I love music. With a passion. It fuels me every single day. Sometimes music inspires me, sometimes it gives me energy, sometimes it expresses how I’m feeling better than I can do on my own. Sometimes it’s soothing, sometimes it’s introspective, sometimes it motivating. But always, it fuels me.

There’s only one thing I love more than listening to my favorite music deep in my ears, and that’s seeing it live. The raw energy from the band to the crowd and back again. The passion. The fire. The brilliance. The adrenaline. The emotion. There’s simply NOTHING like it. Watching a band perform live at their peak is a sight to behold. It looks so effortless, so seemless, so simple.

But it’s not.

I also enjoy checking behind the scenes with my favorite bands. It’s so much easier to do nowadays with youtube, twitter, facebook, etc. There is so much access today that was never possible before. So much insight into the truth about success. I hear my favorite band, and I’m blown away. Everything comes together as one. I listen to my favorite guitarist, and every note is just right. I hear my favorite singer, and I swear to you it’s a gift from God and the voice of an angel.

But then I pull the curtain back. I see how each band member has gone through thousands of hours together to make each sound as one. I learn how the guitarist practices hours and hours every single day, even as he has reached the top of his craft. He works harder now than ever before to improve, to push, to get better. I see how the singer, as natural and effortless as he sounds, has worked years to perfect the proper breathing techniques, the proper discipline over his vocal chords, the proper command of his voice. And it all becomes clear.

Success, anywhere, everywhere, is earned. It is not given.

The greater amount of success, the more blood, sweat and tears were shed. Period, end of story. The more effortless it looks? The more effort they’ve already put forth. Music, sports, classroom, wherever. Doesn’t matter. It’s all the same. You want to become successful? You have to go after it. Don’t wait for it to be given to you, because it never will. Take it.

Earn it.

It makes me cringe when people complain about where they are “not” in life. Ask yourself this question. Have you done everything you can to achieve that goals you have set for yourself? If the answer is yes, then there is clearly something else wrong that needs to be fixed. But my guess is that if you took a long, hard, honest look into that true answer, it would be no. In which case, time to get after it! Your jumpshot isn’t where it needs to be? Shoot more! You grades are lacking? Study harder and more effectively! You’re relationships aren’t where you would like them? Fix them! Your income is inadequate? Find a way to earn more!

Personally, I am not where I want to be yet because I haven’t earned it enough! I know that to be true. I am working hard every day to get after it. To help people get better. Because I know that the more I help people get better, the better I will become in return! I love that!

Everything worth value in life is earned. Income, relationships, trust, friendship. None of this is easy in life, which is why it’s so rewarding. You have a chance to prove yourself every single day. And if today you fail, the sun rises again tomorrow to try anew. I fail daily. Somedays more than others. But I know that I can keep trying to earn my keep. Be ferocious in your effort. Because that’s what it will take!

Want a nicer car? Earn it. Want more playing time? Earn it. Want a bigger business? Earn it. Want better relationships? Earn it. Want a nastier crossover? Earn it. Want more respect? Earn it!!!!!

Go after the success that is rightfully yours through work, desire, and passion. But, don’t forget to “go after” it, as it will not come to you!

Oh, and next time you see your favorite band, and you’re blown away by how “lucky” they are to be so talented, just remember, behind closed doors, while you weren’t looking, they earned every last piece of it.

bt