A Conversation on Mindset, Mastery, and Self-Worth with Amari
You Gotta Be a Ten: A Conversation on Mindset, Mastery, and Self-Worth with Amari
On 89.5 FM Bush Radio’s Backchat, listeners were treated to an inspiring conversation with South African author, recording artist, and personal development advocate Amari. In an engaging discussion, Amari unpacked the philosophy behind his new book, You Gotta Be a Ten, a powerful guide focused on mindset, mastery, self-worth, and becoming the best version of yourself—personally and professionally.
At first glance, the title You Gotta Be a Ten may sound bold—perhaps even intimidating. But according to Amari, being a “ten” has nothing to do with perfection.
Instead, it’s about growth.
Being a ten means committing to continuous self-improvement. It’s about adding one percent every day—small, consistent upgrades that compound over time. Rather than striving for flawless perfection, Amari encourages people to embrace progress. The goal is not to “arrive” at some final destination but to constantly evolve.
In his words, you don’t necessarily need to become a complete ten—you can aim to be a nine who is always learning. Growth is a lifelong process.
Many people feel they have potential but struggle to move forward. Amari attributes this stagnation to fear of failure, disappointment, and societal conditioning.
Often, individuals follow paths that feel “expected” rather than authentic. For example, someone might pursue a conventional career path because it’s what family or society considers normal—even if their true calling lies elsewhere.
To become unstuck, Amari suggests trying something new. New ideas, new environments, and new habits create fresh energy and perspective. When you open new channels in your life, you invite new opportunities.
Growth requires intentional change.
A central theme in You Gotta Be a Ten is identity and self-worth.
According to Amari, when you lack self-worth, you accept anything—relationships, environments, conversations, and influences that do not serve you. But when you understand your identity, your standards shift.
You become more intentional about:
What you consume (media, music, information)
Who you associate with
How you present yourself
How you speak about yourself
Self-worth is about recognizing your value and aligning your actions with the person you want to become.
Amari emphasizes that transformation begins in the mind. To break negative habits, you must first change your self-image.
For example, if someone wants to stop drinking alcohol but still identifies as “a drinker,” change becomes difficult. Identity drives behavior.
Instead, he recommends:
Replacing bad habits with constructive ones (e.g., scrolling less and walking more)
Training the mind daily
Speaking positively about yourself
Surrounding yourself with uplifting content and people
Motivation may fade, but discipline sustains growth. Mental discipline, Amari explains, separates average outcomes from exceptional ones.
Confidence, according to Amari, often suffers because of external voices—family criticism, societal comparisons, heartbreak, and negative social media influences.
To rebuild confidence:
Eliminate or limit negative influences
Follow people and content that add value
Speak positively about yourself
Invest in your physical and mental well-being
Dress and present yourself in alignment with your desired identity
If something does not add value to your life, it may be subtracting from it.
Confidence grows when you consciously protect your mental space and reinforce your self-worth.
At its core, You Gotta Be a Ten is not about ego or superiority—it’s about responsibility. It challenges readers to take ownership of their growth, habits, mindset, and identity.
Being a ten is about intentional evolution.
It’s about waking up each day and asking:
How can I improve by one percent?
What habits no longer serve me?
Who do I need to become to attract the life I desire?
In a world filled with distractions and comparison, Amari’s message is clear: become deliberate about your growth. Train your mind. Protect your value. And never stop evolving.
Because the journey to becoming a “ten” is really the journey to becoming your best self.
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