Life in the Fast Lane is more exciting. It might not be as safe and secure as a normal life, but after losing my “safe and secure job” it’s a life I’m chasing. I’m not talking about a dangerous life filled with hedonism, drugs, and large risks. The part of the life I enjoy is the cars and a slight amount of risk. The funny thing is that in 2024 life in the fast lane is simply chasing your dreams and defying the system around you.
2023 Was Slow
After the bummer that was the year 2023, I was wondering if I could turn my life around and inch closer towards my goals, dreams, and aspirations. I realized the first step is to believe change is possible. 2023’s sour note almost carried into this year, but instead muted the bad noise. I spent the first hours dancing my ass off. When you’re having fun living life in the fast lane it’s easier to meet people and forget about your worries.
Every night I close my eyes that the next day will be better than the last.
Things are going to be different this year.
I didn’t know if that was true, but having that slight hope in mind made it easier to take action.
Rags to Riches Playlist
I have two songs that I’ve been listening to on a loop. Both songs have that Rags to Riches story. I’d like to have my own come-up story. I’ve missed out on a lot of life trying to develop skills. I want my projects to have meaning. Instead of crying about “not making it” we should focus on the things we have control over.
Life in the Fastlane With Project Dreams
AT at this point both of these songs are a little old. I’ve never bothered to keep up with trends anyway. I find it easier to just listen to what you like. Marshmello and Roddy Ricch collaborating is like my two favourite genres clashing Hip-Hop and EDM. Drizzled on top of a sweet trap beat, the lyrics hit home. The line that hits me in the feels is.
“I was really on the floor, then I woke up in a jet”
Project Dreams Roddy Ricch
When I left my job in July I was homeless, so my cousin took me in, I want to work so hard that never happens again. Life in the Fast Lane doesn’t need a private jet or plane, but I want to be able to afford to go on a regular plane and travel the world.
Life in the Fast Lane Gets You Noticed
Lil Mosey is from the Seattle area. Although he’s so young, he’s already found success. Staring down the loaded barrel of 30 I feel I have nothing to show for it. I have to believe that one day I will.
“I was broke but now I’m flexed up, in the foreign switching lanes you can’t catch up”
Noticed Lil Mosey
When I hear this line I dream of crusing on the highway in a modified Japanese car. I’ve always been of the “built not bought” philosophy. You don’t need a new car with Life in the Fast Lane. It’s also about getting the most out of what you have. For me that’s my shitbox 180sx. The only time I need to upgrade is when I can drive the shitbox to the absolute limit comfortably, until then I’ll focus on upgrading the driver and not the car.
Financial Goals in 2024
“People change they act Like I don’t notice, getting money that’s my main focus”
Noticed Lil Money
One of my goals for this coming year is to get my finances right. Whether that’s through employment, freelance work, or entrepreneurship I can’t be leakin my whole life. Not to pat those finance sigma male grind set guys on the back, but grinding works. Now the grind isn’t sustainable over three years or more, but in the short term, it works.
Another way this song mirrors my emotions is for a large portion of my life I’ve felt invisible. Even working on my skills in social media marketing and content production I’ve felt like a ghost. It feels like very few people even care if I succeed or notice my efforts. If I ever “make it” people might change and say they were with it the whole time. This isn’t even directed towards my acquaintances but towards all those companies and people who wouldn’t give me the time of day.
Action Over Words
The first step might be belief, but belief without action is delusion. At the end of last year and the start of this year, I’ve been pouring hours into my cars and import channel LaidbackJDM. It’s been such an effort to go to all these events, record, edit, upload, and manage the socials around a brand with no traction. It’s nice to see some progress.
The List of Content Produced In The Past Three Weeks
- Minami Chiba Grassroots Drift Event
I found myself at this grassroots drift event, camera in hand, doing what I do best – blending in. Maybe there’s power in being the unseen observer. I got some raw footage, and made connections. Thanks to my cousin for allowing me tag along. - Meetups That Matter
Two events really pumped up my channel – the Underground Meet and the Chiba gathering. Not thrilled with the footage I got, but it reignited something in me for cars and Japan. - The Real JDM Legends
While Drift King, or DoriKin, was a title that we associated with Keiichi Tsuchiya. It also happens to be a meme from the Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift. My formula drift-driving friend told me “Keiichi Tsuchiya is no longer drift king, he’s drift old man now” We both laughed but he was right. Perhaps even Daigo Saito held the title for a while, but I can see the future and his name is Hiroya Minowa. The fourteen-year-old got second place in Formula D when he was just thirteen, he’s real-life Takumi. Getting to ride in a drift car with both Daigo and Hiroya was a dream come true.
We Out Here Shooting . . . Photography
My photos and videos have gotten to the point where occasionally I get work centred around taking photos and videos of cars. I had the opportunity to travel to Matsumoto to take product images of two special exotic export cars. I have an NDA so I can’t show the photos, but rest assured it was more than just snapping a shot. The edits I pulled off this time stretched my ability but the result is great. I took inspiration from online content creators and did my best to create something special for the customer.
Before editing I poured through Hours of Photography and editing for Cars videos on YouTube. It’s not enough to be good anymore, in the online space you have to be one of the best.
Tech Upgrades
A7III
At the end of last year, I picked up a used A7III, it was a learning experience because it is my first Camera that strays from my favourite brand Canon. I will say the sensor quality is amazing. Low light performance and video quality it is stunning compared to my old 80D.
I will say I have my gripes with the Sony, one being the exposed sensor. I’m forced to carry around an air pump and continuously clean my sensor as I have eczema and I’ve already had some skin flakes ruin some videos and photos. I’m not sure why the Shutter doesn’t cover the sensor. Next, the screen is only tilted and not an articulating screen making it hard to get certain shots. Everyone who switches to Sony has pains over the menu system and I agree. The Sony menus, user interface, and access to functions is clumsy. Anyone who says otherwise is a Sony shill and they are coping or haven’t used another camera system.
Balancing Act
I picked up a Feiyu Tech Scorp C. It’s not that I recommend this gimbal, it was one of the cheapest gimbals you can buy. That being said, it’s allowing me to make content at a level I couldn’t before. While it’s not as smooth as I’d like, it’s better than Before.
Chasing Greatness
Real talk – I know I’ve got a lot to learn. Feels like I’m starting from scratch, but that’s alright. More than equipment I realized there are gaps in my knowledge. Don’t get me wrong I think I’m pretty good at what I do, but I want to go from good to great. In video, photo, and editing. My lack of confidence in myself is a good thing according to the Dunning Kruger Curve. Staying humble is good for growth. I’m blessed I get to stay grounded. I realize there is so much to learn about my camera, including what colour modes to shoot at. This also makes it harder to edit as if you shoot certain colour profiles it’s essential to learn colour grading.
I want to nail video, photo, editing – the whole nine yards. This journey’s about hitting that sweet spot where I’m not just good, I’m great. So here’s to learning – and to staying grounded.
