Jay Shetty & Wiz Khalifa ON Building Your Schedule and Strategize Your Life

Ever feel like you’re juggling too many roles and wondering if it’s possible to handle them all without losing yourself?

In this episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty interviews Wiz Khalifa to discuss how he transformed early setbacks into stepping stones for long-term success. From raising two kids to mastering financial discipline, the rapper opens up about the everyday strategies that keep him grounded in one of the world’s most fast-paced industries.

Calm Energy

Wiz Khalifa tells Jay Shetty about his relaxed morning routine, explaining how he starts each day by taking his Doberman puppy outside and enjoying a smoke to ease into the day. According to Khalifa, cannabis helps him organize his thoughts, relax, and determine his priorities before the daily rush sets in. He argues that this practice is less about indulgence and more about creating mental space for clarity, enabling him to tackle the tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead.

Khalifa highlights to Jay Shetty the importance of writing goals, whether on a blackboard or in phone notes. He focuses on short-term objectives related to music, family, and creative projects, believing that consistent goal-setting keeps him on track. He recalls the structure of his pre-smoking days, when he adhered to routine school schedules, and points out how cannabis became a constant in his adult life, shaping his morning habits. 

The Artist vs. The Person

Wiz Khalifa reflects on the paradox of performing for massive crowds one moment and then returning to solitude the next. He calls the transition from high energy on stage to the quiet of being alone “one of the craziest parts” of his life. Khalifa admits to Jay Shetty that balancing these extremes requires intentional effort—he must bring full energy to the stage while consciously setting aside downtime to recharge later.

He further emphasizes to Jay Shetty the critical bond he shares with fans. Their appreciation energizes him and infuses his performances with a genuine sense of purpose. According to Khalifa, this dynamic ensures his career never devolves into a mere transaction, but it remains a deeply fulfilling pursuit. Jay Shetty acknowledges that many artists struggle with the onstage-offstage divide, but the rapper has found a way to embrace both his personal and professional lives, cherishing the distinctions each provides.

Loss of a Family Member

The rapper opens up to Jay Shetty about losing his sister seven years ago, a challenging life event that he and his family had time to process, given her declining health. He explains that he prioritized spending as much time with her as possible. His mother also provided round-the-clock support, staying by her side in her final days.

Khalifa continues to handle his grief by celebrating his sister’s birthday each year with a party, an intentional choice to honor her memory through joy. Reframing loss into gratitude and celebration can be a powerful form of healing, ensuring that cherished relationships remain a positive force even after a loved one’s passing.

Gratitude and Confidence

Wiz Khalifa looks back on the path that led him to worldwide recognition, including the success of Black and Yellow. Before that breakthrough, he had already invested considerable time and effort into building his career. Despite losing an early record deal, the rapper never lost confidence in his unique style and the community he cultivated around it.

Khalifa attributes his achievements to patience, gratitude, and his commitment to authenticity. He explains to Jay Shetty that by being himself, he reached milestones without sacrificing his creative freedom or values. This attitude instills in him a profound sense of peace, enabling him to navigate the music industry’s challenges with composure. 

Early Days and Connections

Reminiscing about his early industry days, Wiz Khalifa mentions forging friendships with Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, long before they became the high-profile artists they are today. Seeing Kendrick and Cole mature into powerhouse performers and influential voices in hip-hop is a constant motivation for Khalifa.

For aspiring artists, Khalifa suggests building a genuine fan base and progressing steadily rather than chasing fleeting viral moments. He warns that overnight popularity spikes can lead to instability if there’s no solid foundation beneath them. Jay Shetty highlights the benefits of incremental growth—slow and consistent efforts can produce a long-lasting, meaningful career. This approach ensures an artist remains grounded and can connect with fans at every stage.

Planning Long-Term

Wiz Khalifa shared with Jay Shetty the importance of long-term planning over chasing short-term success. He advocates for extending career lifespans by focusing on sustainable growth, looking five to ten years ahead. According to Khalifa, effective money management plays a substantial role in this process, preventing rash decisions that could derail an artist’s future.

Khalifa recalls indulging in luxury purchases earlier in his career—like expensive cars and watches—but has since adopted a more thoughtful approach. Instead of pouring funds into goods, he now invests in stocks, businesses, and partnerships that can yield returns. His forward-thinking mindset not only stabilizes his finances but also shows his values—self-discipline, accountability, and the wisdom of planning for longevity instead of momentary gains.

Relationship with God

Wiz Khalifa explains to Jay Shetty that financial discipline and spiritual grounding go hand in hand for him. Experiencing losses often teaches valuable lessons, compelling him to refine his decision-making. Khalifa’s relationship with God provides a stabilizing influence in his life, guiding him toward patience, safety, and deeper understanding.

