The Seven Deadly Sins of Entrepreneurship: An Irreverent Guide to Success *Accompanied by playlists for inspiration

For some reason, I’ve been thinking about the seven deadly sins as they relate to entrepreneurship for the last few years. The mere thought of sin itself has been taught and used as a mechanism to control your mind and actions. That control is not always for good intent. I don’t believe that we should be afraid of sin and sinning, because we all do sin. So here, I am reconsidering the seven deadly sins in particular, to understand how they can be turned around, and not be used to make me feel guilty, but rather, let me embrace them in the context of business to be more successful. And anyways, don’t you think guilt is a terrible thing to waste energy on anyway?

I decided to kick start my writing process by posing this question to my new writing partner Arianna Industry aka ChatGPT .

However, the initial results were fascinating if not twisted! I leveled up a bit. To make this even more crazy, and some of you already know that I’m a songwriter in a soft country rock and Americana band Utah Carol , I wanted to create a music playlist as a backdrop to the seven sins. My song memory bank isn’t as powerful as my husband’s, I’m certain he would have made superior playlists to the one ChatGPT did for me. Nevertheless, I did re-prompt on some of the lists, and made changes, because many of the suggested artists on the song playlists were men. Go figure!

Finally, because this is just such a bizarre experiment, I asked ChatGPT to include a joke related to each sin. And the jokes are SOOOOO terrible they are funny. Definite reaffirmation that we humans are NOT about to lose our purpose anytime soon.

To be honest, I am glad I asked ChatGPT to help me formulate this essay. The concept became too big for me to tackle in my head with my busy work schedule. So instead, I used this to share my initial thoughts, which unleashed more creative thoughts, and then off ChatGPT and I went down the rabbit hole to create (I won't way "write) this essay.

My key takeaways are that ChatGPT is powerful enough to correct its mistakes. All you have to do is copy and paste the initial content back into the conversation bar, and it will revise if needed. ChatGPT can provide very surface content for you, but if you'd like it to go off the rails and get to something more unexpected), it will do that for you with a little prompting. Lastly, ChatGPT through prompting, can help unlock your thoughts, and remove some inhibition around a preposterous question you've been meaning to ask someone but maybe were too afraid or embarrassed to do so.

ChatGPT, making the nonsensical make sense.        

Pride & Entrepreneurship

Pride may be one of the seven deadly sins, but when it comes to building a successful business, a little bit of pride can be a good thing. After all, if you don't believe in yourself and your abilities, how can you expect anyone else to?

But there's a fine line between healthy pride and ego. When your pride becomes all-consuming, it can be a major obstacle to your success. So how do you find the right balance? Here are a few tips:

Be confident, but not arrogant: Confidence is key when it comes to building a successful business, but it's important to remember that nobody knows everything. Be open to learning from others and don't let your ego get in the way of your progress.

Don't let success go to your head: It's easy to let your head get inflated when things are going well, but it's important to remember that success is often fleeting. Keep your feet on the ground and stay humble.

Don't be afraid to ask for help: No matter how confident and capable you are, there will always be times when you need a little help. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance or support when you need it.

ChatGPT joke: Why did the business owner turn down a free lunch with their competitors? Because they were too proud to be seen eating humble pie!

Country Music Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”

Sure, here are the updated list of songs for the seven deadly sins, along with their YouTube links:

Pride: "I'm a Ramblin' Man" by Waylon Jennings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9SbFPH1Zc4

Greed: "The Richest Man (In the World)" by Johnny Cash - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYRYZ8pEhmI

Lust: "Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGgMZpGYiy8

Envy: "Jealous Heart" by Loretta Lynn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JklYDlxEhxM

Wrath: "Gunpowder & Lead" by Miranda Lambert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyujD5L5M8w

Sloth: "I Don't Want to Be a Burden to My Friends" by Merle Haggard - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54L5g5zLFF0

Gluttony: "Hungry Eyes" by Dolly Parton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxd01E1eLkU

Greed & Entrepreneurship

Greed is another one of the seven deadly sins that can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to building a successful business. On the one hand, a healthy appetite for success and financial security is essential for driving your business forward. But on the other hand, if your greed becomes all-consuming, it can lead to bad decision-making and even ruin.

