from time-to-time. They can drop that hint that changes everything, or maybe they’ll give you that piece of advice that causes you to make a horrible decision. It’s hard to know their motives because you don’t know them like that.

6.  The Network - This is how you know what’s going on. That opportunity, the gossip, etc. This is how you know the tea was spilt and who spilt it.

7.  The Squad/Team - No person is an island. You have strengths, you have weakness. A wise person has a person/people around them who can do the things that she can’t do or is unable to.

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I. Introduction

It all starts with a thought, dream, desire. You can’t have an adventure without an objective. You are the hero of your own story. This guide is primarily for artists because that’s what I am, but it can be applied to anyone or anything that you’re trying to accomplish.

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Here's the deal...

I'm just a man, a BLACK man if we're being specific. I was born in Miami, FL in the 80's. My family is huge, and mostly Jamaican (Yardies!), but we definitely rep for the whole Caribbean. Also, a believer in JESUS, and big follower of the GOLDEN RULE for the most part #SpreadLove!

As long as I can remember, I have had a passion to LEARN about new things and discover COOL sh*t! Unfortunately, life has thrown every obstacle in my way to keep me from realizing that dream. I could write volumes of BOOKS about all the hardships I've had to endure just to make it this far. In fact, I probably will if we're being honest.

In the meantime, however I'm going to put all my thirst for LIVING and learning, PASSION for all things entertainment related, and anything that I happen to feel is dope or helpful to you in this BLOG.

Why? Because I want to! Also, I think it'll HELP folks navigate through this amazing roller coaster of a ride called LIFE. Obviously, I think I offer a UNIQUE perspective that you can relate to.  Plus, I'm in LOS ANGELES now, and I've spent the past few years making dope digital content, and rubbing shoulders with some of the most influential people in Entertainment. Someone has to INFLUENCE the Influencers, right? 

All I know is that when you say that really want something, and the opportunity is within your grasp... The only thing that matters is if your down to a ride or not!

Word.

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