What I learned from Tom Petty
We all get inspiration from different sources. Steve Jobs got his inspiration from Bob Dylan. For me, I’ve felt a connection to Tom Petty ever since I dropped the needle on the vinyl of Damn the Torpedoes back in 1979 at the tender age of 12. I must’ve played that album 5000 times before I even learned to strum my first C chord.
Tom instilled an attitude that has been my compass in life and business for over 35 years. I listen to his simple messages about relationships, dreaming big, not backing down and speaking up each day.
Tom reminds me that I can learn to fly and free fall in the same day if you set your mind to it. A rocker who has fought the system for what is right, and leads an authentic life being true to his passion and skills as a musician.
Last week I had the privilege of Tom visiting my business, Chicago Music Exchange. He spent 2 hours pointing, strumming and telling stories about guitars. Guitars he owned, sold, gifted and wrote songs on. He was like a kid in the candy store rediscovering decades of his musical history. We chatted for a little, but I mostly watched him pick up and strum vintage guitars as if he were still a teenager in Gainesville running down his dream.
Tom has instilled a set of values that I have extracted from his music, and life.
Call a spade a spade — be direct, transparent, say it like it is, don’t be afraid of conflict or confrontation. Yet, also have thick enough skin to confront criticism head on.
Live Free and Dream Big — Freedom is not to be taken for granted, embrace it everyday and reach for the skies. Taking risks, and confronting your deepest fears is a constant theme in Tom’s music.
Don’t Back down — To achieve success, you need persistence and determination. Stick to your values, and beliefs. Be authentic and true to yourself, regardless of critics or naysayers.
A few of Tom’s songs that should be on every entrepreneur’s play list. Free Fallin’, Mary Jane’s last dance, Refugee, Learning to Fly, Yer so Bad, Breakdown, Even the Losers.
