Big Think Jason Derulo gets real about his darkest moments
Aug 26, 2025
Jason Derulo, a global superstar and author, shares his incredible journey from overcoming a life-threatening injury to finding success in music. He reflects on childhood insecurities and the impact of family support in his life. Derulo emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk and routines, which helped him craft hit songs post-recovery. Now a father, he discusses how his priorities have shifted while continuing to embrace authenticity and self-improvement in both his art and personal life.
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Childhood Struggle Sparked Lifelong Drive
- As a child Jason Derulo felt insecure about his weight, asthma, and acne and worked out with siblings using dry-cleaner bags as makeshift sweatsuits.
- Those habits improved his health and shaped a lifelong drive to keep improving despite massive success.
Success Doesn't End The Inner Critic
- Even after selling 250 million records Jason Derulo still feels he can do better and never fully arrives at a destination.
- That persistent dissatisfaction fuels continuous improvement but can be emotionally taxing.
Family Reframes Priorities
- Derulo still seeks to please his mother and wants to break the mold of absent fatherhood he experienced.
- Fatherhood refocused his priorities toward spending more time with his son despite career demands.