Personal Development- what does it mean?

Is it just some New Age-y catchphrase meant to rope you into buying some DVD series that will “change your life”? Well- sometimes yes.

However- the idea of Personal Development is as old as life itself. The expression of life is in itself a “development of person”. Tiny organisms became larger organisms and further developed into many variations of thinking, breathing, eating living things. For the most part the organisms with the best abilities to adapt to and master their environments were the most successful and long-lasting. Those that could not somehow adapt to their ever-changing environments most often became extinct. They were replaced by other more hearty and adaptable species.

The very nature of life is to adapt, to learn, to grow and to ultimately face the challenges of  change and mortality. Those that choose not to adapt and exert their will upon their environments are often doomed. The law of natural selection pretty much guarantees it. As humans we have a virtually infinite number of possibilities available to us. In modern times- based on many tough and brilliant minds before us- we can choose to live under a bridge or build a bridge. We can choose to hide in the forest or fly into space. We can split sandwiches or split atoms. It’s all up to us and what we are able to conceive and willing to pursue.

Though I have lived a life of daily self-development as a musician and as a person I have not focused as much on the development of my business skills. I can tell you today that I’m proud of my many musical skills, the positive energies that I have expressed in this world as a person and my abilities to acquire skills and communicate ideas to others. Making money- like any other activity- is a skill. Some are natural money-makers- some are not. Some need a “job” to support themselves some need to create and run businesses to support themselves. No one approach is any more noble than another but the great strides in history have been conceived by those who have been brave enough to “think outside the box”.

Those that have been committed to Personal Development and exceeding the status quo discovered fire, agriculture, metal, electricity, radio waves, atoms and so forth. Those committed to Personal Development seek to better themselves so that they can better the world. Making money isn’t just about making money- it’s about providing value to others whether it be in producing an entertaining movie, selling insurance or sweeping floors. We all have a role to play in life but don’t allow the world to dictate your station. Dare to dream. Set goals. Make a plan and don’t stop working until you make your dreams a reality. Every single piece of technology, literature or art that we use today started off as a thought in somebody’s head. How can you make the world a better place today?

(Check out Kingvegas’ works in progress at Soundcloud.com/kingvegasstl)

I’ve been studying the principles for over a year now. Twisting my head around and around. Reprogramming. Considering. Reconsidering. I had a dream a few years ago that a woman handed me a copy of the 7 Habits- which I’ve read a number of times over the years. I bought another copy and then kept getting more books. They all have nuggets of info and wisdom and I believe that each individual can get something unique out of these books depending on their situation.

Napolean Hill’s Think and Grow Rich is the bible for entrepreneurs. more »

I play music because I love to to perform, to play with other musicians and to create my own music (art). I have tried- with varying degrees of success- to also make a career playing music. They say “do what you love and figure out how to get paid for it”. It is always a challenge to turn musical skill into a paycheck- especially for us creative types that may tend to be a bit “progressive” in regards to the music that we make.

As a young adult I think that part of my idea of being a musician was to also be recognized. To be the “Rockstar” and receive the personal validation from members of the opposite sex and to be one of “cool” people. more »

Being a successful professional musician can be quite challenging. Anyone can learn to be a good musician but when you add the “professional” part things get complicated. There are many career options for musicians that include performing, teaching, songwriting, producing, engineering, session work, soundtracks and placements and so forth.

Most pro musicians pay the bills utilizing multiple skills- say teaching and cover gigs or producing soundtracks and doing sessions. However- in my experience performers often seem to have the toughest time finding their way in their business. The biggest problem seems to be finding their audience. more »

Punxatawny Phil disappointed us this year with his less-than-accurate prediction for an early spring. We patiently endured cold weather, ice and snow and the ever-expanding holiday season in hopes of shedding our muted winter cocoons for some light and colorful warm weather fashions.

Well- here in St. Louis we have been having cold and dreary weather and we’re expecting our next winter storm this weekend. The month of March has proven disappointing for warm weather activity but I’ve been finding ways to occupy myself despite the chilly weather.
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Kingvegas shaking off the rust a bit. It keeps getting better!!!
This is the tune “Happy” off of the Smokstik album “2″. You can download this tune HERE.