We were lucky to catch up with DJ RodWest recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DJ RodWest, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
From a young age, I found myself confronted with various hardships, each offering an opportunity to develop resilience. One of my earliest challenges was dealing with bullying from other kids. Instead of retaliating, I chose to maintain a belief in non-violence, refusing to cause harm to them despite the adversity I faced. This belief in peaceful resolution became a cornerstone of my resilience.
Growing up in a single-parent home presented its own set of difficulties. The absence of a second parental figure meant that my single parent had to work tirelessly to provide for our family. Witnessing their unwavering determination and sacrifice instilled in me a sense of resilience, teaching me the value of perseverance and self-reliance.
Additionally, I encountered the obstacles of being miseducated by our school system. However, instead of succumbing to the limitations imposed by the system, I sought knowledge and information outside the classroom. Through self-education and seeking alternative resources, I was able to overcome the educational challenges I faced and expand my horizons.
Another significant chapter in my journey of resilience was going through basic training in the military. The rigorous physical and mental demands pushed me to my limits, testing my resilience at every step. It was during this time that I participated in a test that assessed our resilience levels, and I was humbled to discover that I had the highest resilience among my peers. This experience reinforced my belief in my own resilience and highlighted its significance in my life.
To foster and strengthen my resilience, I stand on a few core principles: belief, pray, and faith. Belief reminds me to hold steadfast to my convictions and trust in my abilities. Pray encompasses the qualities of patience, relaxation, awareness, and serenity, which help me find inner peace and clarity amidst challenges. Faith, represented by fearlessness, taking action, and being present in the heat of the moment, reinforces my trust in myself and the path I have chosen.
By embracing these concepts, I have come to realize that life is a series of blessings and lessons. It is akin to a binary code, where problems and challenges can be simplified into 1s and 0s. I have learned that I have a choice in how I respond to the difficulties that come my way. I can either grow from the pain and use it as a platform for personal development, or I can allow it to consume me. This mindset shift has been instrumental in shaping my resilience, enabling me to overcome obstacles and view life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
In summary, my journey of resilience has been forged through facing and conquering numerous hardships. Whether it was enduring bullying with non-violence, thriving in a single-parent home, overcoming educational limitations, excelling in military training, or even instances where I had to fight despite my preference for non-violence, each experience has contributed to the development of my resilience. By standing on the pillars of belief, pray, and faith, I have cultivated an unwavering spirit that allows me to navigate life’s challenges with grace, determination, and an unyielding belief in my own strength.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an urban open format DJ and emerging music producer hailing from Tampa Bay, Florida. In addition to my passion for music, I also have a background in the military and have worked in the IT field. Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences through radio, concerts, and numerous events, honing my craft and connecting with people through the power of music.
No matter what challenges life has thrown at me, I have always held onto an unwavering determination to never quit. This mindset has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, propelling me forward in pursuing my dreams. I firmly believe that resilience and perseverance are key ingredients for success in any field, and my experiences have strengthened these qualities within me.
Currently, I am focused on running a podcast called “Blessings and Lessons.” Through this platform, I have the privilege of speaking to individuals from around the world, delving into the experiences that have shaped their paths. It is a space where stories of triumph, resilience, and personal growth are shared, inspiring listeners to embrace life to the fullest and break free from the boundaries and limitations imposed by society. My aim is to encourage my peers and audience to explore their passions, chase their dreams, and push beyond their comfort zones, reminding them that life is an opportunity for continuous growth and self-discovery.
Professionally, I am dedicated to creating impactful music and fostering an atmosphere where people can connect, dance, and experience the power of music firsthand. I strive to bring joy, energy, and a sense of unity to every performance, whether it’s in a club, at a concert, or any other event. My journey in the music industry has taught me the importance of constantly evolving, staying true to my artistic vision, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what is creatively possible.
My multifaceted background as an urban open format DJ, music producer, military veteran, and IT professional has shaped my resilience and determination to overcome obstacles. Through my podcast, “Blessings and Lessons,” and my music, I aim to inspire others to embrace their true potential, challenge societal norms, and live life to the fullest. I am committed to making a positive impact in the world through my art and sharing the stories of individuals who have found strength and growth in their own unique journeys.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the most significant impact: adaptability, problem-solving, and financial management.
1. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different situations and understand that everyone has had unique life experiences has been crucial in my personal and professional growth. I have learned not to expect others to be like me or to conform to a particular mold. It is ok to break the mold. This adaptability has allowed me to love and support even those who may be considered “unlovable.” As a friend, I take the initiative to check on others, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Being adaptable has opened doors and helped me build strong relationships.
2. Problem-solving: Whether it was in the IT field, music, or relationships, problem-solving has been a crucial skill. In the military, there were instances where we were sent out to fix computer issues without prior knowledge of the problem. Being a great problem solver requires effective communication, asking the right questions, and taking swift action. This skill has served me well as a DJ, music producer, and IT professional. It has allowed me to overcome challenges creatively and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
3. Financial management: Understanding the importance of making the most out of limited resources has been vital in my journey. Financial management skills have played a significant role in my success. I have learned how to stretch my resources, both financially and otherwise, to achieve my goals. This skill is an ongoing learning process for me, and I actively seek opportunities to improve. By immersing myself in conversations related to wealth, reading books on finance, and humbly seeking advice from those who are financially successful, I continue to make strides in the right direction.
Adaptability has taught me to appreciate and embrace diversity, problem-solving has allowed me to navigate various challenges, and financial management has empowered me to make wise decisions and make progress towards my goals. These qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have played a significant role in my journey, shaping me into the resilient and determined individual I am today.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill has played a significant role in my personal development journey. It has provided me with valuable insights and transformative wisdom that has positively influenced my mindset and approach to life.
One of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book is the idea that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. By shifting our mindset to focus on possibilities, opportunities, and abundance, we can attract positive outcomes and create a life of prosperity.
Another valuable lesson from the book is the power of goal setting and visualization. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear, specific goals and vividly visualizing their achievement. Through visualization and consistent action, we can align our thoughts, emotions, and actions towards the realization of our goals, increasing our chances of success.
Furthermore, the book emphasizes the significance of persistence and resilience in the pursuit of our dreams. It teaches that setbacks and failures are not indications of defeat but opportunities for growth and learning. By maintaining a persistent attitude and persevering through challenges, we can overcome obstacles and ultimately achieve our desired outcomes.
Overall, “Think and Grow Rich” has provided me with invaluable insights into the power of mindset, goal setting, visualization, and persistence. It has taught me to embrace abundance, believe in my capabilities, and take inspired action towards my goals, leading to personal growth, success, and fulfillment in various areas of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djrodwest.com
- Instagram: @djrodwest
- Facebook: @djrodwest
- YouTube: djrodwest
- Other. https://www.beatstars.com/djrodwest
