The Writer’s Playlist

In August of 2011 (wow..that’s a long time ago!), I attended Jon Acuff’s very first Quitter Conference, where I came away reeling from the fire-hose of motivation and inspiration and practical advice about how to recover, develop, and finally realize (as in make real) my dream of being a writer.

(Which I did, by the way.)

It works with any dream, really. Unless your dream is to marry Prince William and eventually take the throne as the Queen of England. I hate to tell you, but that one is a bit of a longshot, as Kate is already a bit ahead of you. Sorry for breaking the news to you this way.

Anyway, the instant action item I took away from the first Quitter Conference?

Make a playlist.

Seems a little high-school, right?? But think about it. Most of us spent a surprising amount of time during our teen years compiling a million mix tapes for friends and for that-one-very-special-person-that-really-would-be-far-more-than-a-friend-if-they-only-knew-how-deeply-they-were-loved-through-the-lyrics-of-the-songs-i-put-on-this-tape.

We know the magic of the mix tape, but Jon Acuff has launched its power into outer space.

Jon taught me to recognize the importance of a set of songs where each one had that special combination of perfect lyrics, pace, and melody. Whether driving (think: “Theme to Rocky” or “Eye Of The Tiger”), happy (anything by Owl City), inspirational (Chariots of Fire?), the songs on this list have one purpose: to prime you to hustle for your dream.

Thirteen months later, I’m using the very same list.

It’s like Pavlov. When I hear any song on it, I can’t NOT write.

Here it is:

• “Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisy)” TobyMac
• “Starry Eyed Surprise” Paul Oakenfold
• “Lift Me Up” Moby
• “Oh, Happiness” David Crowder Band
• “When You Are Near” Jeremy Camp
• “I Still Believe” The Call
• “Us” The Call
• “Our God” Chris Tomlin
• “I Will Follow” Chris Tomlin
• “Hero” Jars of Clay
• “Galvanize” The Chemical Brothers
• “Everything Glorious” David Crowder Band
• “You & Me” Dave Matthews Band

I made one addition to the list when it became clear that it was getting close to time to take the huge leap from my day job as a corporate project manager to a new opportunity that more closely aligned with my passion:

• “This Is The Day” The The

And the intermittent song that I add/remove depending on my mood:

• “Lose Yourself” Eminem

(BTW, I have many many mixed feelings about our friend Marshall Mathers…a deeply pained but brilliant poet that often channels his anger in ways that are deeply offensive to me, but also sometimes articulates a feeling in such perfect and concise terms that he moves me to tears. Odd combination..but one I deeply respect as a writer. Just sayin.)

If you’re dreaming of being a Quitter…wherever you are in your dream, really, don’t underestimate the power of music.

Build a list that will encourage you, motivate you, inspire you, and remind you that you truly were made for a purpose.

Listen to it every time you focus on building your dream.

What’s on your playlist?? Leave a comment…