Whether you plan on making a career in the field is not the easiest of career paths.
However, nothing worth doing is easy.
In fact, the things that I find the most valuable are the things that require what I like to call, " The Reach".
"The Reach" is when you set your sights on the vision that your soul calls out for.
What I am trying to convey is that it is not about the dream it is about the reality.
The reality is that many artists and musicians spend a great deal of time working toward their dream while at the same time very few have a realistic game plan and have broken down the bigger goals into smaller and more achievable goals and then gone the extra step and broken those goals down into a simple daily action plan that you can follow.
I am going to give you a simple example of how you can create a more effective way of setting reaching your goals with less stress and more enjoyment because it is important that you not be putting off your dreams for the big payoff but rather living them day by day and experiencing that feeling if success that goes with knowing you are on track and moving toward something. This is not possible without a success map. That is what we are going to create for you today.
STEP ONE
The first thing I want you to do is take a look at your goal long-term and where you would like to be at in 5 years. Next I want you to create 3 different versions of that because musicians need to adaptive. I know you hear the stories about the single minded musician who will make it no matter what. I know hundreds that were as good as any that became famous but there are very few openings at the top. The good news is creating your own opportunities is better attained now than ever. The key is diversity. So write down three short paragraphs of where you would be satisfied and happy being in 5 years.
STEP TWO
Now look them over and see if you can condense them all into a purposeful statement without the limitations of , " I will be touring the world and opening for an A Level Band. " There is too much of that you have no control of. A better way to state a similar goal would be, I am going to be in the position to make a full-time living using my creative musical talents."
You see the the difference there? The one is limiting and setting you up to fail the other is very much within your control but truth be told still going to require incredible amounts of time and practice and work.
STEP THREE
Next, Do the same thing but look out only a year from now. It is better to set your sights a little higher rather than lower. So, do not be afraid to go big with your vision. Just make it inclusive and open to adaptation.
I always wanted to tour as a singer and guitar player. Turns out I got to tour as a bass player instead. Did my dreams come true? You bet they did because I was not hung up on every detail having to be my way. Also, I eventually got to be the guitar player in a band because of that!
STEP FOUR
Now, last part, break that year down to one month and ask what the 3 goals you could reach in a month would get you closest to the year goal and of course eventually the 5 year goal. Do you need to refine your musical direction? Focus on your song-writing? Networking skills? Whatever it is the key is to give yourself a way to measure your progress in a way that is based on your ability and not luck. Getting 5 gigs is a goal but not under your control. Defining a target audience, locating 10 potential places to showcase and contacting them with your best promotional materials is a great goal and oneYOU control. Do you see how much of a difference that is?
Well, if you do you are already on your way because most people and not just musicians will sadly never understand this vital key to success.
Dream Big And Act Bigger,
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