Ever wondered how famous YouTube star, Lilly Singh, navigated her path to success? Curious to learn how she transformed her frustrations into lessons and used them to thrive on YouTube? Dive in to discover how Singh navigates life successfully.

How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life

Imagine navigating life like a video game, where you control only your character—yourself—amid unchangeable challenges. Lilly Singh, a YouTube star with over 1,000 videos, learned this firsthand. Before her rise, she led a dance company in Toronto, pouring her heart into it, only to realize the team didn't share her vision. 

Singh's frustration taught her a vital lesson: control what you can—your actions and reactions. This wisdom eventually guided her to YouTube, where she thrived by focusing on what she could control: herself.

Singh's journey is filled with lessons about embracing discomfort and using it as a stepping stone to success. Take her nerve-wracking audition for a major film role. Despite knowing she stood little chance, she faced her fears, realizing that discomfort is the currency you pay to learn crucial things. Each uncomfortable experience builds resilience, preparing you for future challenges.

Emotions are powerful yet can be counterproductive in work settings. Singh learned this while shooting her music video and during a stressful tour. Emotions cloud judgment, so she suggests focusing on goals instead. Her manager, Kyle, exemplifies this by prioritizing productivity over pride, showing that sometimes it's best to put emotions aside for the task at hand.

Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones also offers a lesson in restraint. She kept her powers secret until the right moment, proving that selective secrecy can be powerful. Knowing when to reveal your strengths is crucial, much like understanding your own mind's power. Singh encourages self-awareness, urging you to conquer your thoughts and not let negative emotions dictate your actions.

In essence, Singh teaches us to navigate life by controlling our reactions, embracing discomfort, and strategically managing emotions—all while keeping our unique strengths in reserve for when they matter most.

Can Lilly Singh's Life Lessons Transform Your Approach to Challenges?

Thinking is great, but overthinking? Not so much. Imagine if teddy bears could think. They'd be baffled by the plot of "Ted," the movie where a bear marries a human. Sometimes, we get caught up in loops of overthinking, especially when faced with dilemmas, and it becomes unproductive. Like when you spend 45 minutes imagining every possible scenario before a simple call with your boyfriend, only to find out he just wants to know if you can drive.

Overthinking can also be a hindrance in creative projects, as Singh learned while shooting a video that was unnecessarily complicated by focusing on irrelevant details. The story should always be the priority, yet we often get sidetracked. It's crucial to step back, focus on what's important, and make decisions that align with your priorities.

Mistakes are part of the journey to success. They're not something to be ashamed of but rather opportunities to learn. Taking ownership of mistakes, calling ourselves out, finding solutions, and communicating effectively are steps toward growth.

Self-control is another essential muscle to work on. It's like a workout plan for your mind; setting goals, rewarding yourself, and challenging yourself can help build it. Singh once found herself so distracted by the internet that it took three hours to refocus. Building self-control helps prevent such rabbit holes.

There's a significant difference between surviving and conquering life. On Singh's tour, she realized it wasn't just about getting through each show but about delivering the best performance possible. This mindset shift from survival to conquering makes all the difference.

Loving yourself is crucial too. It's not just about feeling good but about being your own best advocate. Singh had to learn to love herself during a dark period of depression, and it transformed her life. It taught her to be patient, encouraging, and empathetic with herself.

In the end, a relentless work ethic is vital, but so is pausing to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Singh learned this the hard way, sitting numb in Italy, talking to Pharrell Williams, too exhausted to appreciate the moment. Since then, she has made it a point to meditate, disconnect, and truly savor experiences.

Life is like a giant YouTube video; sometimes, you need to pause, let it load, and then continue at a higher quality. Remember, conquering life is about doing your best, and it starts with embracing both your successes and your mistakes.

Conquer Life with Lessons from a Tour: Insights from Pharrell Williams

Commitments are like endangered species, constantly under threat. Singh describes how one might begin a commitment, such as a New Year's resolution to work out every day. 

The initial days feel triumphant—waking up early, hitting the gym, and embodying the essence of a fitness guru. But then life intervenes—snooze buttons, sore throats, social distractions, laziness, Instagram, and Netflix. The commitment finds itself under siege, transforming the act of sticking to it into a relentless battle.

To Singh, being a "Bawse" means honoring commitments no matter what obstacles arise. Fear and distractions, she argues, are the usual culprits. She paints a vivid picture: imagine starting a blog only to have fear whisper doubts about the quality of your writing or distractions tempt you away with parties and fleeting pleasures. True commitment, Singh asserts, doesn’t come with a metaphorical expiration date labeled "until obstacles."

