How to Be a Bawse

How to Be a Bawse Plot Summary

Introduction

I still remember the first time I hit rock bottom. Curled up on the floor, tears streaming down my face, the weight of depression felt like an immovable mountain on my chest. Perhaps you've been there too - that dark place where dreams seem impossible and tomorrow feels like a burden rather than a promise. Or maybe you're just feeling stuck, watching others succeed while wondering when your moment will arrive. Regardless of where you stand today, we all share the universal desire to conquer our lives rather than merely survive them. What sets apart those who merely exist from those who truly thrive? How do some people transform their darkest moments into catalysts for extraordinary success? Throughout these pages, we'll explore the remarkable journey of someone who went from battling depression to building an empire - discovering practical wisdom about hustle, authenticity, and resilience along the way. This isn't about quick fixes or magic formulas; it's about developing the mindset and habits that turn ordinary people into forces to be reckoned with. By embracing these principles, you'll learn to master your mind, hustle harder, make heads turn, and ultimately become what the author calls a "Bawse" - someone who conquers life instead of just getting by.

Chapter 1: The Definition of a Bawse: Conquering Life on Your Own Terms

The first time I heard the term "Bawse," I was sitting in a cramped studio apartment, scrolling through social media while eating day-old pizza. There on my screen was Lilly Singh, radiating confidence as she explained that a Bawse isn't just a boss with a fancy spelling - it's someone who excels in both personal and professional settings, who turns heads, communicates effectively, and hustles relentlessly. While a boss might control a workplace, a Bawse conquers life itself. Her words hit me at a time when I was merely surviving, not thriving. I had settled into a comfortable pattern of mediocrity - doing just enough to get by but never pushing beyond my comfort zone. Watching her speak with such conviction made me realize how many opportunities I'd missed by playing it safe, by choosing what was easy over what would help me grow. Lilly's journey from making YouTube videos in her parents' basement to becoming a global entertainer exemplifies the Bawse mindset. When faced with the choice of pursuing graduate school or committing fully to her YouTube career, she made a bold decision that defied expectations. At the time, creating content for YouTube wasn't seen as a legitimate career path, especially in Toronto. Her parents gave her one year to prove herself, and rather than creating a backup plan, she poured everything into making her vision a reality. This wasn't just about career choices - it was about approaching every aspect of life with intention and determination. Whether preparing for her world tour, negotiating business deals, or managing her mental health, Lilly refused to just go through the motions. She committed to excellence in everything, refusing to settle for "good enough" when greatness was possible. The essence of being a Bawse lies in this fundamental shift from passivity to active creation of your circumstances. It means taking control of what you can change while accepting what you cannot. It means pursuing excellence not just when it's convenient, but especially when it's difficult. The path to becoming a Bawse isn't about achieving perfection; it's about embracing the journey with courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your own growth. As we'll discover, this journey begins not with external achievements, but with mastering what lies within.

Chapter 2: Mastering Your Mind: Overcoming Internal Barriers to Success

My hands were shaking as I sat in the greenroom, minutes before going onstage for an audition that could change my career trajectory. This wasn't just any opportunity – it was for a major role in a high-budget film franchise set in outer space. My initial instinct was to decline the audition entirely. With my limited acting experience and the intimidating nature of such a prestigious project, failure seemed inevitable. Why put myself through the stress and potential humiliation? The morning of the audition, I had a serious conversation with myself. I remembered that the first ten times I do anything, I'm usually terrible at it. But those first ten attempts aren't failures – they're essential steps toward mastering something new. I walked into the building filled with gorgeous, confident actresses who didn't seem nervous whatsoever. One gave me a cold shoulder when I smiled, amplifying my insecurity. After spending an hour memorizing difficult paragraphs about galaxies with weird names, they called my name. Entering the audition room, I introduced myself and began reciting lines, only to mess up a few sentences in. My brain was racing, but I refused to let fear win. I tried again, and the second time I didn't forget any lines. To my surprise, the casting agent told me she was impressed with my performance. While I didn't ultimately get the part, I walked out of that audition having conquered something more important than securing a role – I had faced my fear and survived. This experience taught me that discomfort is actually a form of currency – it's the price we pay to learn crucial lessons that help us grow. Too often, we let our minds convince us that we can't handle challenging situations, that we're better off staying within our comfort zones where it's safe and familiar. But true growth happens when we step into the unknown, when we're willing to be bad at something new, when we embrace the discomfort of uncertainty. Mastering your mind begins with understanding that you control your thoughts; they don't control you. By recognizing the patterns that trigger fear, self-doubt, or procrastination, you can develop strategies to overcome these internal barriers. Whether it's through positive self-talk, reframing challenges as opportunities, or simply acknowledging that discomfort is temporary, the ability to manage your mindset is perhaps the most powerful skill you can develop. The path to becoming a Bawse isn't external – it starts with conquering the battlefield within your own mind.

