Summary
Highlights
Cordae introduces himself as a 24-year-old Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist from Suitland, Maryland. He explains that he will discuss his 'Hi Level mindset' which has guided him so far and will continue to do so, highlighting that he is just getting started on his journey.
Cordae attributes the origin of the 'Hi Level mindset' to his mother, a single parent at 16 who overcame numerous challenges, including difficult living situations and stolen cars, exemplifying resilience through observation rather than direct teaching. He defines the mindset as a philosophy and wavelength applicable to daily thoughts and routines, particularly useful during challenging times which he refers to as 'life testers'.
The first step of the 'Hi Level mindset' is to remain positive regardless of life's obstacles. Cordae shares personal struggles from his college years, including a friend's imprisonment, his own legal troubles, his grandmother's passing, academic difficulties, and a mixtape's poor reception. Despite these setbacks, he chose to view them as fuel for his triumph story, recognizing that 'life is just a book, not every chapter is going to be perfect, but it's about how it ends.'
The second step emphasizes knowing exactly what you want. Cordae encourages the creation of vision boards and reading goals aloud daily to generate positive energy and faith. He recounts achieving nearly all his goals from a 2018 vision board within one year, underscoring the power of clear intentions.
The third step is discipline, which Cordae admits he initially resisted but later recognized as crucial when motivation wanes. He illustrates its importance by sharing a personal anecdote (initially disguised as a friend's story) about abstaining from vices like drugs, alcohol, and sex at 19, which led to significant positive changes in his life through subconscious discipline. He also advises priming your environment for success, as 'your habits are based on your habitat'.
The fourth step is to immediately remove negative or doubtful people from your life. Cordae stresses that negativity from others can hinder personal progress and advises surrounding oneself with positive, 'Hi Level' individuals, as one is a product of their associations.
Cordae recounts a recent setback where his sophomore album, despite two years of effort and high expectations, did not receive the anticipated success, leading to a period of demotivation. He found solace in the Yiddish proverb, 'We plan, and God laughs,' realizing that the 'Hi Level mindset' isn't about perfection but a commitment to honoring one's potential. He concludes by urging the audience to maximize their time, strive to leave a legacy, and do everything at the highest level possible.