Recalling her own experience, Singh shares a particularly daunting task: shooting a collaborative video with Seth Rogen and James Franco in just 45 minutes. Preparation was her shield; she rehearsed until nervousness became a distant memory. When the moment arrived, and nerves knotted her stomach, she shook them off and pushed through. Even as obstacles like confusion and distractions emerged, Singh remained steadfast. She even recounts a humorous yet challenging moment of kissing Seth Rogen repeatedly, despite his spinach-like breath.

For Singh, commitment is about giving 100%, not 70%. It’s about knowing exactly what you want and refusing to waver, even in the face of temptation. She identifies FOMO—the fear of missing out—as a sly adversary, convincing people that skipping work for a night out is justifiable. 

Yet, Singh emphasizes, the satisfaction of achieving long-term goals far outweighs the fleeting joy of momentary fun. She recalls a poignant example: while working on a YouTube campaign, she resisted the allure of a party to wake up early for a shoot. Later, when she saw her face on a Times Square billboard, the sacrifice proved undeniably worth it.

Singh also underscores the importance of inspiration as the fuel for one’s hustle. Just as a car requires gas to run, so does a person’s drive need consistent replenishment. She acknowledges that motivation can wane, and that’s perfectly normal. While spontaneous inspiration is exciting, Singh stresses that scheduled inspiration is crucial for sustaining one’s hustle.

She advocates for using vision boards and visualization as powerful tools to manifest goals. A vision board, according to Singh, acts as a GPS guiding one’s hustle, while visualization—both short-term and long-term—helps solidify belief in one’s ambitions. She recounts how she once pretended to be on the radio before it actually became a reality, mentally preparing herself for the experience long before it happened.

Finally, Singh views life as a constant negotiation. She advises aiming high because, even if one doesn’t achieve exactly what was envisioned, the outcome is often something workable. She shares how she once wanted to shoot a music video on the Raptors’ court within a tight deadline. Despite the odds, she persisted, knocking on every possible door until it came to fruition.

Can You Stay Committed Like a Bawse Under Pressure Like Lilly Singh?

Parents, brace yourselves! This chapter might challenge some beliefs, especially for those raised with the idea of always having backup plans. Singh invites readers to explore the concept of focusing solely on Plan A.

Singh recalls a pivotal moment when she decided to pursue YouTube full-time. Coming from a South Asian background, her parents were particularly insistent on her obtaining a graduate degree as a safety net. However, halfway through writing her application essay, Singh realized she was utterly miserable. With a heavy heart, she shared her true aspirations with her parents: she wanted to make videos instead. While they were understandably terrified, they gave her a year to prove herself.

During that year, Singh poured everything into her YouTube career. She even received an unexpected sign from the universe through an interview with Kate Winslet. Winslet shared a piece of advice that struck Singh deeply: “If you really want to do something, don’t have a Plan B. Having a Plan B means you’re expecting your Plan A to fail.” Inspired by this perspective, Singh fully committed to her Plan A, adjusting her strategies when needed but never wavering from her ultimate goal.

Another lesson came to Singh during a date with a handsome man who incessantly talked about his own greatness. It dawned on her that actions speak louder than words. This principle, she realized, applies universally: consistency in actions, not just words, defines who you are and what you stand for.

Singh also emphasizes the importance of understanding the game in one’s chosen field. Before her first tour, she attended shows by fellow creators, diligently taking notes and learning from both their successes and mistakes. This effort allowed her to craft a unique strategy for her own show. Mastering the rules of the game, Singh asserts, not only prevents exploitation but also sets the stage for excellence.

Singh reminds readers that starting from the bottom is inevitable. She shares candidly about the times she sat in cars for hours waiting for meetings with influential individuals, carried cumbersome gifts around cities, and endured numerous challenges. These experiences, Singh notes, were stepping stones that helped her ascend the ladder of success. Pride, she believes, can be a burden, and humility paired with persistence is often the key to progress.

According to Singh, success has no shortcuts. It’s about taking the stairs, not the escalator. While gimmicks and shortcuts might lead to fleeting success, they won’t sustain it. A solid foundation, built through consistent hard work, is the only reliable path forward.

Singh also identifies procrastination as a formidable enemy. Becoming her own boss meant she had to impose her own deadlines to stay on track. For instance, when she moved to LA, she forced herself to adhere to strict timelines, which ultimately pushed her to achieve her goals. She advises breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks with specific deadlines to ensure steady progress.