Chapter 3: The Hustle Harder Mentality: Building Work Ethic and Discipline

The clock read 3:27 AM as I stared at my computer screen, determined to finish editing a video that needed to be uploaded in just a few hours. My eyes burned from exhaustion, but quitting wasn't an option. This wasn't just any video – it was a collaboration with Seth Rogen and James Franco, and I had only forty-five minutes to shoot what should have been a day-long production. Despite the enormous pressure, I had committed to delivering this content, and nothing would stand in my way. When Seth and James walked in, I felt a wave of nerves threatening to derail my focus. As I explained my creative concept, I noticed confusion on James's face, triggering my fear that my ideas weren't good enough. Midway through the shoot, the room grew louder as producers tried capturing behind-the-scenes footage, creating distractions that interfered with sound quality. One part required me to kiss Seth while dressed as my mother – an awkward scenario made more challenging by the fact that Seth, known for certain recreational activities, left me feeling light-headed after each take. Despite these obstacles – nerves, fear, distractions, and unexpected challenges – I remained focused on my commitment. I didn't slow my pace due to nerves, change my jokes because of fear, forget my dialogue because of distractions, or stop kissing someone because he smelled like Snoop Dogg. When the forty-five minutes ended, I had successfully completed the shoot as promised. This level of commitment doesn't happen by accident. It requires developing what Lilly calls "the hustle harder mentality" – an approach to work that combines unwavering discipline with strategic decision-making. It means setting deadlines for yourself and holding yourself accountable even when no one else is watching. It means eliminating distractions, managing your time effectively, and scheduling inspiration rather than waiting for it to strike naturally. Most importantly, it means taking the stairs instead of looking for an escalator to success. The truth about hustle is that it's not glamorous – it's grueling. It means saying no to temptations that others readily embrace. It means fighting the fear of missing out (FOMO) when friends are having fun while you're working. It means developing the self-control to delay gratification in pursuit of bigger goals. But hustling harder isn't just about working more; it's about working smarter. It's about creating systems that maximize your productivity and minimize wasted energy. By making these disciplines part of your daily life, you build the foundation upon which lasting success is built – one challenging, often unglamorous step at a time.

Chapter 4: Making Heads Turn: Creating Presence and Authentic Connections

"You tell me," I replied with a hint of confidence when the head of Studio 71 asked what he could tell me about his company. The faces around the table showed surprise at my unexpected response, which had completely flipped the dynamic of the meeting. After a few minutes of him pitching his company to me, he asked about my goals. Looking him directly in the eyes, I stated plainly: "World domination," before elaborating on everything I wanted to accomplish. The room filled with an undeniable presence – the past and future seemed to fade as the present moment commanded complete attention. Shortly after our meeting ended, the head of the digital department emailed to tell me that Michael, the company head, had said, "She's an absolute star. Let's make sure we get it right." That interaction led to signing with Studio 71, beginning a fruitful partnership that continues to this day. What made the difference wasn't just what I said, but how I showed up – with authenticity, confidence, and a presence that made others take notice. Creating presence isn't about being the loudest or most attention-seeking person in the room. It's about being fully engaged in each moment, listening to understand rather than to respond, and communicating with intention rather than autopilot. When meeting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for the first time, what struck me wasn't his impressive physique or celebrity status, but how he made a point to shake hands with every person in the room – from the producer to the sound guy and even the security guard. This simple act of acknowledging each individual created an immediate connection and left a lasting impression. I've since adopted this practice myself, making it a point to introduce myself to everyone when I walk onto a set or into a meeting. Every single time I do this, I see a flicker of appreciation in people's eyes. Similarly, when I was on the set of my first feature film, actor Kunal Nayyar taught me about authentic presence when he said, "People get too concerned about looking stupid on-screen and so they constantly check the playback. You can't be scared of looking stupid. Instead, just be how your character is supposed to feel." The ability to make heads turn comes from genuine confidence – not arrogance – and the willingness to be your authentic self without apology. It means speaking with conviction, maintaining positive body language, and being present in each interaction rather than distracted by your phone or thoughts about the next meeting. When you combine this authentic presence with the willingness to connect meaningfully with others, you create an energy that naturally draws people toward you. This magnetic quality isn't about manipulation or performance; it's about showing up fully as yourself and allowing others to experience the real you – flaws, strengths, and all.

