I’ve realized, like MANY others, that I’m definitely a creature that  hold myself to high regards. Whether my career, actually, especially my career, or relationships, to striving to make every day count! If you’re like me, then you can relate that even in doing so, the expectations we set for ourselves sometimes seem so big, that it’s easy to become disappointed. Now, yes, “Dream big or go home,” and “mind over matter,” and “don’t let negative thoughts enter your brain” … sure, but what I’m talking about here is actually setting yourself up for SUCCESS!! Isn’t it a beautiful feeling to be able to achieve a goal you set? So, set up more goals to achieve more often.

The reason the quote hit me so hard though, was because I remember when I came out to California in my pursuit to fulfill my music career, I gave myself a 2 year plan to “make it.” Here I am almost 8 years later with a much different mindset, similar goal, but a much different and clearer mindset.  Now, I write this not to brag, or throw up my thoughts on this blog, but I hope to be able to relate with you. I hope someone reads this and says, “So me” or reads this and it adds more fuel to your own fire.

Los Angeles has been an eye opening experience for me. A much needed lesson. It’s easy to get down on yourself when you’re striving to be a big fish in a big city. This is a big city with a lot of big personalities, but I feel as though we live in such an A.D.D. society where we want instant gratification! With todays technology, things happen instantly! Food is instant. Dating is less personable with online dating and pre screening. Facebook, twitter and social media gives us instant news on our lives, so we don’t have to pick up the phone. We “want” our careers to be the same.

To not be so disappointed, you have to change your mindset and goals to where you are RIGHT NOW!  “God’s delays are not God’s denials.” Something Tony expressed as “lag time.” A more visual understanding of this is taking a seed and planting it. You plant a seed and come back the next day demanding to reap the rewards from it. I’ve realized that this process is a process for a reason. So, if you’re like me, and feel like you’re a hard worker and set high standards for yourself. Make sure you take time to appreciate what you’ve accomplished, and realize that disappointment simply means you have to change your expectations. Also to realize that “God’s delays are not God’s denials.”

Hopefully, this connects with many of you. I felt inclined to write this blog today. I’ll admit, I had some hesitation. I know some that want to stay in the political correctness of society and cringe at God, or associate it with bible thumping. Or all this positive talk makes some people annoyed, or will come up with some other ways of making fun of things to make themselves feel better. All I can say is, I’m not that guy … and I’m writing this just out of sheer excitement and passion, realizing that life is abundant with amazingness!! I commend those who are successful, and not just financially, but spiritually, mentally, physically and in simpler terms … whatever makes you happy!

“Focus equals reality to the individual even though it’s not reality in actuality.”

“The one who chooses to love will find appropriate ways to express that decision every day.” ~Gary Chapman (author of The 5 Love Languages)

If you’re interested in taking a trip to your inner self, click HERE to see how you prefer to be loved. It’s a quick 10-15 minute quiz that will give you an idea of how you love to be loved based on the 5 languages. I love reading and talking about these kinds of topics. I’m constantly intrigued by people! Why we need what we need. I’m a sheer optimist and feel as though I’m on a constant conquest to figure myself out, haha. Why do some of us love HUGS, but others prefer their personal space? Other need constant words of affirmation to let them know they are of value. It’s an interesting mix of necessity, wants and needs to keep our love peaked, invigorated and satisfied.

I would love to hear your results! I’m happy to share mine as well. Email me at macek@erickmacek.com or feel free to facebook me at facebook.com/erickmacek

Ok, hopefully you’ve read the article, but here is a spoiler if you haven’t.

1. Luck
Do you believe in “Luck” … Shouldn’t you be creating your own “luck?” It’s so easy to lie to yourself and say it was “bad luck.” I’m here to challenge you to say it quick the cop out. I’ll even push the envelope by hearing people always saying that “things happen for a reason.” Yea, make sure you make those “things” happen in your life. Sure, every day isn’t going to be filled with unicorn rides over multiple rainbows, while eating chocolate covered chocolate, but that actually should be the FUN part of life. I love variety. Don’t hold your breath with Luck. Be real and Be honest with yourself.

