People from all around braved the high winds and strong storms to see Russell Simmons at Wash U St Louis last night in hopes of being inspired. Surely enough, the business mogul and “hip-hop pioneer” did not disappoint. I have to admit that I was extremely excited to see hear him speak and to see him in person, as he is someone that I have always highly admired.

 .

There was so much that Russell Simmons discussed during his seated conversation with the attentive audience, specifically in the areas of happiness and success. I wanted to share some of his valuable life lessons with you.

 .

Invest your energy

• Exercise your creative muscles—there is power in imagination and creativity.
• If you chose one thing that you are passionate about to invest your energy in, you will find true happiness
• Do not be afraid to invest your energy into your passions

 .

Actions for Happiness and Success

• Put your head down and be fully engaged in the moment instead of focusing on what will (or may) come
• Honor your first responsibility to yourself, which is to express what is in your heart
• Stay around people who inspire you as much as you can
• Free yourself from being bombarded with stuff you don’t need
• Be optimistic—when a challenge comes, smile, get at it, and do the best you can
• Do not chase results. Do the work and forget the results. –Too many people look for the results so much that they forget the process
• Use the power you have within you to break negative cycles of behavior
• Be a good giver without reservation or expectation

 .

Wellness: Being of Sound Body and Mind

• Take time often to sit and just be still. Every happy, valuable, and creative moment derives from stillness
• The mind is like an animal in a cage: it bounces around until it realizes that the cage will not move—then it becomes still
• Practice meditation often—if for only 20 minutes. It helps the mind to let go of the noise. It is the noise in your head that causes struggle
• Learn to operate without anxiety

 .

Keys to Remember

• Needing nothing is how you attract everything
• No matter who you are or your background, your happiness is totally up to you
• If you give off positive energy, positive energy will come back to you
• It’s not separation that makes a person great—it is their heart. The “great ones” are the people who are truly and sincerely inspired.

 .

Russell Simmons closed his talk by reminding the audience to do what they love, never compromise themselves. He then held a meet-and-greet reception where he graciously autographed his books ‘Super Rich’ and ‘Do You’,  answered attendees’ questions, and posed for photographs. Upon bidding his farewell, he encouraged the crowd to be inspired and to do work that gives people a reason to uplift others.

 .

Seeing Russell Simmons at Wash U St Louis was an awesome experience that I will always cherish. I am so glad that he received such a large and welcoming turnout on such a cold and rainy evening!

.

.