2 Sentence Summary
In “It’s All In Your Head,” rapper and producer Russ shares the motivational techniques that helped him achieve success against all odds. With chapters named after popular songs and illustrations throughout, this book offers an inside look at the man behind the music and encourages readers to find self-belief and unlock their potential.
Summary Read Time: Less than 5 minutes
Actual Book Length: 160
First Published in: 2019
Below is the detailed yet quick summary of the book:
Chapter 1 – Manifest Your Dreams
From a young age, Russ knew he was destined for greatness. Even in high school, he exuded confidence, writing “100%” on every test he turned in. But it wasn’t just his teachers who noticed his self-assurance – Russ was also a natural leader on the basketball court, always determined to come out on top.
To Russ, confidence is key to success. He also believes in the power of manifestation, the idea that you can bring your dreams to fruition by fully believing in them. For Russ, this meant working hard to turn his passion for music into a career, and eventually becoming one of the most popular and successful rappers in the world. But it’s not enough to just think about your goals – you have to embrace them with every fiber of your being to truly manifest them.
Chapter 2 – Believe In Yourself
Magicians can create something out of nothing, and according to Russ, we are all capable of this “sheer magic.” To achieve it, he advises that we must believe in ourselves and fill our minds with positive thoughts, affirmations, and a vivid vision of what we want to manifest.
In 2015, Russ traveled to Tampa, Florida to play a show despite being broke and traveling alone. The audience was small, but to Russ, it felt like 40,000 people. He was inspired to record and saw this small step as a step towards success. He not only believed in himself, but also had self-confidence and a thick skin. Some people are threatened by the dreams and aspirations of others, but Russ advises to focus on the true friends who support and encourage you.
Chapter 3 – Surround Yourself With Passionate People
Growing up, Russ was immersed in a musical household. His grandfather played the guitar, and his parents played Earth, Wind, & Fire or the Bee Gees, always dancing and singing along. In high school, Russ and his friends caught the rap bug and started recording music in their parent’s basements. They were all passionate about it and that passion was contagious.
For Russ, surrounding himself with people who love and support him was also key. When he began pursuing his music career, his true friends showed their support while others tried to bring him down. These energy-leeches, he says, are simply intimidated by your hopes and dreams. To achieve success, it’s important to surround yourself with positive influences and to have confidence in yourself.
Chapter 4 – Hard Work Beats Talent
In order to succeed, hard work is more important than natural talent. This was a lesson that Russ learned early on, and it motivated him to pursue his passion for music even when he didn’t have the natural talent or skills.
When he discovered GarageBand in high school, he spent all of his free time making music and uploading it to YouTube. Even when his videos only received a few views, he was motivated to keep going and improve. He eventually found success through his dedication and hard work, even though he had struggled with a poor work ethic in the past. Russ believes that finding work that you love is key to developing a strong work ethic and achieving success.
Chapter 5 – Jump Off The Cliff & Be Vulnerable
Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your passions and taking risks. When Russ decided to drop out of college to pursue his music career, he wasn’t afraid because he knew he had to follow his heart. Trust your intuition and have faith that things will work out for the best, even if it means facing vulnerability and uncertainty. Embrace your insecurities and use them to your advantage by being honest with yourself and others. Take the leap and have confidence that you will find your wings along the way.
When Russ turned down record deals that didn’t feel right, it was a sign that he was on the right track. These offers were validation that his hard work was being recognized and that something better was on the horizon. Don’t be afraid to turn down opportunities that don’t align with your values or goals. Trust yourself and keep pushing forward, even when the path may seem uncertain. By following your heart and being true to yourself, you will find success and fulfill your dreams.
Chapter 6 – Have Gratitude & Enjoy The Journey
Success is like a tornado – it can be both expected and surprising. Recognizing and being grateful for your achievements, big and small, is crucial in continuing to receive blessings from the universe. Remember that success is a journey, not a destination, and strive to become the best version of yourself. Trust in the process, embrace newness, and enjoy the journey. Don’t be content and always strive for more.
It’s important to have faith in your journey and never give up. Russ, for example, is always working to become an upgraded version of himself and is motivated by his own potential. He also trusts the process and embraces new experiences, like learning to play the ukelele and writing two songs on it. Like John Lennon said, if you have an artistic mindset, you can create something great out of anything. Embrace the journey and never stop striving for more.