Finally, Singh poses a powerful question to her readers: What’s your Plan A? She encourages everyone to focus on it, work hard, and embrace the climb. After all, success is waiting at the top of those stairs.

Kate Winslet's Bold Advice: Why Having No Plan B Can Lead to Success

You're about to take a major test, apply for a job, audition for a movie, or start a sales pitch. It feels like if this one thing doesn't go well, your life is over. The pressure is real. It's terrifying to think that one opportunity could determine your entire future. Sure, some things are important, but placing your whole education or career on one success is not the way to go.

Think of your life as an empire. Empires aren’t built overnight and don’t crumble from one failure. They have strong foundations and multiple pillars supporting them. Your career should be the same. One success is great, but it’s not everything. If you fail, it’s not the end of the world.

For example, Singh has had opportunities to collaborate with amazing people like Selena Gomez and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The pressure to create something perfect was immense, but she learned that no single video would define her entire career. Some of her solo videos even outperformed big collaborations. Her career is a sum of all her efforts, not just one viral moment.

Similarly, social media can make us feel like we’re failing at life when we see others’ highlight reels. But remember, there’s no single correct way to live or path to success. Singh once thought the only way to make it in Hollywood was through endless auditions. But her YouTube success opened new doors. She still has to audition, but her online presence gives her an edge.

You don’t have to follow the traditional path. Create your own roadmap to success. It’s like a maze, not a straight line. Design your path and don’t get distracted by others.

Health is also crucial. Being active isn’t just for looking good; it’s about keeping up with your hustle. Small changes like stretching in the morning, taking the stairs, and drinking more water can make a big difference.

Life throws banana peels at us like in Mario Kart. To avoid these little nuisances, be prepared. If something stresses you out, solve it. Buy extra chargers, keep snacks handy, and plan your parking. Preventing small issues can save a lot of frustration and energy.

Failure doesn’t mean the end. In 2015, a big collaboration fell through, but Singh turned the idea into the GirlLove Challenge, which became a global phenomenon. What started as a failure turned into a successful social campaign.

Success in one area doesn’t guarantee success in another. Singh might be a star on YouTube, but in Hollywood, she is just another person auditioning. Climbing new ladders teaches you valuable lessons and experiences.

Remember, your success is built on multiple pillars. Strengthen your empire and don’t let one opportunity define you. Embrace challenges, earn your success, and design your unique path. Keep hustling and stay resilient.

Can Selena Gomez and Arnold Schwarzenegger Teach Us the Secret to Overcoming Failure?

Growing up, Singh often heard the phrase "you're special" from her parents and teachers, and she remembers watching Barney declare it daily. But Singh believes the truth lies deeper: people are special because they are uniquely themselves, but that uniqueness only matters if they choose to act upon it. She likens this to imagining Harry Potter discovering he was a wizard but deciding to stay under the stairs. For Singh, it’s action, not mere existence, that truly sets individuals apart.

In today's age of social media, Singh observes how the sense of unwarranted validation has been amplified. She notes that receiving likes and retweets can feel more rewarding than achieving actual accomplishments. However, Singh emphasizes that true fulfillment doesn’t come from fleeting online approval but from genuine achievements and meaningful contributions to society.

Singh recalls an experience hosting VidCon, where someone told her, "You're Superwoman, they'll cheer no matter what." This comment disheartened her because she values hard work over automatic praise. Singh never wants to be celebrated just for showing up; she believes applause should be earned through effort and dedication.

She shares an anecdote about a friend who was constantly validated by his family for every minor achievement. This excessive praise, Singh explains, fostered a sense of entitlement and led to unrealistic expectations from the world. In her view, true validation should stem from achieving meaningful goals, not from constant, unwarranted praise.

Singh warns that premature validation can stifle ambition. She credits her mother’s sparing validation for keeping her hustle alive, believing that celebrations should be reserved for significant achievements, not just for participation.

When it comes to protecting one’s vision, Singh likens ideas to babies that need care and safeguarding. She learned this firsthand while embarking on her first world tour, *A Trip to Unicorn Island.* Despite facing financial and logistical challenges, Singh persevered to bring her vision to life. For her, protecting ideas requires hard work, resilience, and sometimes financial risk—but it’s always worth it.

