Today we’d like to introduce you to Cinzi Lavin.
Hi Cinzi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a child performer, playing music in various settings; by the time I was 16, I was playing professionally. I sometimes worked with other musicians–established entertainers–and from them I learned what was expected in the business. They taught me the basics of success, such as respect for the audience and the importance of being reliable. Over time, I gained confidence.
During my college years, I studied theatre with an emphasis in playwriting. I also won awards for prose writing. The many types of work I did after graduating became facets of my current career. In other words, I didn’t follow any one career path, but kept pursuing whatever work I enjoyed. Ultimately, that resulted in my becoming a musical dramatist, playwright, and writer.
My career path, if it were printed out like an EKG reading, would look like someone having a coronary seizure. Far from straight and uneventful, it included forays into multiple fields in every direction. However, all the paths I followed—from journalism to teaching to performing (and more)—played a crucial role in developing the skill-set I use today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Early on, I wanted to do amazing things. I was good at writing and had an ear for music. I took piano lessons for a few years from a neighbor, but I was her worst student. I enjoyed studying theatre in college and was doing very well, but since I was putting myself through school, I had to drop out because I couldn’t afford to continue.
Circumstances dictated that if I wanted to enjoy success, it would take more than hard work, luck, ambition, or even talent. When I analyzed what got me from Point A to Point B, it came down to three things: my humanity, my creativity, and my ability to recognize that obstacles are only illusions.
In my book, Making Bread Out of Straw: How to Succeed with Almost Nothing by Helping Others, Thinking Creatively, and Ignoring Obstacles, I explain the way I overcame my challenges, which is merely a set of principles that can be used by anyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
There aren’t all that many people who write musical dramas, and I’m considered particularly rare within that small group because I create the entire musical myself. In other words, I write the script, the songs, and the lyrics.
Some people think this is incredibly difficult, but for me, it’s actually easier than working with a team because I’m able to maintain a wholistic approach and weave everything together in a way that wouldn’t be possible unless I was working alone.
I’m also known for often choosing uniquely American subjects, and much of my work is historically based. Several heritage societies whose members are descendants of this country’s founders have chosen to recognize me for my contribution to American culture.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a huge fan of hypnosis. I’ve discovered that it works wonders. In the same way that skincare begins within (through hydration and a healthy diet), hypnosis gets your subconscious on the right track. It’s very empowering to use hypnosis to target areas for positive life changes, such as encouraging confidence, abundance, or career success.
There are several hypnotists whose downloads and CDs are available; my absolute favorite is Paul McKenna. I spend 20 minutes a few times a week listening to his trances and I’ve experienced dramatic improvements.
The greatest thing about hypnosis—besides being able to pick which things to change about your subconscious’ programming—is how easy it is. You literally just lie there and relax; you don’t even have to pay attention because your subconscious mind hears everything, even if your conscious mind is tuned out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cinzilavin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinzi_lavin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CinziLavinOfficialFacebook/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinzilavin/
- Other: BOOKS BY CINZI LAVIN: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08WJH8ST5
Image Credits
Anna Zuckerman-Vdovenko@AZV PHOTO/MEDIA