So how do you strike the right balance? Here are a few tips:

Set clear goals: It's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your business. Whether it's financial security, creative fulfillment, or something else, setting specific goals will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by greed.

Don't compromise your values: It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of money and success, but it's important to remember that your values and integrity are just as important. Don't compromise your morals for the sake of financial gain.

Remember that money isn't everything: Yes, making money is important for any business, but it's not the only thing that matters. Don't lose sight of the other things that are important to you, whether it's your relationships, your health, or your personal growth.

ChatGPT joke: Why did the business owner turn down a million dollar deal? Because they wanted more!

Chicago House Music Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

*I had to prompt three times on this one. Damn ChatGPT tried to slip in some hip hop and jazz dudes in on me. NOPE, unacceptable! (ChatGPT: No, the updated list includes a mix of genres, so it's not all considered "Chicago house music" from the 1980s. For example, "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five is a hip-hop song, and "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock is a jazz-funk fusion track. The list includes songs from various genres that were popular in the 1980s and associated with the city of Chicago, such as house music, post-punk, and new wave.)

Lust: "Your Love" by Frankie Knuckles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pfwY2TNehw

Gluttony: "Acid Over" by Tyree - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk52n-cq6U0

Greed: "Can You Feel It" by Mr. Fingers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EI0ZLpK_Io

Sloth: "Mystery of Love" by Fingers Inc. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaGGRDfHuI

Wrath: "Move Your Body" by Marshall Jefferson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZrJrNrtGi8

Envy: "Jealousy (Remix)" by Clubland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlv7mPnRafo

Pride: "House Nation" by House Master Boyz and the Rude Boy of House - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm-cFO6F0UQ

Alternative

Rock and Roll Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Lust: "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn8-4tjPxD8

Gluttony: "Hound Dog" by Big Mama Thornton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g1yv2IjOkw

Greed: "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRvCvsRp5ho

Sloth: "Lazaretto" by Jack White - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqQDCxRCzM

Wrath: "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l482T0yNkeo

Envy: "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUwTJF1K1uc

Pride: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ

Lust & Entrepreneurship

Lust is another one of the seven deadly sins that can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to building a successful business. On the one hand, a healthy desire for growth and success is essential for driving your business forward. But on the other hand, if your lust becomes all-consuming, it can lead to unhealthy obsessions and even ruin.

So how do you strike the right balance? Here are a few tips:

Set clear goals: It's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your business. Whether it's financial security, creative fulfillment, or something else, setting specific goals will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by lust.

Don't compromise your values: It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, but it's important to remember that your values and integrity are just as important. Don't compromise your morals for the sake of achieving your goals.

Remember that balance is key: It's important to be passionate about your business, but don't let it consume your entire life. Make time for other things that are important to you

ChatGPT joke: Why did the business owner never go on vacation? Because they were too lustful for success!

R&B Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Lust: "I Want You" by Marvin Gaye - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hqkcff3M3A

Gluttony: "Candy" by Cameo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYs0gJD-LE

Greed: "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5mvnG1OC-4

Sloth: "I Can't Get Next to You" by The Temptations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY9t3xo-T7g

Wrath: "I Can't Stand the Rain" by Ann Peebles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI_HL8K1aBY

Envy: "Jealous" by Chris Brown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aybQ5HGfMk

Pride: "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJgRmR7y_8

Envy & Entrepreneurship

Envy is a natural human emotion, but when it comes to building a successful business, it can be a major obstacle. After all, if you're constantly focused on what others have or are doing, you'll never be able to fully focus on your own path to success.

So how do you overcome envy and focus on your own goals? Here are a few tips:

Remember that comparison is the thief of joy: It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but it's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique. Focus on your own goals and accomplishments, and try to find joy in your own successes.

Use envy as motivation: If you find yourself feeling envious of someone else's success, try to use that emotion as motivation to push yourself further. Instead of letting envy hold you back, use it as a driving force to achieve your own goals.

Practice gratitude: One of the best ways to overcome envy is to focus on the things you already have. Take time each day to practice gratitude and appreciate the good things in your life.