Singh also shares a vital lesson she learned from Snoop Dogg: being the "dumbest" person on your team can be a strength. Surrounding oneself with experts in different fields creates opportunities for growth and learning. Singh believes that asking questions and admitting what you don’t know isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength and a sign of intelligence.

Investing in oneself is another cornerstone of Singh’s philosophy. She draws inspiration from Lindsey Stirling, who, despite her success, continues to take daily violin lessons. For Singh, continuous improvement is key. She advises others to invest time, energy, and resources into their personal growth, whether through hiring a manager, learning new skills, or refining their craft. In her experience, these investments always pay off in the long run.

Singh also believes that sometimes breaking the rules is necessary to achieve one's goals. She cites Malala Yousafzai, who defied the ban on female education in Pakistan and changed countless lives. On a smaller scale, Singh shares how she broke industry protocol to meet Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, leading to a cherished encounter. She urges others to step outside the lines when needed to pursue their dreams.

Finally, Singh underscores the importance of presence. Whether in meetings or social settings, she believes that carrying oneself with confidence and genuine engagement makes a lasting impact.

Unlock Your Inner Bawse: Lessons from Harry Potter, Snoop Dogg, and Malala

Singh writes about the complexities of communication and the importance of authenticity in her interactions. She recalls a time when she would text her partner during arguments, furiously typing out paragraphs before pausing to ask herself, "Is this okay?" Frequently, she would run her messages by a friend before sending them. 

Singh's camera roll was once filled with screenshots of conversations. But then Singh discovered a vital lesson: say what you mean. She believes that authentic feelings don't require editing.

Living in Los Angeles, Singh has observed that people often prioritize saying what sounds good over what they truly feel. Phrases like "Love you!" or "Miss ya!" from acquaintances can feel hollow and insincere to her. Instead, she suggests offering more genuine responses, such as, "It was nice seeing you. Hope I run into you again."

For Singh, effective communication doesn’t have to be complicated. She shares a personal anecdote about a party where she spotted a handsome man across the room. Rather than overthinking her approach, she walked up to him and said, "Hey, my friends back in Toronto would love to see a picture of you. Do you mind?" Her directness was met with laughter and agreement, proving that being straightforward doesn’t mean being rude. Her motto is, "Say what you mean, but don’t say it mean."

Singh reflects on her growth in handling workplace communication. She used to stress over confronting employees, often rehearsing her words until they sounded robotic. Now, she opts for clarity and directness. For instance, when her assistant forgets tasks, she no longer says, "Please ensure this doesn’t happen again." Instead, she asserts, "Constantly reminding you defeats the purpose of having an assistant. Figure out a system to remember tasks."

This philosophy extends to relationships as well. Singh acknowledges the pain of breakups but emphasizes that if someone chooses to leave, they likely weren’t the right match. She encourages readers to view breakups as an opportunity to explore the countless other forms of love that exist in the world.

Drawing inspiration from celebrities, Singh highlights the authenticity of stars like Selena Gomez. When Singh first met Gomez, she was struck by her unapologetic nature—eating Cheetos right after her makeup was done, speaking confidently about her album cover, and being candid about her hair extensions. For Singh, authenticity isn’t about being eccentric or quirky; it’s about fully embracing who you are.

She also admires Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for his genuine demeanor. Johnson takes the time to introduce himself to everyone on set, making people feel respected and valued. Inspired by his example, Singh adopted the same habit, which led to new opportunities and connections in her own life.

Finally, Singh underscores the importance of understanding priorities in relationships. She believes that many failed relationships stem from conflicting priorities. If people can respect and accommodate one another’s priorities, they’ll create stronger bonds.

In Singh’s view, being a "Bawse" means communicating with purpose and authenticity. She encourages readers to embrace their true selves, respect others, and always say what they mean.

Could Selena Gomez Hold the Secret to Authentic Communication?

Your environment shapes you. Have you ever felt optimistic in a room full of pessimists? Or productive in a room of slackers? Probably not. That's why it's crucial to create an environment where you can thrive.

Right now, Singh is super productive because her workspace is designed to inspire her. From a sticky note saying, “Focus on what deserves your attention,” to a bright blue stapler that could qualify as a Man Crush Monday, her desk is a Willy Wonka dream that fuels her creativity and happiness.

It's not just about colors and cute office supplies. You can choose empowering passwords, set motivational ringtones, and follow uplifting accounts on social media. Your surroundings, whether it’s your desktop wallpaper or the color of your towels, can make a huge difference.