Chapter 5: Being a Unicorn: Embracing Your Uniqueness and Core Values

"OMG, shut up, you idiot, of course I remember you," Selena Gomez said lovingly as she pulled me in for a hug. We were at We Day in California, and I had started our greeting with "Hey, I don't know if you remember me, but—" expecting the typical polite, cookie-cutter response that celebrities give when they meet someone for the second time. Instead, her refreshing authenticity cut through the usual networking formalities like a knife through butter. Throughout our interactions, Selena continued to demonstrate what it means to be unapologetically yourself. When discussing her album cover, she confidently stated, "It's so raw and beautiful," owning her beauty without fear of sounding arrogant. During a photoshoot, when I nervously showed her our selfies for approval, she replied without hesitation, "Oh yeah, girl, they're fine," completely comfortable with however she appeared in that moment. Later, backstage at her concert in Toronto, her first words to me were, "Argh, I'm so bloated, if you know what I mean," followed by honest talk about her tour being "about 70 percent sold out, which is a bit less than last time." This level of authenticity was a revelation to me. I'd always thought I was completely myself – embracing my weirdness, never pretending to be someone I wasn't, and standing up for my beliefs. But witnessing Selena's complete self-acceptance showed me there was another level of authenticity I hadn't yet reached. Being a unicorn isn't just about acknowledging your quirks; it's about embracing every facet of yourself without shame or hesitation. True authenticity means having the courage to say what you mean rather than what sounds good. It means standing firm in your core values even when they're tested. When I'm asked controversial questions in interviews, I've learned to promote what I love rather than bashing what I hate. Instead of engaging in drama, I highlight the positive aspects of the situation, creating more of what I want to see in the world. This approach doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations, but rather addressing them with intention and solutions rather than mere criticism. Embracing your uniqueness also means surrounding yourself with people who bring out your best qualities rather than those who diminish them. You are a product of your environment, so creating spaces that inspire creativity, productivity, and positivity is essential. Whether it's the color of your towels, the music you listen to while getting ready, or the people you choose to spend time with, these environmental factors shape who you become. By consciously designing your surroundings to reflect your values and aspirations, you create the conditions for your authentic self to flourish. Remember, being a unicorn isn't about being perfect – it's about being perfectly you, with all your beautiful complexities and contradictions.

Chapter 6: From Darkness to Light: Transforming Depression into Motivation

I remember sitting on the floor of my basement, tears streaming down my face, feeling completely powerless against the whirlwind of negative thoughts assaulting me. Outside, people were living their lives – having dinner, traveling, laughing with friends – while I was curled up in a ball, leaning against a bar, unable to control my breathing. After years of standing tall through heartaches, life had landed the final punch to my chest, and I'd gone tumbling down with no idea how to get back up. Taking a gulp of whiskey that burned my throat, I raised my glass in a bitter toast to myself: "Cheers to you, Lilly. Cheers for being the most pathetic person you know. Cheers to being that idiot everyone lies to. A big cheers for ever thinking you were someone special." Rock bottom had never felt so real. In that moment, I decided my only escape was to move to India in six months, to start a completely new life and leave everything behind. I told my family about my plan, watching as my mother cried, recognizing the unwavering commitment in my voice. Fast forward to 2015, and I found myself raising a glass for a very different reason. "Cheers! We're going to the MTV Movie Awards!" I exclaimed to my team in my hotel room. That night, through a series of fortunate events, I finally met my childhood hero, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. When I returned to my hotel room after our meeting, tears streamed down my face again – but this time, they were tears of happiness. "You deserve this, Lilly. Keep going and don't you dare stop now," I told myself. The transformation from depression to motivation didn't happen overnight. It began with small acts of self-compassion – literally hugging myself to sleep on my worst nights. Gradually, I started taking myself on "dates" and began to recognize my own worth. What ultimately pulled me out of depression was learning what loving myself really meant – understanding that I deserved happiness and working hard to create it rather than accepting sadness as my fate. This journey taught me that our darkest moments often contain the seeds of our greatest growth. Depression became the catalyst for my comedy career as I turned to YouTube to escape my pain and make others laugh. What began as self-medication evolved into a purpose-driven path that has touched millions of lives. By molding my failures rather than being broken by them, I transformed pain into purpose, depression into determination. The most valuable lesson from this transformation is that resilience isn't about avoiding pain – it's about using it as fuel. It's about standing up after being knocked down, finding meaning in suffering, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're fighting depression or facing any other challenge that seems insurmountable, remember that darkness doesn't define you – it's merely a chapter in your story, not the conclusion. By embracing your struggles with compassion and viewing them as opportunities for growth, you can transform your greatest pain into your most powerful purpose.

