Life Lessons from the Beastie Boys

Valuable tips from an unlikely source.

This was one of my first articles for the GoGetter back when I started in August 2020 and had maybe 10 subscribers. Given that this still remains one of my favorite books I thought it was worth updating and sharing with the larger audience.

And, I have a special sweepstakes for all my subscribers in January. You’ll find more details at the bottom of the post.

This year, I’m determined to read more books. I’m trying to read 25 pages a day. It’s a small incremental goal but soon enough I’ll have some books done and be a richer person as a result.

One of my absolute favorite autobiographies is The Beastie Boys book (anti-Amazon purchase link included). I grew up with their music and I love the business lessons from this book.

The Beastie Boys a book for business? You heard me right. I learned so many lessons from this book that if I could, I would teach a college course about it. Just think about how fun that class would be. (who among you can help me build out a syllabus?)

I can share more than a dozen lessons with you from this book but in the spirit of this newsletter and brevity, I’ll share three and encourage you to read and learn the rest.

Never Be Afraid of Change 

The Beastie Boys started out as a punk band but quickly fell in love with the hip hop scene. Abandoning their early success and taking on this change was a big risk, but with determination and focus they soon became one of the most influential hip hop bands in recent history.

Change can be a great thing. Whether you succeed or fail, regardless, you grow.

Learn to Evolve 

After the success of Licensed to Ill, they could have continued to produce this type of rap music but soon realized to remain passionate about the band, their music needed to evolve. They were willing to risk early success to build something that kept their creative and motivation at a high level.

Keep your eyes wide open and always learn - you never know what change will come that can ultimately lead to more success.

Take Risks

Artist Adam Yauch was never short of genius ideas or taking risks. Whether it was recording drums backward on ‘Paul Revere’ or creating crazy loops on tape from Led Zeppelin songs.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take - take risks. You may fail but they will be your best lessons along the way.

I’d love to hear what lessons you learn from this book. Or get the audiobook where you’ll have audio contributors such as Kim Gordon, Snoop Dogg, Ben Stiller, Chloë Sevigny, John Stewart, Nas, Steve Buscemi and more. (Full disclosure, I do not make any affiliate money from this link)

Thanks for reading. I hope you liked it. Sign up and get a new lesson every week.

I also have a twitter account called @thegogetter2020 where I share articles I like about personal growth. Go ahead and follow if that’s your thing.

Contest Alert!

2020 was quite a year. I’m sure your use of swear words increased like mine since March. If you are looking to dial it back and hold yourself accountable in 2021, a Swear Jar is a great solution - build a great habit or pay the price. The Swear Jar is a growler-shaped vessel ready to hold all the coins you deposit for your naughty language. Each holds 64 fl oz. of cash.

All during the month of January, I’m asking my subscribers to share this post or the GoGetter with five of your friends.

After sharing, you can email me at sryan40@gmail.com and at the end of the month, I'll randomly draw five winners to win a SWEAR JAR. 

Thanks for sharing and good luck!