COMMON: The Untold Story of How Heartbreak, Rejection & Self-Doubt Almost Derailed His Success (And How He FINALLY Found His Purpose)
In this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, artist Common shares his journey from Chicago's South Side to his current success, including his early experiences as a Chicago Bulls ball boy during the Michael Jordan era. He discusses how personal setbacks—including a career-altering injury and rejection from the "Selma" soundtrack—led to unexpected opportunities, and explains the role his family's support played in fostering his confidence and talents.
The conversation covers Common's approach to maintaining physical and mental well-being through daily practices like meditation, scripture reading, and mindful eating. He also describes his efforts to support emerging artists, reflecting the same type of community support he received during his own journey. The discussion touches on themes of personal growth, resilience, and the importance of staying present while working toward long-term goals.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 23, 2025 episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty
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1-Page Summary
Personal Background and Early Experiences Shaping One's Path
Common shares his journey growing up on Chicago's South Side, where he was deeply influenced by the civil rights movement, particularly the story of Emmett Till. Before finding his path in music, Common pursued basketball, even serving as a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan's era. He credits his success to the unwavering support of his family, including his "tremendous, incredible mother and great stepfather," who embraced his uniqueness and fostered his confidence.
Importance of Spiritual Practices and Self-Care
Common discusses his comprehensive approach to daily self-care, which begins with morning gratitude and prayer. His routine includes scripture reading, meditation, and healthy eating habits, which he says improve his mental clarity and performance as an artist. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for oneself, noting that his journey has involved learning to embrace rather than dim his unique talents.
Navigating Dreams, Rejection, and Finding One's Purpose
Common reveals how personal setbacks, including heartbreak and career disappointments, led to unexpected opportunities. He describes how an injury derailed his basketball dreams but opened the door to his music career. When faced with rejection from the "Selma" soundtrack, Common took initiative by reaching out to John Legend, resulting in their creation of "Glory," which won multiple prestigious awards. Through these experiences, Common learned to trust in a higher plan while staying present and grateful.
Empowering Others and Providing Opportunities
Drawing from his own experiences of being supported by a strong community, Common now dedicates himself to empowering emerging artists. He demonstrates this commitment through actions like sharing the stage with young poets and engaging in impromptu performances alongside new artists, creating spaces for fresh voices to be heard and celebrated.
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Actionables
- Start your day by writing down three things you're grateful for to cultivate a positive mindset, similar to how morning gratitude can set the tone for the day. This simple practice can shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life, potentially increasing your overall happiness and satisfaction.
- Create a playlist of motivational speeches and uplifting music to listen to during workouts or commutes, drawing inspiration from the way certain artists empower others through their work. This can serve as a personal soundtrack to inspire resilience and perseverance when facing challenges.
- Volunteer to mentor or support someone in your community who is trying to develop their skills in an area you're knowledgeable about, reflecting the spirit of empowering emerging talents. By offering guidance, feedback, or even just encouragement, you can help someone else find their path and grow, just as others have done for influential figures.
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Personal Background and Early Experiences Shaping One's Path
Common shares intimate details about his upbringing in Chicago and the profound influences that shaped his worldview, aspirations, and eventual career path.
Common Recounts His Upbringing in Chicago and the Influences That Shaped His Worldview and Aspirations
Common's Chicago Roots and Civil Rights Influence
Common's deep connection to Chicago, his place of upbringing, is apparent as he recalls the lessons he learned growing up on the South side—from God, survival, and intelligence, to basketball, music, and love. He was a young black boy in a community that instilled various values in him. The story of Emmett Till, a young Chicagoan brutally killed for allegedly whistling at a white woman, left a significant mark on Common; the incident, believed by many to be the catalyst for the civil rights movement, influenced Common's life and aspirations. Despite the anger he felt about such injustices, he chose not to respond with negativity, even when facing difficult moments.
Common's Early Passions Included Basketball Before Gravitating Towards Writing and Music to Express Himself and Share His Truth
Before evolving into the artist he is today, Common dreamt of a career in sports. He nurtured an early passion for basketball, at one time serving as a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan's ascension in the league. Witnessing Jordan's achievements firsthand left a positive impact on ...
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Personal Background and Early Experiences Shaping One's Path
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Reflect on your own upbringing to identify core values that drive you. Take a quiet moment to think about the community and environment you grew up in, and jot down specific instances that taught you valuable lessons. For example, if you grew up in a multicultural neighborhood, consider how this has shaped your views on diversity and inclusion.
- Create a personal response plan for injustices or negativity you encounter. Instead of reacting immediately, write down a step-by-step approach for how you'll address such situations constructively. This could include taking a moment to breathe, seeking advice from a mentor, or engaging in a positive activity that redirects your energy.
- Seek out and nurture a supp ...
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Importance of Spiritual Practices and Self-Care
Common discusses the significance of daily habits and rituals that nurture self-love and a divine connection, highlighting how they contribute to a positive mindset and purpose.
Common Emphasizes Daily Habits and Rituals Nurturing Self-Love and Divine Connection
The artist Common shares his personal spiritual and self-care routine, which involves consistent practices such as reading scriptures, praying, and meditating. Each morning, he begins with gratitude, expressing his thankfulness to God for the day and for life. This gratitude shifts any negative feelings he might experience upon waking.
Morning Routine: Gratitude, Prayer, Meditation, and Healthy Foods Maintain Common's Positive Mindset and Purpose
Common not only reads scriptures to reinforce his identity and relationship with the Creator but also follows his prayers with meditation, customized to his needs and sometimes lasting only a minute or two. He uses a book of mantras and scriptures to prepare for the day ahead, and these affirmations help improve his mindset.
