Greetings from Greg

In this introductory section, I’d like to share a bit about myself since this marks my first article. I’m Greg, a 25-year-old who wears many hats: son, brother, friend, boyfriend, and an avid music enthusiast. My drive to make the most of life is intense, and with this platform, I aspire to share insights that can help others do the same. My journey so far has offered me valuable lessons, and I am eager to support others on their paths.

The Power of Momentum

Recently, I have been reflecting on the concept of momentum—an elusive force that's hard to grasp initially, but once you do, it becomes a powerful ally.

Starting something new is often the hardest part. In the beginning, you lack knowledge and clarity, which are essential but take time and effort to acquire. Once you take that initial step, subsequent steps begin to flow more easily, allowing you to cover more ground. This is the essence of momentum: it builds upon itself.

Consider this article my first step into a new and exciting journey.

My Path to This Moment

During my undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of New Hampshire, I often felt lost—truly lost. It wasn’t just a lack of direction; I had no idea who I was or what I wanted.

Classes felt burdensome because psychology never sparked my passion. While I loved learning, I struggled to engage when I didn’t see value in the material. My interest was mild, and I was certain I wouldn’t pursue a career in therapy or psychiatry. I merely aimed to achieve decent grades to avoid seeming like I was wasting time.

Socially, I faced challenges as well. For the first two years of college, I flitted between friend groups, trying to fit in and be someone I thought they would like, leading to a deep sense of loneliness. Fortunately, a close high school friend joined me at UNH after a gap year, and he introduced me to his circle, laying the groundwork for lasting friendships.

Even as I began to connect with these friends, I still had a lot of self-discovery ahead. I was closer to my true self around them, but I still didn’t know what that self truly looked like. My life had revolved around seeking approval from others, and when alone, I pondered how to gain their affection.

The Spark That Kindled My Passion

By my senior year, I had made significant progress but still had internal work to do. I began engaging in activities I genuinely enjoyed, even if that meant doing them solo. Too often, I had compromised my desires to please others.

In the winter of 2019, while visiting a friend, I was introduced to FL Studio, a music production software. He showcased its capabilities, and I was instantly intrigued by the prospect of creating music from scratch.

However, self-doubt crept in. I told myself I lacked the musical background and skill. I was ready to extinguish my enthusiasm before it even began.

But before leaving, my friend mentioned a free version of FL Studio that anyone could download. Initially, I dismissed it, thinking I could never conquer the learning curve. Yet, something inside me pushed me to download it that evening. I opened Google, typed “FL Studio free download,” and took that crucial first step.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

I wish I could pinpoint the exact moment I decided to overcome my self-doubt. Perhaps it was curiosity, or maybe it stemmed from a lesson I learned about fixed versus growth mindsets in my psychology classes. Regardless, I am grateful for the decision to explore FL Studio without letting fear dictate my actions.

I hope this article inspires you to take that leap. If even one person feels motivated to try something new, my efforts will have been worthwhile. Once I opened FL Studio, my journey began, leading to exponential growth.

Whether your goal is fitness, a new hobby, or a career change, identify the first logical step and take action. Don’t wait for the perfect time or more information—follow your heart and trust the process. With each step you take, new opportunities will unfold.

> Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. — Arthur Ashe

Relating This to My Current Journey

It’s been nearly four years since I discovered FL Studio. Since then, music has become a daily pursuit. That initial spark has evolved into a passionate flame.

In February 2020, I created my first beat after much experimentation, and the thrill was addictive. For over three years, I’ve released music under the name Greg Sopper, and this journey has brought me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. Yet, I feel like this is just the beginning.

Opening myself to the possibility of creating music has transformed my life. This mindset has spilled over into every aspect of my existence, teaching me that I don’t need to set limits or wait for perfect circumstances.

Just two weeks ago, I applied this mindset when I decided to leave my job. After months of stress and burnout, I chose action over inaction. I drafted my resignation letter and handed it in, trusting my instincts.

My last day was emotional, filled with gratitude from the kids I’d worked with. If I hadn’t been resolute, I might have second-guessed my choice.

However, momentum was on my side. After resigning, new opportunities emerged almost immediately. Taking that first step opened the door to the next.

As I write this, I’m embarking on another new journey—publishing my thoughts online for the first time. Leaving my job provided the confidence boost I needed to pursue writing seriously.

Everything builds upon itself, and I’m excited to see where this path leads. I look forward to sharing insights from my experiences and hope they resonate with you.

If you’ve reached this point, thank you for your attention. Stay tuned for more content.

Whatever your aspiration, just take that step and go for it!