Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Acceptance as the Foundation for Growth
One of the most important things to do in life is to accept your fate as it’s been revealed to you up to this point: who you are, what you have, what you’ve done so far.
Acceptance is Clarity. Acceptance isn't passive resignation; it's about seeing your current reality clearly, without shame or regret. This includes acknowledging your strengths, weaknesses, desires, and background. It's about understanding where you are now to chart a course for where you want to be. Sean's journey began with accepting his passion for rap, even when it went against his family's expectations.
Power of Change. Acceptance empowers you to change your situation. By facing reality head-on, you can ask new questions and strategize a path toward a more fulfilling life. This involves appreciating what you have before focusing on what you want to change, opening space for new opportunities.
Reality vs. Aspiration. Acceptance might mean reconciling what you want with what society expects, or challenging societal norms that don't align with your truth. It's about embracing the fluidity of life, knowing that everything can change at any time, and that you possess the power to navigate those changes.
2. Strategize Intentionally to Expedite Destiny
Personally, when I strategize, the first thing I ask myself is “How can I expedite this thing that I believe is destined to happen? Who can help me go higher?”
Expedite Your Path. Strategizing is about actively seeking ways to accelerate your journey toward your goals. It involves asking questions like, "How can it get any better than this?" and "Who can help me go higher?" It's about researching, seeking mentorship, and tailoring your approach to what works best for you.
Energy of "How Can I?" Putting energy into the question "How can I?" is like communicating with the universe, signaling your intention and openness to receiving guidance. This can lead to a concrete plan with actionable goals.
Unexpected Help. Be open to receiving help in unexpected forms. The universe may empower you in ways you didn't anticipate. Sean's grandmother helped him become the best version of himself. Strategizing is about being proactive, seeking opportunities, and being ready to act when they arise.
3. Consistent Effort is the Bridge to Manifestation
You have to try and try and try some more to get really good.
Trying is Essential. Many people with big dreams falter because they expect immediate success. Consistent effort, even in the face of setbacks, is crucial for achieving mastery. As Einstein said, "You never fail until you stop trying."
Respect the Effort. Whether it's a talent show performance or studying for a degree, respect the effort regardless of the results. Recognize that everyone is trying in some way, even if it's just waking up to face the day.
Universe Rewards Effort. Putting yourself out there creates opportunities. Sean's early performances at open mics and rap battles, even as a last-minute substitute, led to connections and eventually, his big break. The universe respects effort and shows up to help you on your way.
4. Trust Yourself and the Universe
Right in the middle of trust is the letter “u”—and that’s the main person you have to trust: yourself.
Self-Trust is Key. Trusting yourself is paramount. It's about listening to your instincts and taking other people's advice with a grain of salt. Even when you make mistakes, it's better to be true to yourself.
Question Doubt. If you don't trust yourself, ask why. Do you think you're not good enough? Do you think you don't deserve what you want? Challenge inherited beliefs and self-sabotaging thoughts.
Trust is Tested. Trust is constantly tested by the world. Maintain your willpower to make your desires happen. Trust yourself and the universe. Sean's faith was tested when his initial record deal didn't materialize, but he continued to trust his path.
5. Money is Fluid: Master the Flow, Not the Fear
Worrying about money is the easiest way to push it away, and a big waste of time—time you could be using to attract the money you desire. It’s all energy.
Money as Energy. Money is a fluid thing, like blood. If you let it sit too long, it coagulates and is no good. You have to keep it flowing, and it takes money to make money. Don't be scared of losing money to gain money.
Financial Freedom. Sean's early experiences with financial instability instilled a desire for financial freedom. He learned that money is a tool to enjoy life and support loved ones, but it shouldn't be the sole focus.
Attitude Matters. There's no direct correlation between hard work and wealth. Focus on what you can control, and accept that money will come and go. Your core identity and personal value shouldn't depend on your financial status.
6. Find Your High Within: The Power of Self-Love
Going higher isn’t about achieving more success. It’s about becoming your best self—a person who’s at peace, who feels happiness, who has meaningful relationships, and who is achieving personal, professional, and creative goals.
Inner Peace Over External Validation. External achievements don't necessarily lead to inner peace. True fulfillment comes from self-knowledge and spiritual growth. Hard times can be catalysts for introspection.
