We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful BARUCH. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with BARUCH below.
BARUCH, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve learned that in order to have a healthy pursuit of purpose, I must redefine what success is. in the secular world, we are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that tell with imperialistic assertiveness what success is. Usually, it’s along the lines of fame, money, fast cars, the use and disposal of people, lots of followers, and of course, a big social circle. I intentionally fight that box, and have realized that none of those unrealistic standards are sustainable, or an ultimate measure of true self-worth. I’ve learned that my standard for success, which hails from a Biblical perspective makes much more sense. It starts with avoiding comparison with others, since any comparison other than to my previous self is not only unrealistic, but is also unfair as there are too many psychological, cultural, and socio-economic variables at play for an equitable assessment. In a culture that breeds the pursuit of self-promotion and fame as an axiom of successful purpose, I’ve decided to find meaning in creating a life that is all about adding value to others. I’m finding purpose in serving others, and in becoming excellent in the things I love to do, which are currently music and business. When I tour around the world, I do it to spread hope with my lyrics, to meet new people that need encouragement, and to teach my creative masterclass which empowers leaders and creatives around the globe to thrive in their field. To find your purpose means to realize that we have an inherent duty to search for what we love to do, to become great at it, and to not rob the world of the unique gift God placed inside of us. If your Ikigai ends up reaching millions of people, that’s great. If it only reaches and touches a few lives, that’s just as great. Our lives don’t lose value if they lack recognition, only if they lack a relentless pursuit of living out our purpose(s). In Greek, the word Sin (hamartia) means to “miss the mark (or target)”. It’s a sin of omission, rather than one of commission, which is usually the prime emphasis of religious thought. According to that definition, your failure to become who God created you to be, to solve the issue only you can solve, to write the songs that only you can write, and to miss your unique mark or target is a sin. The domino effect of your failure to become is a price too high to pay. Can you imagine a life where the people you admire or changed entire industries decided to play it safe and not pursue what set their hearts on fire?
I’m currently having so much fun on this adventure of a lifetime, despite the challenges along the way. I’m living for something bigger than myself, focused on not just leaving behind an inheritance for my kids, but a legacy for a generation. I’ve come to understand that living an intentional life that is full of meaning, even gives the inevitable pain of life a purpose. In the book “Man’s search for meaning”, Dr. Viktor Frankl made a statement that changed my life, “Don’t aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself. ” Purpose is found in living for something greater than our subjective human experience.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away” – Pablo Picasso
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi!
I’m BARUCH, an Indie Pop Artist and Creative Coach currently residing in Los Angeles, California (originally from Managua, Nicaragua). Since 2018, I travel to over 35 countries every year on tour doing concerts and revival nights.
Part of my mission and passion while traveling is to impact communities at a local level. I do this by teaching a worship & creative masterclass that empowers local leaders, builds healthy team culture, and equips the next generation of musicians and creatives with the tools they need to reach higher levels of excellence in their craft. Traveling to so many places has been such a dream, especially since I’ve gotten to meet so many incredible people and eaten so much great food! Over the last two years, I have been going to different cities full of art (Like Vienna, Budapest, Kyiv, Cinque Terre, etc) where I’ve tried to capture the essence of the city as I write my first book, which I finished on my last world tour in November 2022.
I’ve been so blessed to perform in some of the biggest arenas and stages in the world, as well as many small and humble stages (which are honestly my favorite places to play at, the energy of the crowd in a small venue is unmatched). I usually try to connect with my audience, so I will usually learn my songs in as many languages as possible when I go to other countries. It’s so fun!
Fresh off the back of my 2022 world tour, comes my latest single “As I Am”. In a culture that chronically suffers from an identity crisis, and an inherited urge to mask our vulnerabilities, “As I Am” inspires listeners to unapologetically be their authentic selves. The “As I Am” release was performed on October 21st, In Vienna Austria. It was such a great night!
Regarding upcoming plans, I will be doing another massive world tour this 2023, as well as releasing a full length album with some pretty great collaborations. Stay tuned! Come say hi in any city of my world tour! Also, stay tuned for my book release!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Having a healthy circle of friends/mentors who kept me accountable and inspired me to grow. Friends who aren’t afraid of uncomfortable conversations. Friends who loved me for who I am and not what I have to offer, and who have my best interest in mind.
2. Becoming an avid reader. When I stopped mindlessly scrolling on social media and started reading books that challenged my biases, that helped me create systems for success, and that ultimately helped me align my actions with my purpose. To name a few books that changed my life: “12 Rules for Life” by Jordan Peterson, “Never Split The Difference” by Chris Voss, “The Body Keeps the Score”, and “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” by John Maxwell. “Atomic Habits” my James clear is also pretty great!
3. Focusing on developing a lifestyle of integrity and good character. Being grounded in a set of faith based values with unwavering commitment. Making sure that I walk with humility, and outdo myself in showing honor to others. I’ve learned after trial and error, that there is an unmatched peace that clings to a man who walks with integrity.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelemed usually stems from feeling stressed. In today’s culture, stress is usually viewed as inherently negative, which makes us assume that stressful situations are debilitating and end up making us sick. However, there is so much scientific literature that proves that the mind & body’s response to stress was not designed to be debilitating but rather to help us elevate our performance to meet the demands we are facing. Once I understood stress under this light, I began to use it in my favor and it has helped me so much!
Some practical ways I adress feeling overwhelemed and stressed:
1. Breathing Excercises. Neuroscience data shows that mindful breathing can end the fight or flight response by providing a sense of “safety” to our autonomic nervous system. My favorite one is boxed breathing (Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and exhale for 5 seconds) ten times.
2. Acknowledge and welcome the stress without judement. Realize that if you are stressed, it is because you care. Redirect the power of the stress response to solve the issues at hand. Your body is working in your favor.
3. Practice Mindfulness. A few key tools I use are: Meditation, Prayer, Sauna & Cold plunge, Journaling, and working out. When our bodies are under stress and we don’t channel that energy somewhere, unhealthy cortisol levels linger which have proven to cause a decline in health over time.
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed is natural & inevitable, and if handled correctly it doesn’t have to be entirely negative. Remember, our core assumptions (our mindsets) shape our body’s response.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.baruchsanchez.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/baruchsanchez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BARUCHOFFICIAL
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Baruch
