Rita Ora: “I Lived With Constant Anxiety”…After Being Signed By Jay-Z At 18!!! (E265)

Jul 17, 2023 1h 18m 21 insights
Rita Ora, international pop star, shares her journey from a Kosovo refugee to global success, discussing early struggles, working with Jay-Z, battling anxiety and panic attacks, and finding stability in her 30s through therapy, self-care, and marriage, leading to a new album and perspective.
Actionable Insights

1. Master Your Craft Independently

Focus on mastering your craft to be self-sufficient and “stand alone,” rather than relying on others’ promises, which ensures longevity and timelessness in your career.

2. Commit Fully to Plan A

Avoid having a Plan B if you want to dedicate your “all” to Plan A, as a backup plan can dilute your commitment and effort.

3. Consistently Show Up and Be Present

Be willing to consistently show up, even for unpaid work, to be present in the desired environment, make yourself available, and be seen and heard, as this increases opportunities.

4. Embrace Sacrifice and Do Homework

Be willing to make significant sacrifices for your career and consistently “do the homework” by deeply researching and understanding your craft to achieve mastery and creative goals.

5. Prioritize Physical and Mental Calm

Develop a routine of physical activity (working out, fasting), mindful eating, meditation, and avoiding panic-inducing situations to manage self-doubt and maintain mental calm.

6. Make Exercise Non-Negotiable

Integrate daily exercise, even when exhausted, as a “non-negotiable” part of your routine to boost confidence and drive, knowing you’ll always feel better afterwards.

7. Compartmentalize Work and Life

Separate your work identity and outcomes from your overall sense of self-worth and happiness to prevent professional setbacks from “crumbling” your entire being. Actively find other sources of joy outside of work.

8. Distinguish Work Life from Real Life

Consciously separate your professional persona and its challenges from your personal “real life” to find stability and joy in domestic and family experiences.

9. Utilize Therapy for Coping

Engage in therapy to process difficult emotions and develop coping mechanisms, as it can be an “incredible thing” for mental well-being.

10. Cultivate Genuine Relationships

Focus on building genuine connections and friendships, as these relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities and support later in life, even if initial ventures don’t succeed.

11. Practice Selflessness in Relationships

Understand that successful relationships require selflessness and being present for the other person, moving beyond a self-centered approach often fostered by career demands.

12. Consciously Appreciate Loved Ones

Make a conscious effort to appreciate your loved ones, especially parents, and be mindful of your words, as you never know when it might be the last thing you say to them.

13. Build a Consistent, Reliable Team

Prioritize building and maintaining a consistent and reliable team around you for long-term success and stability in your career.

14. Question Big Promises, Seek Proof

Be trusting in general, but be highly questioning of “big promises” in professional contexts; demand proof before committing to avoid disappointment.

15. Actively Climb Out of Lows

When feeling “broken” or at your lowest, recognize that the only way forward is to actively start “climbing” out of that state, as external words won’t fix it.

16. Communicate Through Art, Not Reaction

When facing public scrutiny or misrepresentation, choose to communicate your side of the story through your art (e.g., music, songwriting) rather than reacting publicly, as “less is more.”

17. Cultivate Discovery and Inspiration

Actively seek out new books, music, artists, films, and other sources of inspiration to fuel creativity, bring joy, and continuously learn about your craft.

18. Engage with People’s Stories

Be genuinely interested in people’s stories and ask insightful questions in conversations, as you “never really know what you’re going to get out of it” and it can inspire creativity.

19. Distract with Passion Projects

When facing difficult times, immerse yourself in work or passionate projects as a coping mechanism to distract yourself.

20. Stick to Your Word

Deliver on promises to maintain respect and avoid disrespecting others, as this builds trust and reliability.

21. Address Fear of Panic Attacks

Understand that the fear of having a panic attack can itself trigger panic attacks; therapy can help break this cycle.