"If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down." — Toni Morrison

I just got back from Jamaica with my husband, DJ. We took some much-needed time away, soaking up the sun and exploring the beauty of Dunn's River Falls, swimming with dolphins, and of course—having deep, rum-infused conversations about life, love, and mindset.

I spent hours reading by the pool and on the plane: finishing up my friend Michelle Harper’s The Beauty in Breaking before diving into Viktor E. Frankl's Man’s Search for Meaning, while DJ finished reading The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, and while these books don't sound like they relate at all; one thing that kept coming up in our late-night discussions was this simple fact: mindset plays a HUGE role in shaping the reality we live in. And, of course, that got me thinking about music.

As a singer/songwriter and empowerment coach, I’ve seen firsthand how mindset matters — especially in music. The way we approach the songs we sing, the ways my clients will often try to imitate the voices [and even personalities] of the artists they perform the songs of, the way we write, the beliefs we have about our talents, and the mindset we bring to our creative process... it all directly influences the songs we create and how those songs impact others.

So here’s the million-dollar question [however metaphorical or literal you want to take it]: What song are you singing to yourself?

Beliefs Are Just Ideas We Keep Repeating

In the same way that every song we write and every lyric we sing reinforces something about ourselves, our mindset does the same.

Have you ever noticed that a child who is consistently told that they're a "good girl or boy" ultimately behaves that way? Similarly, if you tell a kid that they're trouble; they eventually give up trying to prove you wrong, and fall into the behavior of a trouble maker. I saw it time and time again when I was working for the YMCA in New Zealand - the youth I worked with absolutely leaned into the labels they were given by those around them.

Well, our mindset plays just as big of a role in who we become and how we act.

If you keep telling yourself, “I’m not good enough,” [even as a joke] guess what? You’ll believe it. Our brains can't tell the difference between sarcasm and truth. But if you start singing, “I am a fighter. I am a survivor. I made it through the darkest weather...” (Ahem... yes, those are the lyrics to my song “I Am”), you’ll start to embody that belief. Even if you don't necessarily believe those things about yourself. Because, guess what? Your brain also can't tell the difference between imagination and truth.

The cool thing is—this isn’t just some fluff talk. It’s neuroscience. Neural pathways in our brains strengthen with repetition. The more we reinforce a thought, the more automatic it becomes. So if you're repeating songs in your head—make sure they’re the ones that elevate you, not tear you down.

Songs as Financial and Emotional Investments

If you’ve ever read The Psychology of Money, you know that wealth doesn’t just appear overnight—it compounds. Same with mindset.

Every song you write isn’t just an artistic release—it’s an investment in your mental wealth. Just like a good financial plan compounds over time, the songs we create reinforce who we are, what we believe, and what’s possible for us.

What if we approached songwriting like a long-term investment? What if every lyric acted like a mental savings account — reinforcing our resilience, confidence, and self-worth as we work towards our goals and dreams? This means that the power of songwriting isn’t just in the lyrics, but in the mindset it creates. When you invest in yourself through music, you’re building a strong foundation for success—both personal and professional.

Relearning and Reinforcing Life Lessons Through Music

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve revisited songs from my past and realized how much they reflect lessons I needed to learn—again. Music is like a time capsule.

For example, my song “Be Brave” was a pep talk to myself before I made the big move to Washington, DC in 2015. “Fire Away,” written with my band Static Era, reminded me that no matter what life throws at me, I can take it. “Save You From Yourself” was the wake-up call I needed to remind myself no one else is coming to rescue me—it was up to me to step up and do the work.

And every time I sing those songs, I reconnect with those lessons. It’s like my own personal growth mindset in action. Each song is a reminder that growth often comes from discomfort and facing our fears, something I encourage all my youth coaching clients to embrace. Growth lives in the discomfort of being a beginner.

Mindset and Songwriting: The Ultimate Reframe

As a songwriter and a coach, one of my main goals is to help my clients, especially the teens I work with, reframe their stories. Many of them come to me with limiting beliefs like “I can’t write a song” or “I’m not good enough.” But as we break it down, they start to realize that they’re the authors of their own stories—and that’s where the magic happens.

In the same way, your mindset shapes more than just your songwriting—it shapes your entire life. If you want to create something powerful—whether it's music, a business, or a healthy mindset—you've got to believe in yourself first. This isn't just about writing lyrics; it’s about creating the future you want to live. And the beauty of songwriting is that it’s a powerful tool for cognitive reframe.

Take my song "The Wolf I Feed," for example. The song draws inspiration from the Native American tale of two wolves: one represents love, strength, and peace, while the other represents fear, anger, and negativity. The key idea is that we can choose which wolf we feed—do we let fear or negativity control our lives, or do we choose to nurture strength, peace, and self-love?

In “The Wolf I Feed,” I sing, "To build a better new, I’ve gotta tear down my walls. The only way is through, and I’ll lead it from my heart." These lyrics speak directly to the process of letting go of the negative beliefs that hold us back and embracing the strength to move forward. It’s a perfect example of how songwriting can be used to reframe limiting beliefs and shift our mindset.

Just like with the teens I work with, reframing isn’t just about writing lyrics—it’s about taking back control of your story. When you choose to “feed the right wolf,” you actively choose to let go of the negative thought patterns and reinforce the beliefs that empower you. You stop seeing yourself as “not good enough” and start seeing yourself as strong, capable, and worthy of success.

If you want to write music that empowers you, if you want to live a life that aligns with your true values, you have to start by changing the way you think about yourself and your potential. Your mindset shapes not just your songwriting, but the story you tell with your life. Every time you sit down to write, you have the power to shift the narrative and choose the direction you want to go. And just like the song “The Wolf I Feed,” the choice is yours—what you choose to focus on and nurture will shape your future.

The Importance of Positive Mindset for Young Adults and Students

I’ve seen it firsthand: when young people start shifting their mindset and believe in their ability to overcome challenges, magic happens. They go from thinking “I can’t” to “I will.” It’s the same with songwriting.

A positive mindset isn’t about being unrealistic, it’s about embracing challenges and growing through setbacks. It’s about realizing that you’re not defined by your struggles; instead, you use them as fuel for your creativity. Every “failure” is just another step toward growth. That’s how you turn the hardest lessons into songs that inspire.

And for all my students and young adults out there: remember, your mindset is everything. Perception is power. You are the author of your life—and every song you write is a step towards owning your truth and creating the life you want.

What Song Are You Writing?

So let’s wrap it up with this: What’s the song you’re singing to yourself right now?

Is it one that empowers you, helps you overcome life's challenges, and reinforces your worth? Or is it one that holds you back, makes you feel small, or reminds you of past failures?

If it’s time to rewrite your story, let music be your tool for change. Your beliefs and mindset are just as important as the songs you create—they shape your future, your success, and your ability to lead others.

If you’re ready to take control of your story, shift your mindset, and turn your life’s challenges into music that inspires and empowers, I’m here to help. Together, we can create songs that change the world, one lyric at a time. Click here to book a free discovery call with me, and let's make sure we never let the world write your song.