Don't Get Tunnel Vision | The Odyssey Online
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Don't Get Tunnel Vision

And no... I'm not referring to Kodak Black

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Don't Get Tunnel Vision
"I guess music is like my job now. I need a hobby." -SZA Photograph: Alicia Canter for the Guardian

Don’t focus so hard on one goal that you become unresponsive to anything else. Finding the right inspiration for what you'd like to do with your life may feel like a major obligation during college, but it shouldn’t be forced. If you don't already have a focus in mind, then you owe it to yourself to explore every outlet that interests you.

It can feel like every decision you're making has a direct impact on your future, so maybe you're afraid of trying anything that is not practical or guaranteed. Although understandable, this kind of thinking is getting in the way of finding what you’re passionate about. It's true that doing the same old thing you've always done is comfortable, but without challenging yourself, you will never see how much further you could go with some inspiration. That breakthrough moment won't come if you are afraid of taking detours to find yourself.


Being so passionate, but lacking real intent raises the question: is all of this even worth it? Or are we only going through the motions? Leading ourselves to a career that does not represent what we stand for because we were following expectations. When discouraging thoughts cross my mind, I look to my favorite musician for inspiration. By branching away from the limitations of school, she was able to overcome her anxiety by facing bold choices head on, and created something wonderful.

SZA-- a somewhat new artist, and already labeled the (unofficial) queen of R&B, actually flunked out of college twice and had zero intentions of entering the music Industry, although she has always been passionate about music. The name SZA is inspired by the supreme alphabet and also a play off Wu Tang Clan’s member RZA, a major influence of hers. She grew up dancing and doing gymnastics. If anything, she thought that she would become a dancer, but luckily she kept an open mind. Her first debut album CTRL, released in 2017 receiving 5 Grammy nominations speaks for itself. It's complex beats give the album a unique sound, with deep introspective lyrics leaving a lasting impression on her continuously growing fanbase.

She sat on the album for over a year. She even asked Punch, the president of her label at TDE to hire additional writers because she thought it was going to “suck”, and make no sense to people. If she quit- we would never know we missed out on anything- and she would believe it was because she wasn't good enough.

"..I️ remember feeling like damn, maybe I suck. maybe I️ should try something else ? Maybe I’m jus wasting space ..Life’s weird . I️ Didn’t have any friends growing up.." --written by SZA, expressing gratitude on how far she’s come.

She is currently 28 years old, with a more focused vision than ever before. SZA's confidence is better than ever, and she is doing what she loves because she took the chance of believing in herself taking the path of uncertainty. The goddess-like singer continues to push through her anxiety, taking more and more chances to advance her career. She started taking vocal lessons shortly following the album's success which she announced on social media, proving that she is here to stay and raising the bar higher.


You really have to have somewhat of a vision at all times but do not be afraid to open other doors, and do not sweat it if you haven’t got it all figured out. Although, if your life is at a standstill, the worst thing you can do is stay there. SZA’s journey has inspired me to try new things without overthinking what may become of it. The whole world needs to stop thinking so much about everything they do, and try doing whatever feels right at the time. Give yourself an opportunity to find your creativity-- by breaking out of your comfort zone and doing whatever it is that you want to. For instance; doing more things by yourself, reading your textbooks just to gain the knowledge, and investing more time in yourself.

Putting in the effort to gain insight into what you’re best at along with working towards a degree will benefit you in the long run. It is important to have goals, but being spontaneous pays off sometimes. We only get one life so you’d best get to learning why you are here and make the most of it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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