Chapter 7: Protecting Your Vision: Standing Firm in Your Creative Journey

The lights dimmed as I stood backstage, heart pounding with anticipation. After months of preparation, A Trip to Unicorn Island – my first world tour – was about to begin. This wasn't just any show; it represented my complete vision brought to life. But the journey to this moment had been filled with countless battles to protect that vision from compromise and dilution. During the planning stages, one major point of contention was the number of dancers. I envisioned eight, but was repeatedly told we could only afford four. "The tour won't be financially viable otherwise," they insisted. Yet in my heart, I knew that with just four dancers, it wouldn't truly be my tour – it would be someone else's version of my dream. After much deliberation, I signed off on taking full financial responsibility for all eight dancers, knowing the risk but unwilling to compromise on this essential element. The costume designer presented another challenge, offering practical reasons why my vision couldn't be executed. But I remained adamant. My dancers were the gatekeepers of Unicorn Island, and they had to look perfect. No compromise would suffice. Even during the tour itself, unexpected obstacles threatened my vision – from legal restrictions in India requiring joke alterations to a stage in Perth, Australia that was only one-third of our minimum requirement, to security issues in Dubai where fans were allowed to run onstage during my performance. Through each challenge, I fought to maintain the integrity of my original concept, refusing to let external forces reshape what I had so carefully designed. I knew there would be costs – financial risks, logistical headaches, and countless sleepless nights – but protecting my vision was worth every sacrifice. Like a parent defending their child, I felt a primal responsibility to shield my creative baby from harm. This fierce protection of vision extends beyond creative projects to all aspects of life. Whether it's standing firm in your values when they're challenged, maintaining your authenticity in the face of pressure to conform, or refusing to let others define your path, the ability to protect what matters most to you is essential to becoming a Bawse. It requires both courage and discernment – knowing when to stand firm and when to be flexible, when to fight and when to adapt. The most powerful visions aren't rigid fantasies but resilient frameworks that can withstand reality's inevitable challenges. By committing to your core vision while remaining adaptable in its execution, you create something that truly reflects your unique perspective rather than a watered-down version shaped by others' limitations. Remember that your creative vision – whether for a project, a relationship, or your life – is worth protecting. It's through this protection that your most authentic contribution to the world will emerge, touching others in ways that a compromised version never could.

Summary

The journey from depression to dominance isn't about achieving perfection or power over others – it's about mastering yourself first. Throughout these chapters, we've witnessed how transformation begins with internal work: conquering your thoughts, stepping outside your comfort zone, committing fully to your decisions, and being unapologetically yourself. We've seen how hustle isn't just about working harder but working with intention, creating presence isn't just about being noticed but making meaningful connections, and protecting your vision isn't about stubbornness but standing firm in what matters most. Perhaps the most profound insight from this journey is that our greatest struggles often become our greatest strengths. Depression became the catalyst for creativity, rejection became the fuel for resilience, and obstacles became opportunities for growth. The path to becoming a Bawse isn't about avoiding difficulties or pretending they don't exist – it's about facing them head-on with courage, transforming them into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Whether you're fighting inner demons, pursuing ambitious dreams, or simply trying to show up as your best self each day, remember that you have everything you need within you to conquer life on your own terms. You don't just have to survive your challenges – you can use them to thrive, to create something meaningful, and ultimately to become the Bawse of your own remarkable story.

About Author

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Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh is a Canadian YouTuber, comedian, talk show host, writer, and actress, who initially gained fame on social media under the pseudonym IISuperwomanII.

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