ChatGPT joke: Why was the business owner envious of the baker's croissants? Because they were always getting all the rise!

Jazz Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Lust: "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3x0M-cnFc0

Gluttony: "Big Spender" by Shirley Bassey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW5UEW2kYvc

Greed: "Money Jungle" by Duke Ellington - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJhq3qfhgTY

Sloth: "Take It Easy" by Stan Getz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4bO4QWDI1s

Wrath: "Moanin'" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Z1X9Z_m7M

Envy: "Green Dolphin Street" by Miles Davis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1xh8ZnWKlk

Pride: "I'm the Greatest Star" by Barbra Streisand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIV1BcPAGgw

Alternative

Electronica Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Lust: "Go" by Moby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nW5AF0m9Zw

Gluttony: "We Share Our Mother's Health" by The Knife - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdq8RPgTlL0

Greed: "Born Slippy .NUXX" by Underworld - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSCD5G9_y40

Sloth: "Breathe Me" by Sia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFGvmrJ5rjM

Wrath: "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" by Deadmau5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ArUgxtlJs

Envy: "Chase the Devil" by Max Romeo & The Upsetters (remixed by Lee "Scratch" Perry) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4lX0EIE3vU

Pride: "Your Silent Face" by New Order - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPBwsRc6O-o

Wrath & Entrepreneurship

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it comes to building a successful business, it can be a major liability. After all, if you're constantly angry or frustrated, it's difficult to make clear-headed decisions and maintain positive relationships with clients and partners.

So how do you keep your anger in check and focus on your business goals? Here are a few tips:

Practice mindfulness: One of the best ways to control your anger is to practice mindfulness and be present in the moment. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting caught up in negative emotions.

Take a break: If you're feeling overwhelmed or angry, it's important to step back and take a break. Go for a walk, do some deep breathing, or find some other way to relax and clear your mind.

Seek support: If you're struggling to control your anger, don't be afraid to seek support from a therapist or coach. They can help you identify the root causes of your anger and develop strategies for managing it.

ChatGPT joke: Why did the business owner throw a fit when their computer crashed? Because they couldn't handle the tech-wrath!

Hip Hop Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Pride: "Power" by Little Simz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBz1MTYFMk0

Greed: "Wealth" by Oddisee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV1xGfs_9io

Lust: "Bump" by Noname - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvNMS_fWt24

Envy: "The Art of Peer Pressure" by Kendrick Lamar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udjGBbO4hG4

Wrath: "Dance with the Devil" by Immortal Technique - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qggxTtnKTMo

Sloth: "Can't Get Out of Bed" by Kilo Kish - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgjy4P4ydjk

Gluttony: "Food" by MF DOOM - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VUblDwa648

Alternative

Blues Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Lust: "Hoochie Coochie Man" by Muddy Waters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq3yW8Gv0ok

Gluttony: "Big Boss Man" by Jimmy Reed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTvTjBF_wLk

Greed: "I Need Money" by Little Walter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZJdKDoyhDA

Sloth: "Lazy Bones" by Johnny "Guitar" Watson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6KGrc6T0-c

Wrath: "My Babe" by Little Walter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbJZFp1nEYI

Envy: "Jealous Hearted Man" by Howlin' Wolf - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1uV7-J4vQ4

Pride: "I'm a King Bee" by Slim Harpo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fwIjW8_v30

Me: Where could I put I put a spell on u?" ChatGPT: "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins could potentially be placed in the category of lust, as the song lyrics suggest a strong desire or attraction towards someone. However, the song could also potentially fit into the category of envy, depending on the interpretation of the lyrics. Ultimately, it would depend on the context in which the song is being used and the specific themes or messages that the person using it wishes to convey.

Sloth & Entrepreneurship

Sloth may be one of the seven deadly sins, but when it comes to building a successful business, laziness is a major obstacle. After all, if you're not willing to put in the work, it's difficult to achieve your goals.

So how do you overcome laziness and stay motivated? Here are a few tips:

Set specific goals: One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set specific, achievable goals for yourself. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by laziness.

