Lessons from the Peppers: Your Success Won’t Survive Your Hangover
My lifelong favorite band is without questions the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I first heard them when I was 13. I never looked back. We even named the best dog we ever had after “The Zephyr Song”…play that song and Jessica can’t help but tear up. 😭😭
We’ve been watching a documentary about them over the last few nights, and if you’re a fan, you need to go watch it. But it’s not just about the history and the stage presence. It’s a sobering look at how a group of guys who had everything almost pissed it all away because of drugs and booze.
The Great American “Dry Out”
I’m the owner of a club type venue, a brewery, and a bar service company. I literally make my living off people having a good time. But even I can see the writing on the wall: America is getting sober at the fastest rate I’ve ever seen.
I’m not here to be your priest or tell you that you can’t ever enjoy a cold beer, I do from time to time myself. I’m just saying don’t be a piece of shit. There is a massive difference between a celebratory drink and letting your habits steer the ship.
The Illusion of Control
Growing a business is violent. It’s a shit show from time to time. If you aren’t obsessed with your success, you’re already losing. Here is the cold, hard truth:
- Substances Interrupt Success: You can’t make power moves when your brain is fogged out or you’re upset from a hangover.
- The Replacement Theory: Business is competitive. If you’re nursing a hangover, there is someone else out there who is obsessed. They are awake, they are sharp, and they are coming to take your spot.
- Respect the Craft: The Peppers nearly lost their legacy because they lost their focus. They had to get their shit together to become the legends they are today.
The Bottom Line
You want to grow an empire? You have to be present for it. You have to be the sharpest person in the room. Enjoy your life, sure, but don’t let the “good times” kill the “great future” you’re supposed to be building.
Stay obsessed, or get out of the way.