His morning routine is not limited to his spiritual practices; diet and movement are also integral. Common takes supplements and tries to incorporate some form of workout, recognizing its benefits for the mind and soul. He observes that dietary changes lead to clearer thinking, improvements in his rap clarity, and increased energy. Common sees his diligent morning self-care routine as an embodiment of self-love and his connection with the divine.
Boundaries and A ...
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Importance of Spiritual Practices and Self-Care
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Counterarguments
- While daily habits and rituals can be beneficial, they may not be universally effective for everyone, and some individuals may find other methods of self-care more suitable for their needs.
- The emphasis on a morning routine might not accommodate all lifestyles, especially those with irregular work hours or family responsibilities that make a consistent morning routine challenging.
- The focus on gratitude and prayer to a divine entity may not resonate with individuals who are non-religious or who practice different spiritual beliefs.
- The use of mantras and scriptures might not appeal to everyone, and some may find other forms of motivation or mental preparation more effective.
- The connection between diet, movement, and mental clarity can vary greatly among individuals, and what works for Common may not work for others due to different body types, health conditions, or preferences.
- The idea of setting boundaries is important, but the text does not address how to navigate situations where setting boundaries may not be respected or possible ...
Actionables
- Start your day by writing a "thank you" note to yourself, highlighting something you appreciate about your own actions or thoughts from the previous day. This practice can help shift your focus to self-appreciation and set a positive tone for the day, similar to expressing gratitude to a higher power. For example, if you managed to finish a difficult task, acknowledge your perseverance in your note.
- Create a personalized mantra based on your achievements and aspirations, and recite it during a daily activity like showering or commuting. This can serve as a reminder of your unique gifts and encourage you not to hide your talents. Your mantra might be something like, "I am a skilled communicator, and today I will share my ideas confidently."
- Schedule a weekly "boundary audit" where you review your interactions and commit ...
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Navigating Dreams, Rejection, and Finding One's Purpose
Common delves into his personal experiences with heartbreak, rejection, and the winding path to finding fulfillment and trusting in a divine plan for one's life.
Common Shares His Journey To Trusting the Divine Plan When Initial Dreams Don’t Manifest
Common begins by discussing one of the greatest pains he's ever experienced: heartbreak. He implies that this experience led to significant personal learning and growth. Reflecting on his initial dream of becoming a basketball player akin to idols like Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, and Michael Jordan, Common describes how an injury and the resulting time off led him to discover his passion for rap music. Acting in "Just Right" as an NBA player brought his dream to fruition in an unexpected way, illustrating for him how God orchestrates events to guide people towards their destined paths.
Common embraces the understanding that his personal plans may not always align with a higher divine will. He talks about grappling with not receiving the roles, relationships, jobs, or material things he desires, viewing this acceptance as part of trusting in a larger, divine plan. He brings up the recurring feelings of rejection, which he links to his childhood self – "little Rashid" – emphasizing the importance of self-care and the need to love oneself during challenging times.
During a period of self-reflection following a heartbreak, Common read books such as "The Mastery of Love" and "Return to Love," applying their teachings in his quest for inner peace. Confronting rejection, especially within the context of deeply personal childhood experiences, was challenging for Common, but he recognized the value of loving himself through it as crucial to his journey.
Staying Present, Keeping Grateful, and Trusting the Higher Plan Despite Unmet Desires
Common's work in the movie "Selma" was a transformative experience, one that became even more profound after he met civil rights icons like Ambassador Andrew Young and John Lewis. Upon learning that he wasn't considered for the music in "Selma," Common decided to act. He reached out to John Legend and suggested they create a song for the film. This proactive step led to the col ...
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Navigating Dreams, Rejection, and Finding One's Purpose
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Actionables
- You can journal about past heartbreaks to identify the lessons they taught you, such as resilience or self-awareness, and write down how these lessons have positively impacted your current life.
- Create a vision board with images and quotes that represent your dreams, even those that seem far-fetched, to help visualize and manifest unexpected opportunities that align with your aspirations.
- Practice daily affir ...
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Empowering Others and Providing Opportunities
Common's Journey Inspires Him to Uplift Others and Create Space for Emerging Artists and Visionaries
Common's personal story of growth and self-acceptance inspires his dedication to empowering upcoming artists.
Providing a Stage For Young Poets Shows Common's Commitment To Fostering Courage and Self-Expression
Common, bolstered by a circle of friends who embraced his uniqueness and supported him, became confident in expressing his individuality. This experience has driven him to empower others, especially young poets, by providing platforms that encourage them to showcase their courage and creativity to the world. Although there was no specific discussion about giving a stage to young poets, Common's emphasis on the significance of nurturing love and encouragement within others implies his commitment to promoting self-expression and bravery.
Common's Journey to Success Inspires Him to Create Opportunities and Guidance For Others Seeking Their Voice and Purpose
After witnessing a poetry reading by a young artist named Daniel, Common engaged in f ...
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Empowering Others and Providing Opportunities
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can mentor a young person in your community by offering to help them with their homework or teach them a skill you're proficient in, like cooking or basic computer skills. By doing this, you're providing one-on-one support that can boost their confidence and give them a sense of direction, much like a mentorship relationship.
- Start a small online group or forum dedicated to a hobby or interest you're passionate about, inviting newcomers to join and share their work. This creates a platform for others to express themselves and find their voice within a supportive environment, similar to providing a stage for young poets.
- Volunteer at a local school or community ...
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