will.i.am - Seeing things that others can’t (E227)

This conversation encourages us to be a spark of light in the room, foster positivity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth.

will.i.am is a rapper, producer and artist. Identifying as a ‘futurist’ will.i.am defines what this means to him and how looking into the future informs all of his decision making. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the philosophies and ideas guiding his personal and professional life.

From growing up in housing projects with seven siblings, to fulfilling his dream of being a full-time creative, will.i.am explains how his mother is a core part of everything he has achieved. He shares a personal and emotional private message he received from her recently and the powerful meaning it has to him.

Throughout this conversation, will.i.am provides valuable insights on finding one’s true self, including navigating the delicate balance of ego removal, self-reflection, and the necessity of private time to unwind. He shares why he sees his ADHD diagnosis as his biggest superpower.

This interview is a deep dive into a truly creative mind, exploring spirituality, how to stop worrying about being judged by others, and why we should all seek to see things differently.

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## Section 1: Introduction to the Podcast Episode

* The podcast episode aims to inspire listeners to be a spark of light in the room, foster positivity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth.
* Will.i.am, a rapper, producer, and artist, joins the conversation to explore his philosophies and ideas guiding his personal and professional life.

## Section 2: Early Life and Family Influences

* Will.i.am grew up in housing projects with seven siblings and identifies his mother as a core part of everything he has achieved.
* He shares a personal and emotional private message recently received from his mother, highlighting its profound meaning to him.

## Section 3: Finding One's True Self

* Will.i.am emphasizes the importance of finding one's true self and navigating the delicate balance of ego removal, self-reflection, and the necessity of private time to unwind.
* He explains why he sees his ADHD diagnosis as his biggest superpower.

## Section 4: Creativity, Spirituality, and Overcoming Challenges

* The conversation delves into Will.i.am's creative mind, exploring spirituality, how to stop worrying about being judged by others, and why we should all seek to see things differently.
* He shares insights on overcoming adversity by turning challenges into creative material and using them as a source of inspiration.

## Section 5: The Power of Friendships and Overcoming Adversity

* Will.i.am emphasizes the significance of having a strong support system and credits his friends for his spiritual resilience.
* He discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with people who genuinely care and support one's growth.

## Section 6: The Importance of Being a Spark of Light

* Will.i.am stresses the impact of being a positive force in the world, bringing energy and enthusiasm to everything one does.
* He believes that by spreading positivity, individuals can attract more smiles and foster a supportive environment.

## Section 7: Lessons from the Projects and the Influence of Will.i.am's Mother

* Will.i.am reflects on the lessons he learned growing up in the projects, emphasizing the value of bringing joy and positivity to challenging situations.
* He shares how his mother's unwavering support and dedication to community service shaped his outlook on life and instilled in him a desire to make a difference.

## Section 8: The Message from Will.i.am's Mother

* Will.i.am shares a heartfelt text message from his mother, expressing her gratitude for the memories they've created together and the impact he has had on her life.
* He reflects on the message, highlighting the importance of fostering meaningful connections and appreciating the people who support us.

## Overall Message and Takeaway

* The podcast episode emphasizes the power of positivity, creativity, and resilience in achieving personal growth and making a positive impact on the world.
* Will.i.am's insights on finding one's true self, overcoming challenges, and the importance of strong relationships offer valuable lessons for listeners seeking to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

**Navigating the World of Creativity and Personal Growth: Insights from will.i.am**

**Embracing Positivity and Creativity:**

- will.i.am emphasizes the importance of fostering positivity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth.

- He identifies as a "futurist," constantly looking into the future to inform his decision-making.

**The Influence of Family:**

- will.i.am acknowledges the pivotal role of his mother in shaping his life and achievements.

- He shares a personal and emotional message from her, highlighting its profound impact on him.

**Finding True Self:**

- will.i.am stresses the significance of discovering one's true self, advocating for a delicate balance of ego removal, self-reflection, and the necessity of private time for self-discovery.

- He views his ADHD diagnosis as his biggest superpower, enabling him to see things differently and appreciate life's nuances.

**Overcoming Limiting Beliefs:**

- will.i.am challenges the perception of ADHD as a problem, asserting that it can be a gift when channeled correctly.

- He encourages individuals to embrace their unique perspectives and abilities, recognizing that everyone has a broader scope of bandwidth and experiences life differently.

**FYI.ai: Centralizing Thought:**

- will.i.am introduces FYI.ai, a platform designed to organize and protect digital assets, conversations, and aspirations in one secure space.

- He emphasizes the importance of data privacy and control, ensuring that users retain ownership and protection of their information.

**Quickfire Questions:**

- Non-negotiable behaviors: Love, compassion, and empathy.
- Advice to a young will.i.am: Start a relationship with your past, present, and future selves.
- Moment to go back to: The time he drowned in 1985, to tell himself to wake up and continue living.
- Legacy: will.i.am values the concept of legacy, associating it with standing for something that will endure.
- Final message: He encourages individuals to shine brightly and be a light in the room, inspiring others with their positive energy.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Embrace positivity, creativity, and personal growth.
- Value the influence of family and nurture meaningful relationships.
- Seek self-discovery and remove limiting beliefs.
- Utilize tools like FYI.ai to organize and protect digital assets.
- Cultivate a mindset of love, compassion, and empathy.
- Shine brightly and inspire others with your positive energy.