Create a schedule: Having a clear schedule can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. Try to break your tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks and schedule them throughout the day.

Find an accountability partner: Sometimes, having someone to hold you accountable can be a huge motivator. Find a friend or business partner who can help keep you on track and provide encouragement when you need it.

ChatGPT joke: Why did the business owner get out of bed every morning? To avoid the snooze-sloth!

Classical Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”

Lust: "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" by Claude Debussy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZMN4C4GJhQ

Gluttony: "Ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzj6hF9YUzI

Greed: "Goldberg Variations" by Johann Sebastian Bach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDYc1hLWJxo

Sloth: "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE3U-LZ1s6s

Wrath: "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4E4_DYG8B4

Envy: "Symphony No. 5" by Ludwig van Beethoven - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9E5XBKUhS8

Pride: "Symphony No. 9" by Ludwig van Beethoven - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5WcYIppLZw

Me: How do you know adagio is sloth? ChatGPT: "Adagio" is a term that is commonly used in classical music to describe a slow tempo. In this context, I included the piece "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber in the category of sloth because the slow tempo of the music could potentially evoke a sense of laziness or sluggishness. However, it's important to note that the interpretation of music is subjective, and different people may have different associations with a particular piece of music. The categories and associations I provided are intended to be a general suggestion and are not meant to be definitive or exhaustive.

Gluttony & Entrepreneurship

Gluttony may be one of the seven deadly sins, but when it comes to building a successful business, overindulging in any one thing – whether it's food, work, or something else – can be a major obstacle. After all, if you're not careful, you can easily become consumed by your desire for more and lose sight of your goals.

So how do you strike the right balance and avoid getting consumed by your desires? Here are a few tips:

Set limits: One of the best ways to avoid overindulging is to set limits for yourself. Whether it's setting a specific time to stop working each day or setting limits on how much you eat, having clear boundaries can help you avoid getting carried away.

Practice moderation: It's important to indulge in the things you enjoy, but it's equally important to practice moderation. Find a healthy balance between enjoyment and excess.

Remember your priorities: It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more, but it's important to remember your priorities and stay focused on your goals.

ChatGPT joke: Why did the business owner stop eating donuts? Because they didn't want to become a gluttony-guts!

Opera Playlist for Seven Entrepreneurship “Sins”?

Lust: "La donna è mobile" from Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEON5Dx9Xpk

Gluttony: "Habanera" from Carmen by Georges Bizet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ-I1gN_NwI

Greed: "The Jewel Song" from Faust by Charles Gounod - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtM5mKj5y5A

Sloth: "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZV_fZTgL-w

Wrath: "Dies irae" from Requiem Mass in D minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq3sO_NgN-k

Envy: "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJzBtQPZv_k

Pride: "Nessun dorma" from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0UmrCXxVA

In conclusion, building a successful business requires more than just hard work and talent. It also requires careful consideration of the seven deadly sins – pride, greed, lust, envy, wrath, sloth, and gluttony – and how they can impact your business and your personal life.

Through the stories and lessons shared in this book, we hope that you've learned how to transform these sins into powerful tools for creative business success. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to take your business to the next level or a recent layoff trying to rebuild your life, we hope that this book has provided you with the inspiration and guidance you need to succeed.

If you're ready to take the next steps towards building a thriving business, here are a few recommendations for immediate action:

Set an intent: Before you take any action, it's important to set a clear intent for what you want to achieve. Whether it's financial security, creative fulfillment, or something else, having a clear idea of your goals will help you stay focused and motivated.

Practice mindfulness: As you work towards your goals, it's important to stay present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in negative emotions. Practice mindfulness and focus on what you can control in the present moment.

Find quiet time: Building a successful business requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's also important to make time for rest and relaxation. Take regular breaks and find time for quiet contemplation to recharge your batteries.

Practice patience: Building a successful business takes time, and it's important to be patient and stay focused on the long-term. Remember that setbacks and failures are a normal part of the process, and don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned.

Don't feel guilty about failure: Failure is a natural part of the learning process, and it's important to remember that even the most successful people have experienced setbacks and failures. Don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned, and focus on what you can learn from the experience.