Tyler, The Creator - Advice on How To Be Yourself

Summary

The speaker reflects on feeling like an outsider throughout their life, from school to music, and shares their journey of overcoming obstacles and societal expectations. They emphasize the importance of being true to oneself, challenging the norm, and not being afraid to fail. The narrative touches on the transient nature of trends and the value of authenticity in art and life, advocating for long-term vision and creativity over instant success.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker felt like an outsider in various aspects of life, including school and music.
• 🏀 In seventh grade, they were told they didn't belong on the basketball court, which they admit was true at the time.
• 🎭 In eighth grade, they were kicked out of drama club for being too hyper, despite their enthusiasm.
• 🎵 In ninth grade, they were not allowed to join band class due to an inability to read music, but they later became proficient on two instruments.
• 🚫 Despite setbacks, the speaker was determined not to let others' opinions stop them from pursuing their passions.
• 🤔 The speaker critiques a society where many people follow rather than lead, and make decisions based on pleasing others rather than their own desires.
• 🎓 They discuss friends going to college for majors chosen by their parents, not their own interests, leading to unhappiness and debt.
• 💡 The speaker encourages others to think for themselves and to be true to who they are for long-term happiness and success.
• 👤 They value authenticity in art and believe that being genuine leads to greater success than following trends.
• 🔮 The speaker had a clear vision for their future, including winning a Grammy, which they shared with others despite skepticism.
• 🤝 They emphasize the importance of collaboration and being open to new ideas, even if they don't always work out.

Q & A

What challenges did the speaker face in school and music?

The speaker faced challenges such as feeling like a stepchild, being told they didn't belong on the basketball court, getting kicked out of drama club for being too hyper, and not being allowed to join band class because they couldn't read music.

How did the speaker overcome the obstacles in their pursuit of music?

Despite the obstacles, the speaker didn't let them stop them from doing what they wanted to do. They pursued their passion and are now proficient on two instruments, with a third one in progress.

What societal issue does the speaker address regarding people's choices?

The speaker discusses the issue of people being followers and making choices based on what others, especially parents, want rather than what they truly desire, leading to unhappiness and regret.

Why does the speaker encourage people to think for themselves?

The speaker believes that thinking for oneself leads to long-term happiness and personal satisfaction, as opposed to blindly following others' expectations.

What advice does the speaker give to artists about being themselves?

The speaker advises artists to be true to themselves rather than conforming to what they think is popular at the moment, as authenticity leads to greater success in the long run.

How does the speaker feel about being judged by others based on past actions?

The speaker is aware that people may judge them based on their past, but they are confident in their potential and future plans, which they believe others may not fully understand.

What is the speaker's perspective on setting long-term goals?

The speaker has a clear vision of their future, including specific plans for the next few years, and believes in setting long-term goals rather than just chasing short-term trends.

How does the speaker view the importance of being comfortable with oneself?

The speaker believes that being comfortable with oneself reduces hatred and judgment, opens one up to new experiences, and prevents ignorance, which in turn can eliminate prejudices like racism.

What does the speaker think about the creative process and trying new ideas?

The speaker encourages trying new ideas and not being afraid of failure. They believe in learning from the process and being open to change, even if it means discarding or revisiting old ideas.

What is the speaker's opinion on the fleeting nature of trends?

The speaker observes that trends can be short-lived, using examples like clothing brands and musical styles. They advocate for focusing on the long-term and creating genuine work rather than chasing temporary popularity.

How does the speaker reflect on their past work and its evolution?

The speaker reflects on their past work, acknowledging that they may not have been ready for certain projects at the time but have since grown and evolved, which has influenced their current work.