We were lucky to catch up with Carlos Cipriano recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carlos , so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline undoubtedly stems from my military training. While I possessed a strong sense of determination beforehand, I often mistook it for true discipline. My determination fueled me towards my goals, and if consistency was required, I’d deliver. However, the military instilled within me the power of habit and unwavering consistency – lessons that have been invaluable. Self-discipline has been transformative in my life these past few years. Growing up, structure and a consistent lifestyle were missing. Now, I understand the life-altering impact that structure can bring. Once you envision the person you aspire to be, you can begin incorporating the daily practices that embody that vision. Doing so consistently pushes you closer to your ideal self, and this journey demands immense self-discipline.
Of course, daily struggles inevitably arise. In my opinion, self-discipline is a practice honed one day at a time. It takes effort, and some days are undoubtedly tougher than others. Remember, breaking a good habit is far easier than forming one. I recently explored this topic on my YouTube show, discussing the insightful book “Atomic Habits.” If you’re seeking to cultivate self-discipline, I highly recommend it as a starting point for building those essential good habits!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I moved to Los Angeles a year ago to become a full-time student in music production at the Los Angeles Recording School in Hollywood. I’m here to hone my craft and find my true sound as an artist. I’m also on a journey to discover my most authentic self and express that in my music and the content I create.
Last October, I started a YouTube channel called The Cipriano Project Show where I share aspects of my personal life and lifestyle, the things I do and enjoy. I’m thrilled with how people are connecting with it. I felt a need to connect with people on social media in a genuine way, while also providing them with value. My channel focuses on mindful everyday living.
I’m incredibly excited about the future of my channel and feel like this is just the beginning. As for my music, I’m constantly working to improve my skills and become the best artist I can be.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Gratitude, hands down. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the future, but focusing on the present, on what you already have, is incredibly powerful. It grounds you, keeps you present, and reminds you that you might be closer to your goals than you think. Just stop, breathe, and appreciate what you have. It’s a game-changer.
Second, focus. It’s your superpower. Your attention is your most valuable tool, so direct it towards what you truly desire. Feeling lost often comes from a lack of clarity. So, paint a clear picture of your goals, a vision that guides you like a compass. Of course, there will be detours, but knowing your destination empowers you to get back on track.
Finally, embrace openness. Believe it or not, I used to have a very rigid idea of what my life would be. Life, however, rarely follows a script. The most unexpected experiences have shaped me the most. Be open-minded, even when paths seem divergent. Take every chance that comes your way, because you never know what magic awaits on the other side.
For example, look at me. I always dreamt of music, but I spent years doing unrelated jobs, from gardening to construction sites. I hustled, learning a new language, leaving my home, even joining the military, each step, no matter how unexpected, propelled me forward.
So, my advice would be to trust the universe to guide you on your unique journey. Life may not unfold exactly as planned, but embrace the open road, stay focused, and cultivate gratitude. Your dreams await.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate with folks who are passionate and driven, and who share a love for creating high-quality content. I believe that collaboration is essential for creating truly inspiring work, and I am always excited to learn from and be inspired by others. In the past, I have collaborated with a variety of people, including musicians, photographers, filmmakers, and editors. I have also found it to be very rewarding to collaborate with content creators and influencers. I am always open to new opportunities to collaborate, and I am always looking to connect with people who share my passion for creating great content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ciprianoproject.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theciprianoproject/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCCLcw8nlSRGBgyvEJvmTig
Image Credits
Lada Egorova (photographer) Jerry Parraguirre (photographer) Ramses Valero (photographer)
