I had the opportunity to sit down with one of Malta's best, DJ Duncan F. I was quite taken aback with his humble attitude. He actually invited me over to his place for the interview, the place where he produces all his work.
As a practitioner in NLP, and an aspiring coach, I am always keen to learn about how the successful people do it. Do they think differently? Are they stronger than we are? Is it simply luck? What sets Duncan apart from other Djs? That's what I'm after!
Duncan started out as a music enthusiast playing the violin at the age of 8. He moved to piano and then the drums, when he was 11. From a young age he was faced with the social stigma, claiming that he moved to drums because it was seen as “more cool” than the violin. He finally sold his drums and bought a set of turntables and started training to become a professional Dj at 14!
Soon after, he started playing at popular nightclubs such as Places in Paceville. This did not go down well with other resident Djs who were now being replaced with the young boy. However, Duncan defeated the challenges with his ever-growing passion for music. His audience was increasing, and from then on, kept aiming high. He kept his eye on the prize, rather than the competition.
When asked what sets him apart from other Djs, he told me that he still lives by this principle. He is driven by his love for music and not by competition.
We talked about the difficulties we go through to conquer both external and internal battles. We live in a world where obstacles are everywhere. Often, it is much easier to just let things go and quit. From his thirst for knowledge about music, to the respect he craved for from his peers, from missing special family occasions due to work commitments, to lost relationships, the journey was not smooth-sailing.
It was determination that kept him in the game. Duncan also claimed that he is now “more determined than ever” to reach his goals. This is what successful people have embedded in their soul- perseverance. Against all odds, they fight with passion.
He told me how important it is to keep other passions alive in your life. Some of his include rock-climbing, scuba diving and traveling. “These are things that inspire me” he said, “they help me become more dynamic as a person”.
His closing was what truly mesmerized me. “Do not take things for granted. Now it feels worth it, but the journey is never-ending. The moment you think you know it all, is when you stop growing. I compete only with myself. I am always trying to beat my last performance. I am grateful everyday for having the opportunity to express that side of me and to have people appreciate it.”
It takes determination, courage and strength to reach our goals. It takes commitment and passion to believe in yourself when it seems that no one else does. This is the essence of those who succeed. They persevere when the prize is nowhere in sight.
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