When Singh moved from Toronto to L.A., it was a big, scary step, but it was necessary for her growth. In L.A., Singh is surrounded by like-minded people who understand and inspire her career. Creating the right environment is your job—no one else’s. So, decide wisely what kind of factory you want to be built in.

Your brain is a sponge, absorbing everything around it. Feed it ideas, not gossip. Singh and her friend Humble spend twenty minutes daily discussing ideas, and it’s mind-blowing. It's a much better use of their brain than talking about what the Kardashians are wearing.

Train your brain to focus on positive traits in people. When you meet someone new, admire a feature or personality trait. It rewires your brain to think positively, leaving more space for creative thoughts.

A true Bawse realizes they aren’t the ultimate power. There’s always something bigger—whether it's God, science, or fate. This keeps you grounded and reminds you that everything you have can be taken away, so appreciate it while you can.

Lastly, know the difference between supporting people and giving them a free ride. Support those who work hard and show ambition, but don't let anyone rely on you to do their work for them. True success comes from a strong foundation built on hard work.

So, create your Bawse environment, feed your brain right, stay humble, and support the hustle.

Creating Your Bawse Environment

Picture this: life is a bustling journey filled with billions of people, some holding the door for you, others keying your car. Through these encounters, your values are tested, and the strength of your character is revealed. Values, as it turns out, are not hobbies that can be set aside during challenging times but are steadfast guides, even when life gets tough.

Consider the universal issue of bullying. We rally against it, yet sometimes find ourselves guilty of the same behavior, especially towards public figures. Justifying it with reasons like their wealth or fame doesn’t excuse the act. Values should remain unshaken, regardless of the target or circumstances.

Singh remembers her own struggle to stay true to her values. She crafted a personal manifesto, a list of values she wanted to embody, to remind herself of the person she strives to be. It’s not easy—being a good person takes effort, much like becoming a lawyer or singer.

In parallel, consider the power of kindness. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about making a proactive effort to leave a lasting impression. Once, at a YouTube party, Singh mustered the courage to compliment Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber’s manager. Turns out, he was having a bad day, and her simple kindness made a difference. Later, he publicly supported her online—all from a single kind gesture.

And what about gratitude? Often, we forget the privileges we have, taking for granted the little things like a warm bed or a good meal. It’s crucial to pause and appreciate these blessings, recognizing the lottery of privilege we’ve won. This gratitude fuels happiness and success.

Lastly, let’s not forget the team within us: our mind, body, and soul. They need to work in harmony, guiding us to make the right decisions. Singh realized this when her career ambitions aligned perfectly with her inner team, unlike her past relationship, where there was discord.

In the end, it’s about promoting what you love rather than bashing what you hate. Singh learned this through media training—shifting focus to the positives yields more of what you cherish. Whether it’s empowering women or appreciating life’s simple joys, let your values, kindness, gratitude, and inner harmony be your guiding light. After all, that’s what makes a true Bawse.

Can Justin Bieber's Manager Teach Us the Power of Simple Kindness?

Navigating life effectively involves focusing on what you can control—your actions and reactions. Embracing discomfort can be a stepping stone to success, as it builds resilience and prepares you for future challenges. Managing emotions strategically, especially in work settings, helps in maintaining productivity and clear judgment.

It's crucial to avoid overthinking, as it can be unproductive and hinder creative endeavors. Mistakes are part of the journey to success and should be seen as opportunities to learn and grow. Building self-control and shifting mindsets from merely surviving to conquering life is essential for achieving goals.

Commitment to your decisions, regardless of obstacles, is paramount. It involves giving 100% effort and resisting distractions like FOMO. Inspiration is the fuel for your hustle, and it's important to find and schedule sources of motivation. Creating vision boards and visualizing your goals can provide clarity and drive.

Focusing solely on Plan A without a backup plan can lead to greater dedication and success. Authenticity in communication and actions is vital; saying what you mean fosters genuine connections and clarity. Surrounding yourself with empowering environments and positive influences can significantly impact your productivity and creativity.

Staying true to your values, practicing kindness, and maintaining gratitude are fundamental. Aligning your mind, body, and soul ensures harmony and guides you in making the right decisions. Promoting what you love rather than bashing what you hate can create more positivity in your life and endeavors.

Home

Trending Books

News & Mags

Relax

Curated

Collections

Key Ideas & Notes

Insights

Highlights & Bookmarks

Listening History

Improve your Career, Health & Life with 15min insights from 9000+ non-fiction books

Key Ideas

#1