SOME SELF-HELP books come across as a critique, pointing out all the flaws in a reader’s life. Others offer inspiration through personal anecdotes from the author. Veteran rapper Big Sean falls into the latter category with his new book, Go Higher: Five Practices For Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace.
“When you share what you’ve been through, it can paint the picture more,” Sean explains. “When you want to change something in your mind, the quickest way to start is by addressing your heart first.”
In the book, Sean details his journey into therapy during his lucrative rap career, after discovering he was using Adderall as a means to numb his pain. This period marked a turning point as he also developed a wellness routine to enhance his healing.
The Path to Self-Discovery
What led you to recognize your mental health struggles?
Sean reflects on a pivotal moment when he was waiting for a response from Ye regarding a record deal. While he acknowledges the challenges of youth, he emphasizes the importance of recalibrating one’s mental state. “I put all my eggs in one basket, so I had to tell myself, ‘I’m gonna make it work, even if it’s not how I thought.’ When I started changing how I felt, everything else started changing.”
The decision to seek therapy: what triggered it?
Sean shares his realization that life transforms drastically around the age of 29 to 34. “You hit a wall where life changes dramatically. You’re not the same person you were in your 20s, and that can be a letdown. But it’s scary to reconnect with yourself, because you may not know who you are anymore.”
He believes therapy is essential during this transition. “For most people, it’s hard to do alone. You’re part of a community, so take advantage of others’ experiences. A therapist is like finding the right barber—you can’t expect a perfect haircut off the rip. But you can get something tremendous out of it. Talk to a professional, not just family or friends. With a therapist, you can dump it all out and leave it there.”
Sean’s experience spurred his father, a Civil Rights era survivor, to try therapy. “Through therapy, he realized his stutter may have been due to past trauma. My point is that even if you think you don’t need it, therapy can’t hurt.”
Overcoming Adderall Addiction
What did you learn from your battle with Adderall addiction?
Sean admits the difficulty of recognizing addiction. “Addiction is different for everyone. Not everyone is prescribed Adderall, and I was using it off-preservation. I had to stop,” he recalls. “One day, I walked into my studio, discovered I didn’t have any more, and felt mad and helpless. I realized ‘ Oh, hell no, I’ve got a problem.’”
He notes, “After quitting, it took years to regain inspiration and happiness. I had to work on myself. This taught me how everything— physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional—is linked. I started working out, which made me think clearly, changed my attitude, and helped my brain function better, restoring my confidence.”
Multi-platinum artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Big Sean shares his five key practices for inner work and self-acceptance in this interactive guidebook on maintaining daily mental wellness.
Sean incorporates journaling into his routine to externalize his thoughts. “Writing things down gets them out of my head and into the world. I believe in a higher power giving us what we need. Sometimes what we want is what we need, and sometimes what we need isn’t what we want. Either way, I have to let it be known what my intentions are. Communicate with your higher power or what you believe in. This was the emphasis of my journaling. Meditation in conjunction with journaling helped me have a sense of clarity.”
Sean emphasizes the significance of daily rituals. “There are days when I have to do them at different times, especially if my son wakes up before me. Sometimes I find a groove in the middle of the day to meditate. It’s critical to do this regularly, even if life gets hectic.”
Mental Health in Music
How do “Black Void” and “ZTFO” reflect your mental health journey?
“Black Void” is a song about growth and transformation. “Before you can have a rebirth, you have to return to the black void and rediscover yourself.” On the flip side, “ZTFO” represents feeling good and free. “Working on yourself, rediscovering yourself, and connecting with yourself should be joyful, not overwhelming. This work makes time for yourself, and it’s never a waste.” Sean encourages viewers to return to themselves to achieve inner peace.
Big Sean’s Go Higher: Five Practices For Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace offers an insightful look into his personal transformation and mental health journey. Through his experiences and teachings, he provides valuable advice on navigating life’s challenges and achieving inner peace. Sean’s story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of self-care, mental wellness, and continuous growth.
To learn more about Big Sean’s journey and practices, pick up his book, Go Higher, and discover his five essential practices for purpose, success, and inner peace.
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