Natural Euphoria. The real high comes from tapping into a natural euphoria, whether it's a passion, nature, or a meaningful connection. Discover what feeds you and carve out time for those things.
Self-Love is Key. Discipline and consistency lead to greatness. Do the hard and uncomfortable inner work in the fierce pursuit of loving yourself and setting boundaries. That's how you achieve true greatness. Sean's journey through addiction and depression taught him the importance of self-care and finding his "high" within.
7. Gratitude Amplifies Blessings
Gratitude is a magnet for more of what you’re thankful for…. Duh.
Acknowledge Blessings. We often miss or don't acknowledge our blessings. Acknowledging them changes your experience and vibration. Even the worst times can give us something important.
Everyday Gratitude. Practice gratitude in your everyday life. Find magic in the simple things that people take for granted. Take breathing, for example. You have to look for your blessings and then really appreciate them.
Gratitude is a Magnet. Gratitude acts like a magnet for more of what you're thankful for. Remember to be grateful and joyful. Celebrate small wins. That will give confirmation to the world that you appreciate the gain and you're ready for more.
8. Forgiveness Liberates: Release the Weight, Embrace the Light
When you free someone with forgiveness, you realize you were also a prisoner.
Forgiveness is Freedom. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful gifts. It allows you to let go of something negative you've been holding on to. It's for the person who's forgiving, not only the person being forgiven.
Self-Forgiveness is Key. Identify what you're holding shame around. Talk through it with yourself until you are reconciled to the fact that you're a human being and you're going to make mistakes. Life is better on the other side of that process.
Forgive and Move On. Forgiveness is a tool for freedom. Understand that what other people do (or don't do) is a reflection of what they are going through. Forgiveness is one of the most crucial ways to understand how we exist together in one collective consciousness.
9. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy
I always remember when it comes to other people: These are this person’s feelings; I don’t have to take them on as mine.
Boundaries are Essential. Establishing boundaries is a very important part of self-care. Boundaries allow you to forgive more freely, knowing that you're not allowing someone negative back into your life in the same way just because you're offering them forgiveness.
Protect Your Energy. Detaching from a relationship that isn't serving you can be one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. It's having the emotional intelligence to understand that how someone reacts to you is only a reflection of themselves.
Forgive, But Don't Forget. You can forgive someone for past harm but still have your boundaries. Just because you don't have animosity and anger toward someone anymore doesn't mean you have to hang out with them. Ignoring warning signs about someone is self-sabotage.
10. Define Success on Your Own Terms
Success is something I hope we all get acquainted with. The only thing is, would you even recognize it when you come face-to-face with it?
Personal Definition of Success. It's important to create your own definition of success and to understand that it looks different for everybody. You can't waste time comparing your life to someone else's, because we are all on our own unique journeys.
Follow Your Intuition. There is no "failing" as long as you're following your intuition, even if you aren't meeting a goal that you set for yourself. What is it about the people you look up to that inspires you?
Be Open to New Pathways. Be open to new pathways and possibilities and the myriad places from which those can emerge. Keep an open mind and approach life as a student, constantly learning (and unlearning) things in order to become the most elevated version of yourself.
11. The Universe Has a Plan: Trust the Process
God doesn’t always give you what you want; God gives you what you need.
Trust the Universe. The universe has a plan for us. When we're vibrating at the right frequency, we'll be able to attract what we need. Sometimes what you want is what you need, and sometimes what you don't want is what you need.
Let Go of Control. You can't protect your child from everything. But one of the things that you can do is teach him. In turn, Noah teaches me. I learn from my son every day I'm with him, whether it's to have more patience or to appreciate the simple things when we're on our walks.
Embrace the Journey. Life gives you things that you don't know you need. It's not always what you want, but it's what you need. Trust that the universe is going to find a way to take care of you, and do your best to see what that is.
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Review Summary
Go Higher by Big Sean receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its authenticity, relatable content, and practical advice. Many appreciate Sean's personal stories and find the book inspiring and motivational. The audiobook version is particularly well-received. Some criticisms include repetitive content and disorganized writing. Overall, readers find the book helpful for personal growth, with its focus on mindfulness, spirituality, and self-improvement resonating with many. The journal prompts and actionable tips are frequently highlighted as valuable features.