Self-Improvement How to Stay Curious and Get Creative With Latin Music Producer Motiff By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 06, 2021 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Meet Motiff When it comes to music, Motiff (whose real name is Arbise Gonzalez) can do just about anything. He’s an artist, producer, DJ, and songwriter. He’s worked alongside musicians like Pitbull, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, and Jennifer Lopez. But his rise to success wasn’t easy. Why Motiff Is Mentally Strong Motiff came to America from Venezuela as a child. Adjusting to school in the U.S. was tough because he didn't speak any English. His home life was complicated too. Because his mother had to go to work, Motiff and his brother took on a lot of responsibility helping care for their dad. Motiff decided not to go to college—a decision his parents weren’t pleased with. But he promised that since he wouldn’t be delivering his parents a college diploma, he’d earn a GRAMMY instead. Thirteen years later he made good on his promise when he earned his first GRAMMY. What You'll Hear on the Show Why you should incorporate more fun into your daily life (and the simple strategies that will help you do it) What types of things can kill your creativity The link between emotions and creativity Why fear is the biggest obstacle to success How to stay curious in life How to turn your biggest struggles into your best assets How to get excited about getting older (rather than dread it) What You'll Learn About Staying Curious and Mental Strength Doing fun things doesn’t mean you aren’t serious about reaching your goals. In fact, incorporating a little fun and laughter into your day might help you feel better and it might even motivate you to work harder. Even when you’re sitting in a boring meeting or having dinner with someone you’ve known for a decade, you can have fun and learn new things about yourself, other people, and the world around you when you have the right attitude. Life gets more exciting when you’re open to learning more (and when you can admit you don’t have all the answers). So, when you walk into a room looking for things to learn, you’ll realize that there are always things you don't know. Quotes From Motiff Motiff Why not try it? You have been given the gift of waking up in the morning, so why not go and try it? — Motiff "Always be a student. Keep your ears open. You learn something from everything.""Coming through on the other end taught me a lot of different things. And those things are always with me.""I watch the same cartoons I watched when I was a little kid to stay in that wavelength. I have toys, like Power Ranger helmets and I watch wrestling. I think that’s what keeps that curiosity alive." More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Links and Resources Follow Motiff on Instagram Check out Motiff's Twitter Find Motiff on Facebook By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.