ROCK N’ ROLL

Yes, I have a man crush on Jimmy Page, the lead guitarist for Led Zeppelin. Page can shred like none other. I’ve been a classic rock guy dating back to the mid ‘70s. Nothing revs my engine like Hendrix, The Stones, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and The Kinks!

My typical morning starts at 7:00 a.m. in the office (so passe’) with a cup of Starbucks coffee and a chocolate croissant (granola yogurt is overrated). First on the agenda, Mississippi Queen by Mountain at full blast. The adrenaline rush is on, bro! Next on deck: Life in the Fast Lane by the Eagles. Do a drive by and you’re likely to see me play some mean air guitar.

Oh God, what about Sully’s office mates, you ask? They love it! Young or old - everyone is a rocker at heart. Let’s get real, people, the reason none of us drink decaf is because we want the rocket fuel. They say life isn’t a race. Frankly, I say it is, and I want to be first out of the gate. Start early, caffeinate and rock! It’s worked for me the past 35 years!

This isn’t malarkey. Neuroscientists know the brain releases certain chemicals during a variety of activities. For example, the brain releases dopamine for runners which creates a strong sense of satisfaction and pleasure. It also fosters motivation. This is known as the “Runner’s High.” Ever experience “frisson” (sudden feeling of excitement) when your favorite song is about to play? That feeling is Dopamine flooding your body.

Why do we love our music so loud? When we turn up the volume, endorphins are released. Essentially, it acts like a stimulant. We get pumped up! It also drowns out the world, and we find our personal “zone.” Once we’re pumped up, we will likely be motivated in other areas of our lives according to the Neuroscientists who studied the effects of loud music on the brain.

It’s not a major investment to get started. Buy yourself a good Bluetooth wireless speaker. I recommend one that is highly rated for bass. You don’t just want to hear the music; you want to feel it! Next on the list is a Spotify or Apple Music subscription. If you’re an old guy like me, and need a little help, ask your summer intern before he or she returns to college. In addition to knowing a lot about craft beers, they’re dialed in on Bluetooth wireless speakers and music streamers.

I close with a quote from the movie, School of Rock. “God of Rock, thank you for this chance to kick ass. We are your humble servants. Please give us the power to blow people’s minds with our high voltage rock. In your name, we pray, Amen." - Dewey Finn

Rock On!

Paul Sullivan

Founder & Managing Partner

Wealth Management Independence

(973) 525-7626

P.S. For those who work from home or in an office with colleagues who don’t fully appreciate the value of ear popping Rock n’ Roll at 7:00 a.m., I recommend Bose or Beats Bluetooth headphones - preferably ones that fit over the ear which produces the best overall sound.