Singer-songwriter Mike Posner has opened up about his transformative journey and personal struggles in a recent interview with PEOPLE. The artist, known for hits like “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” and “Cooler Than Me,” discusses his latest single, “Beautiful Day,” and how it encapsulates his current state of mind and growth.
Posner, 35, has undergone significant personal changes over the years. His life has been marked by intense challenges and achievements, including a near-fatal rattlesnake bite in Colorado in 2019 and a perilous ascent of Mount Everest in 2021. These experiences, he reveals, were not merely milestones but catalysts for profound personal transformation.
“I like goals that you know are going to change who you are,” Posner explains. “The trophy isn’t the accomplishment. It’s actually the transformation along the way.” Both climbing Everest and walking across the country were beyond his comfort zone, pushing him towards significant personal development.
Central to Posner’s transformation has been his decision to eliminate substances and distractions from his life. He discontinued using marijuana and alcohol over a decade ago and has since focused on overcoming other forms of escapism. “I used to use sex, masturbation, and porn to numb myself,” he admits. “These were distractions from dealing with my true feelings.”
Posner’s commitment to self-improvement extended to a period of celibacy he undertook last year. Following a breakup, he chose to abstain from sexual activity to confront and process his grief and pain directly. “When I feel pain, there’s a lesson there, and I want to learn the lesson,” he says. “I decided not to distract myself from what I needed to do.”
This period of celibacy has contributed to his current relationship, which he describes as the most fulfilling of his life. Posner’s growth is reflected in his new single, “Beautiful Day,” which he views as the “soundtrack” to his healing process. The song represents his daily effort to overcome old habits and maintain a positive outlook despite ongoing challenges.
“It’s a song I put on in the morning to invoke gratitude,” Posner says. “It doesn’t claim that life is always perfect, but it helps me find joy and motivation to face each day.”
Posner’s journey, from overcoming personal demons to embracing a healthier lifestyle, serves as both a testament to his resilience and a source of inspiration for others facing similar struggles.