As someone who has always had a passion for house music, Tim Bergling (better known as DJ Avicii) has always had a special place in my heart, especially his global hit ‘Levels’ which I have had on my running playlist for over a decade.
For those who might not be familiar with the name, Avicii was a Swedish DJ, music producer, and songwriter who became one of the most iconic figures in electronic dance music (EDM).
In the recent Netflix documentary ‘I’m Tim’ he was described as an absolute perfectionist who would hear everything in his head prior to composing it. In the True Stories documentary, DJ Armin Van Buuren described him as “the Mozart of electronic music”. His music inspired people from all over the world and at the age of 25 he was regularly playing to crowds of 60,000+, even once playing to a Moroccan crowd of 200,000.
Yet, behind the adoring crowds and massive success lay a story that was far more complex. Avicii struggled with mental health challenges and the pressures of a relentless touring schedule, which led to his tragic death by suicide in 2018 at the age of 28.
Since watching the first Netflix documentary ‘True Stories’ shortly after his death, I often think of Avicii and the parallels I see when working with my clients. I believe that Avicii’s story holds many valuable lessons for all of us when considering our career choices. Here are just a few of them:
Lesson 1: Imposter syndrome can affect anyone
Despite his meteoric rise and unparalleled success, Avicii privately struggled with imposter syndrome. In the recent Netflix documentary, ‘I’m Tim’, it is mentioned that Aviici suffered from imposter syndrome not being a traditional musician. Although he had tinkered with keyboard and guitar, the ‘laptop’ was his instrument as he blended melodies and rhythms digitally. As a result, he struggled with being recognised as an ‘artist’ and didn’t feel he deserved the recognition despite his huge success.
This teaches us that imposter syndrome isn’t limited to those starting their careers—it can affect even those at the pinnacle of their career. The key is recognising and valuing your unique strengths rather than comparing yourself to others. Avicii’s story reminds us that success isn’t about fitting a mould but about embracing what makes us different.
Lesson 2: Choose work that suits your personality
In the ‘True Stories’ documentary there is a pivotal moment when Aviici discovers Carl Jung’s work on personality types. Although there are differing opinions as to whether Avicii was an INTJ or INFP, one thing is certain—he was deeply introverted, shy and self-conscious. His “happy place” was not on stage in front of thousands, but instead, in his living room, creating music with trusted friends and like-minded creatives. However, due to his sheer brilliance, he was catapulted to fame and started touring at the tender age of 18.
Despite the glamour of this life from the outside, being thrust into the limelight only heightened his anxiety and self-doubt. As a result, he used alcohol as a coping mechanism. Four years before his death (tragically by suicide), Avicii was forced to undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder and appendix after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. His illness was reportedly a result of his long-standing battle with alcohol addiction, with the DJ admitting to American GQ magazine that drinking helped him combat his on-stage nerves and crippling self-doubt.
Like Avicii, who found joy in the creative process rather than the public spotlight, we need to consider not only what work will suit us, but also the work environment. Just because we ‘can’ do something, doesn’t mean we should. If your work requires you to be something you are not, then it may be time to think of alternative career choices. Being thrust into a work environment that doesn’t play to our strengths can lead to anxiety, stress, burnout and worse.
Lesson 3: Be curious and embrace your unique path
Avicii’s immense success can largely be attributed to his boundless curiosity and willingness to push boundaries in the music industry. While many DJs of his time stuck to the familiar formulas of electronic dance music (EDM), Avicii ventured into uncharted territory, blending genres that others might have deemed incompatible. His curiosity drove him to experiment with unconventional combinations, creating fresh and innovative sounds that captivated global audiences. This openness to exploration allowed him to redefine the possibilities of EDM and distinguish himself as a pioneer in the genre.
One of Avicii’s most notable risks was his fusion of EDM with country and western music, a pairing that had rarely been attempted before. His global hit Wake Me Up, featuring Aloe Blacc, perfectly exemplifies this daring approach. Critics initially questioned his decision to incorporate country elements into a genre known for its high-energy beats, but the risk paid off. Wake Me Up became a worldwide anthem, topping charts in over 20 countries and proving that his genre-blending instincts were not only innovative but commercially successful. He worked with singers, songwriters, and producers from diverse backgrounds, including Chris Martin of Coldplay, bluegrass icon Dan Tyminski, and pop powerhouse Madonna. These partnerships allowed him to incorporate a variety of musical influences into his work, appealing to fans of multiple genres.
Avicii’s success wasn’t just a result of technical skill; it was his willingness to embrace risk, step outside conventional boundaries, and constantly evolve that made him one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. His legacy reminds us of the power of curiosity and the rewards of daring to innovate.
Lesson 4: Prioritise Your Well-Being
Between 2008 and 2012, Avicii performed an astonishing 550 shows around the world, reportedly earning $250,000 per night and often playing five nights a week. His success as a globally recognized DJ came at an immense personal cost. In 2012, Avicii was hospitalised for acute pancreatitis, partly due to excessive drinking as he relied on alcohol to calm his nerves before every set. Instead of resting and recovering, he quickly left the hospital and returned to work. The True Stories documentary portrays Avicii as a severe workaholic whose relentless schedule was encouraged by his managers, who prioritized profits over his health. The more he toured and released music, the more money they earned, further fuelling his unhealthy lifestyle.
The toll of this punishing schedule is evident in Avicii’s physical transformation throughout the documentary. His frame became gaunt, dark circles appeared under his eyes, and he often looked to be in visible pain. Touring took a devastating toll on his body and mind. The pressure to perform and the absence of a support system left him unable to balance work with self-care. His heavy drinking, chaotic schedule, and lack of rest compounded, creating a vicious cycle that spiralled out of control. While Avicii eventually recognized the connection between his drinking and the anxiety of performing, even his decision to retire from touring was met with resistance. His manager, Ash Pournouri, insisted he fulfils already-booked commitments, despite Avicii’s desperate pleas to cancel them. By the time he performed his final show, his career tally had reached 813 performances.
Avicii’s story highlights the hidden realities of a career that many perceive as glamorous. While the world of DJs is associated with parties, wealth, and adoring fans, his documentaries reveal the darker side: severe mental and physical health issues, unrelenting stress, and the consequences of an all-consuming lifestyle. His tragic experience underscores the critical importance of setting boundaries and prioritising well-being over external validation or financial success. True career fulfilment isn’t found in perpetual hustle but in creating balance, aligning work with personal values, and honouring your physical and emotional limits.
A Final Thought
Avicii’s life was both inspiring and cautionary. It’s a testament to the power of staying true to yourself but also a reminder of the cost of ignoring your needs.
Ask yourself: Are you pursuing what truly makes you happy? Or are you chasing someone else’s version of success?
Your best life awaits when you choose to be authentically you.