2. Enemy
This is just an unhealthy word. When I was an athlete, it was easy to look at your opponent as an enemy. It fuels a negative feeling and drives your emotions high in an almost aggressive state. Sprinkle that with adrenaline, and I may as well have been in war!! I know how dangerous this mindset can become, and I can’t agree more with it being a word that creates failure. No one should be an enemy in the business world or your life. Burning bridges doesn’t help anyone. Instead, we should be working together. If you put so much focus on an “enemy” you’ll become and stay stagnant. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Be yourself. Love yourself, and share that with others.

3.Rejection
The sooner you quit getting butt hurt over this idea/word, the easier your growth will be. I can’t help to relate to the amount of rejection that comes my way in regards to the music industry. We all want to be rock stars in some way shape or form, however, rejection can actually fuel us if we’re smart enough to take the good from it. Rejection happens all the time, whether in your job, career, relationship or even family. Think above the literal meaning for rejection, because usually there’s a hidden meaning I’ve come to find. Rejection can obviously hurt, but instead of dwelling on it, and playing the “what if” game in your head, take comfort in the strength it can create over the long haul.

4. Hate
This should without a doubt be a four letter curse word. My brother started saying to me, “You shouldn’t hate.” And it’s so easy to backlash and say, “I hate when you say that, or I really do hate (insert whatever)” … but the reality of it is that it changes your state of mind and body drastically in a VERY UNHEALTHY way. Think about something you “hate” and let your body feel the change. It’s not pretty. It actually pollutes your brain, and entire being for that matter. Mahatma Gandhi once said “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” I love this quote because with forgiveness there is no room for hatred. I always wanted to grow up to be a strong boy/man. People always told me to eat my veggies. And as much as I agree with that statement, I also think psychological clarity is stronger and healthier than any veggie out there. Don’t hate.

5. But
Ok, can I safely say we’re all guilty here?! This one word is almost the epitome of lying to yourself. How many times do we say we’re going to do something BUT … (insert your lie here) and we say we’ll do it tomorrow, which turns into the day after, and yea, you get the point. Seriously, we should create a drinking game and take a shot every time we say “BUT…” I bet A LOT of us would be stumbling around drunk by noon, haha!! This goes back a little to the whole “Luck” statement I wrote. “BUT” is another cop out in my opinion. We lie to ourselves while giving false hope. Sure, things come up in our lives ALL THE TIME! We are all way too busy. After a while, I can’t help to hear the teacher from Charlie Brown with all the excuses we add after the word, “BUT.” Click HERE if I lost you on the Charlie Brown reference.

Ok, well, I’ve rambled on quite a bit about these words that are quite detrimental to your health, so to speak. I hope it strikes something inside of you. I know reading these kinds of things motivates me to work harder, and focus better. If you’re like me, every little bit helps, and you never know who, what or when you’ll be inspired again. We’re all in this together. At least that’s the way I look at it. Hopefully this made you think, react, and even motivate. Kick @$$ today in whatever you’re doing!!

Which number comes easy to you?

Click HERE to get your smart-on!!

2009 Tour (Click on episode to view video)

episode 1

episode 2

episode 3

episode 4

episode 5

episode 6

episode 7

Love yourself! Love one another! Love your significant other on any given day of the week. Love your ex’s. Love their ex’s. Love your friends and family. Love those who have done you wrong. Love those who don’t love you. Love until it hurts!! (no, seriously, try it)

I found a quote that hit me like a kitchen sink on steroids by one of my favorite women of our time. Mother Theresa once said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”

Other four letter words are nice adjectives and make sentences sound cooler, and also lend themselves to stress management in L.A. traffic at times, but it causes a whole different kind of hurt. I believe in Love. I’m a dreamer. I always have been. I believe that love in not dead. I believe that love can heal. I believe that love can turn your life into a Disneyland happy ending. I believe you that you have to believe. Really believe. And I believe that if you Love till it hurts, pain will go away, and only more love with follow. Try it…

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you!!

