Tayo Rockson

What Change Sounds Like: Transpose Your Habits, Don’t Just Break Them Spoiler Warning: This essay includes story beats and finale songs from KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix, 2025).

Change doesn’t have to feel like starting over. It can sound like a key change.

Inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, I wrote about why most change fails, how to respect your nervous system, and what it means to transpose instead of demolish.

tayorockson.substack.com/p/what-chang...

The Price of Applause (and How to Stop Paying It) We all trade our worth for applause at some point—metrics, likes, praise. In KPop Demon Hunters, Rumi literally loses her voice under that pressure. This essay explores why applause is a dangerous cur...

Applause should be a tip jar, not a paycheck.

tayorockson.substack.com/p/the-price-...

The Price of Applause (and How to Stop Paying It) We all trade our worth for applause at some point—metrics, likes, praise. In KPop Demon Hunters, Rumi literally loses her voice under that pressure. This essay explores why applause is a dangerous cur...

This essay explores why applause is a dangerous currency, how to protect your essence while pursuing evidence, and why your voice was never meant to be collateral.

Applause should be a tip jar, not a paycheck.

#kpopdemonhunters

tayorockson.substack.com/p/the-price-...

The Questions That Find You in Seasons of Change Some questions arrive quietly, like house guests you didn't invite but somehow needed all along.

I share some of my thoughts on the questions that find you in seasons of change here ==> open.substack.com/pub/tayorock...

It is truly terrifying. I think people have gotten so used to not having to show their work or cite their sources that they can’t fathom doing the work.

Curiosity is one of the most important traits you can develop. Here's why: It keeps your mind active as opposed to being passive. It ensures your mind becomes more observant of new ideas. It opens up new worlds and possibilities. It brings excitement into your life.

Architect your dreams, engineer your foundation, develop your focus, market your skill sets and be efficient with your surroundings.

You see success is NEVER the result of just one thing. It’s a series of things coming together. It’s important that you see where you could end up before you start. Give yourself a direction and work your way up to the person who achieves that success.

Failure is not who you are. It’s an event. It doesn’t happen to you. It happens for you. You’re not a victim as long as you can learn from it. When you fail, it’s not you that suffers. It’s your ego that suffers.

They are two different things.

How to Negotiate With Your Inner Critic Inner Diplomacy — Negotiating With Yourself

How to negotiate with your inner critic substack.com/@tayorockson...

A night to remember…

Each thread of time weaves a unique story. Today is a canvas, waiting for you to paint your dreams and passions. The lessons of yesterday guide your brush, while the vision of tomorrow fuels your imagination. So, show up for yourself—your story deserves to be told.

The biggest reason we get into unsuccessful relationships OR stay in them is because we don’t demand our worth.

We do this because of any combination of these reasons: fear, insecurity or impatience.

Reflecting on my years in therapy, I realize how much I've grown. I've learned the power of surrendering, letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and being present. It’s fascinating how vulnerability can lead to profound growth. Each step into the unknown has brought me closer to healing.

When someone takes life away from you, they rob you of joy; when someone gives life to you, they nurture your dreams.

When someone takes life away from you, they shatter your hope; when someone gives life to you, they build your strength.

When someone takes life away from you, they steal your light; when someone gives life to you, they ignite your spirit.

When someone takes life away from you, they dim your flame; when someone gives life to you, they fan your passions.

Looking forward to learning more!

Denial is the only river that exists in every country in the world.

My current streak on Duolingo.

9/ All of this is like updating your internal software. Each discomfort = a patch. Each habit = a new feature. Over time, you’ll operate at a whole new level.

10/ What’s your uncomfortable action for today? Let’s grow together.

8/ Finally, craft your self-story:
- Present: “I am someone who takes small steps daily to grow.”
- Future: “I’ve proven I can transform by showing up consistently.”

7/ Accountability changes the game:
- Pick a measurable metric (e.g., workouts/week, public talks/month).
- Partner up or use a habit-tracking app to keep yourself honest.

6/ Example:
- Want to run in the morning? Shoes by the door, playlist ready, alarm set.
The easier it is to start, the harder it is to quit.

5/ Next step: Eliminate distractions & redesign your environment.
- Distraction: Scrolling social media > procrastination.
- Solution: App blockers.
- Environment: Set up cues that nudge you forward (e.g., lay out running clothes).

4/ Triggers often fuel limiting beliefs:
- “I’ve always been bad at this.”
- “It’s just who I am.”
Rewrite that narrative.
- Instead of “I’m lazy,” try: “I’m someone who shows up even when it’s hard.”

3/ The secret to sustaining this? Understanding your triggers.
What prevents you from sticking to your goal?
- Is it fear? Fatigue?
- Does the trigger remind you of a story you’ve told about yourself?

2/ Example:
- Goal: Get better at public speaking.
- Uncomfortable action: Volunteer to speak at meetings or practice in front of strangers.
Discomfort = growth.

THREAD: How to Reprogram Yourself for Lasting Change

1/ Change starts with discomfort. Doing one uncomfortable thing daily can transform your habits. The catch? The discomfort must lead to your desired outcome.

I still want to know what that bleeped out part was in “wacced out murals”.

What changes have you noticed in your life and environments?