The rapper told Jay Shetty that this spiritual connection dates back to his teenage years when he first began seeking a source of strength beyond himself. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Khalifa encountered harsh realities: violence in local neighborhoods and the tragic loss of friends, even in middle school. These experiences reinforced his faith and motivated him to leave Pittsburgh at 23, convinced he could find greater opportunities elsewhere.

Living in Different Places

Wiz Khalifa reflects on a childhood marked by frequent moves—every two years to a new place, whether Japan, Oklahoma, or South Carolina—while still retaining ties to Pittsburgh. He spent parts of his youth on American bases in Japan, which he describes as a unique yet somewhat insular experience. He explains to Jay Shetty how these relocations shaped his friendships, sparked a curiosity about different cultures, and allowed him to understand his dreams more in-depth.

Despite growing up in a rough Pittsburgh neighborhood where violence was common, Khalifa embraced the musical influences of his family members. He selectively adopted their best traits—creativity and ambition—while avoiding destructive behaviors. Although he sometimes navigated challenging environments, he remained centered on music, believing it offered the best path to expression and success.

Supportive Father

Wiz Khalifa opens up about his lessons as a father to Sebastian, now 11, and newborn daughter Cadence. He tells Jay Shetty that with his son, he concentrates on discipline, emotional awareness, and managing friendships. He strives to guide his son rather than impose rules arbitrarily, remembering his upbringing under a dad who balanced support with structure.

With Cadence, Khalifa remains open-minded about her interests. He embraces that she may gravitate toward more traditionally feminine activities or something completely unexpected. The goal is to recognize and nurture each child’s personality, ensuring they feel engaged and valued. Jay Shetty points out that encouraging individuality can help children develop confidence and adaptability.

Family Comes First

Wiz Khalifa highlights to Jay Shetty how he’s organized his life around his family’s needs, especially Sebastian’s activities and daily routine. Being hands-on, much like his own father was, matters greatly to him. His father built him a studio at a young age, encouraging his passion for music, which turned into a successful career. Khalifa applies this lesson by spending quality time with his children, not just providing resources but actively participating in their interests.

The rapper's mother’s family-oriented outlook also shaped his views, inspiring him to keep his kids connected to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family. Despite the allure of fame, Khalifa aims for a sustainable lifestyle that doesn’t compromise these essential relationships.

Discipline and Scheduling

To Wiz Khalifa, discipline underpins both his personal and professional spheres. He explains to Jay Shetty that a well-structured schedule allows him to remain present for his family while maintaining a successful music career. Rather than letting events control him, he decides how to allocate time to projects, workouts, and family moments. This sense of order keeps him grounded and ensures he doesn’t lose sight of what matters most.

A passionate MMA enthusiast, Khalifa views martial arts not only as a tool for self-defense but also as a discipline that positively affects mental clarity. He sees consistent training as a lifelong commitment, like the dedication he has shown in music.

Modern Masculinity

Wiz Khalifa redefines masculinity as neither overwhelming aggression nor passive complacency but a well-rounded, calm, and thoughtful stance. Based on his MMA experiences, he tells Jay Shetty that genuine resilience stems from maintaining self-control under pressure—an ethos he brings into everyday life, especially around his children. For his son, Khalifa models fairness and compassion, steering clear of toxic competition. For his daughter, he aims to embody what a respectful, protective, and supportive male role model looks like.

The rapper believes masculinity should involve leadership grounded in empathy and emotional awareness rather than intimidation. Khalifa explains to Jay Shetty that a balanced approach to masculinity can inspire growth both for the individual and for those around him.

Khalifa's Influence on the Fans

Wiz Khalifa revisited his Kush & Orange Juice era with his new album, focusing on a laid-back, stoner lifestyle that resonates with fans seeking a chill escape from today’s chaotic world, and he takes pride in giving them that through his music. He told Jay Shetty that a key source of happiness is encouraging others to aim higher while remaining true to themselves—he wants fans to “boss up” without losing their cool.

Reflecting on the global success of See You Again, Khalifa emphasizes maintaining an everyday life that’s not overshadowed by fame. He has chosen sobriety from alcohol to fully experience his day-to-day reality and better preserve meaningful memories with his loved ones. The rapper believes in discipline and balance, urging others to stay consistent and find simple joys, like putting his children to bed every night. 

More From Jay Shetty

Listen to the entire On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast episode “Wiz Khalifa ON How to Build Your Schedule to Make You Happy & Strategize Your Life 5 Years in Advance” now in the iTunes store or on Spotify. For more inspirational stories and messages like this, check out Jay’s website at jayshetty.me.

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