On a side note. I wanted to thank you for reading this blog and I set up an EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD of my song, “My Love” for y’all to download for free. Click HERE to check out the song and download it. (under the song title there will be a Share, Download, Buy and Lyrics button. Click download) ~enjoy

(now someone please restrain cupid from his obnoxious arrows. I’m sick and tired of his half naked pudgy self flying around making spend money, haha) … ps … I love you too Cupid :p

Click HERE to view the facebook event page.

So, I was at it again this year. Taking my music to Sundance FILM Festival to play music. Hmm, what a concept, go figure! However, this little town called Park City, Utah transforms into Los Angeles in the snow, so to speak. The entertainment industry takes over with booze filled parties, sponsorships, yellow snow, celebrations, music, films, celebrities, and gift bags for celebrities.

I only made a quick trip this year, but as soon as I landed, only hours to my first show, and things didn’t stop there. Every day I was there, was filled with music performances, singing, frolicking, and as I like to call “schmoozin.” What can I say, I enjoy the social life, and being a chameleon in situations that present themselves right then and there. Sundance can be a mix of love n’ hate depending on stature, who you know, and what you want to take away from the experience. The average Joe and Suzy’s usually enjoy the vibrance of Main Street, and the great skiing/snowboarding that’s available over-looking the quaint city. The locals for most part don’t appreciate the over inflated prices like food, security, traffic, parking etc, and even at times leave during the festival, renting their homes at an over inflated cost, haha. Then there are the celebrities, who are gawked at, but are also welcomed just about anywhere and everywhere being given gift bags for being a celebrity.

Where do I fit in you ask? Well, security still stops me, and I seem to be less cool when I tell them I’m not Jude Law. However, I was fortunate enough to hit up some gifting suites as being able to sing has its’ perks. Still, in one gifting lounge I was kicked out because Nicole Kidman was coming, so I got the boot, lol. Either way, I really have a great experience every time I visit. I also feel like I just wrote an article review for some travel magazine, and almost feel obligated to tell y’all what restaurants to eat at and what hotels to stay at, haha. (I said almost)

On a different note, here is some press coverage of me from Yahoo! News… if it tickles your interest level. (otherwise, I’m just trying to make it easy for my mom. One click and you’re there, BAM!)

Click HERE for press at the Grey Goose Blue Door Private Lounge

Click HERE for press with Glider Gloves

Click HERE for press with Monster Headphones

Click HERE for press with Tim Horton’s

and then we visited Vegas, and this happened…

However, it was quite different to see star power from their side of the fence. The event, filled with sponsors, free gourmet food, drinks, and the word on the street was that tickets are 1k a pop. I have to give everyone credit as it seemed like everyone was having fun singing, drinking and dancing to their favorite hits like, umm, well, most likely some 19yr old’s iPod playlist.

But what was very different than my prom… was seeing screaming fans fenced in across the street waiting for a glimpse their favorite celebs leaving the event. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I didn’t get screamed at… no “Jude Law” … no “Ryan Seacrests” … and well, I also just walked back to my car, because I didn’t have a limo or chauffeur waiting there for me, haha. Maybe in the future, I’ll call on my Amish Mafia peeps to pick me up, “horse n’ buggy” style!!

Regardless, the whole evening was enchanting, like a Disney movie and a bunch of extras. Yes, I was surrounded by celebs, and I couldn’t help to want to call them all by their tv names. I bumped into “Al Bundy” and went to the restroom at the same time as “Doogie Howser” (separate stalls, just sayin’ you pervs) and yes, I know he’s done more recent shows, but my brain won’t let go of the Doogs! Either way, the whole thing seemed like a super sit com just waiting to air next season.

I do have to say that I do like dressing up, I do like wearing bow ties, I still like gettin’ jiggy with it, and I like getting free gift bags when I leave.

Erick Macek at the 19th Annual SAG Awards 2013