Motiff: Staying Curious and Creative in Latin Music

The Verywell Mind Podcast with Amy Morin, LCSW, features in-depth conversations with authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspiring individuals about the strategies that help them thrive in various aspects of life.

Introducing Motiff

Motiff, born Arbise Gonzalez, is a multi-talented musician who seamlessly transitions between roles as an artist, producer, DJ, and songwriter. He has collaborated with renowned musicians like Pitbull, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, and Jennifer Lopez. Motiff's journey to success, however, was not without its challenges.

Why Motiff Is Mentally Strong

Motiff's childhood was marked by immigration from Venezuela to the United States. Not only did he face difficulties adjusting to school due to language barriers, but he also had to shoulder responsibilities at home because of his mother's work demands. Despite these hurdles, Motiff persevered, making the bold decision to forgo college. Although his parents were initially disappointed, he promised them a GRAMMY award instead of a college diploma.

Thirteen years later, Motiff fulfilled his promise by winning his first GRAMMY.

Podcast Highlights

• Incorporating fun into daily life and simple strategies for achieving it.
• Factors that can stifle creativity.
• The relationship between emotions and creativity.
• Why fear can pose a significant obstacle to success.
• Strategies for maintaining curiosity throughout life.
• The art of turning challenges into strengths.
• Embracing aging with excitement rather than apprehension.

Key Takeaways on Curiosity and Mental Strength

• Including enjoyable activities does not diminish the seriousness of your goals. In fact, adding some fun and laughter can boost your mood and motivation.
• Even mundane situations can become opportunities for amusement and learning when approached with the right mindset.
• Life becomes more thrilling when you maintain an open attitude towards learning and recognize that there's always more to discover.

Quotes From Motiff

• "Why not try it? You have been given the gift of waking up in the morning, so why not go and try it?" - Motiff on curiosity
• "Always be a student. Keep your ears open. You learn something from everything." - Motiff on continuous learning
• "Coming through on the other end taught me a lot of different things. And those things are always with me." - Motiff on resilience
• "I watch the same cartoons I watched when I was a little kid to stay in that wavelength. I have toys, like Power Ranger helmets and I watch wrestling. I think that’s what keeps that curiosity alive." - Motiff on staying curious

More About the Podcast

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