Success is a reward of honest evaluation and consistent action. That is true when you make your demo, when you are a bandleader, if you work in the music business or any part of life as well.
It is important for any artist to ask themselves the proper questions in order to evaluate what they are doing so that they can see the path that they are on.
I am not saying that you should be hard on your self all the time. It is just as important to see what you are doing right as well. Honesty is the key. You need to ask yourself the proper questions.
What is my biggest goal?
This question is great for motivation. Set your sights high and aim for the stars. If you fall short you just might find yourself in a comfortable and acceptable position. Worry about that in the future. For now think big and you will get your hands on what you can.
What steps have I taken over the last year to get myself to my goal?
This is a question that you need to be honest with yourself on. Review the last 12 months and write down the steps forward as well as the steps backward.
What where the positive works that I have done? Can I repeat them again?
It is important to know what works so that you can magnify it and multiply them. "If it aint broke don't fix it". make sure you don't cast the good away. Repetition of the good ideas is a key to success.
What did I fall short of doing?
Honesty hurts sometimes but it is important for growth. You have to look at the dark side to bring it to light. Next time this issue comes up don't repeat what you did the first time. Try a new answer to that question. If it works that that is great if you fail again than look for the answer some more. Remember it never hurts to get help.
How can I fix what I did not do? Can I redo it or do I have to start from scratch?
Consistency will be rewarded with success. Knowing when to start over and when to fix a problem area is also important. Before you scrap a project completely, take a long look at it and ask yourself if it can be fixed first.
How can I do better in the coming year?
Don't just tear yourself or your work down. It is important to set yourself up for success. Make new goals, both short term and the big pie in the sky dream. They both have functions in your life.
Big goals are there for motivations and excitement. They get you motivated to start the project. It is important that you set up some smaller and immediate goals as well so that you don't get overwhelmed. Small goals also serve as bench markers. They act as a time line for you while you manage your expectations.
Keep everything in perspective. Forward progress is good progress. It is important to stay cheerful and curious because these emotions help you deal with the day-to-day grind. Remember that you are in charge of your life and your emotions. Stay on top of them and enjoy your life in music as well as what is to come.
Mentors
It never hurts to find someone that you admire in the industry. Maybe you need an instructor or maybe you need to surround yourself with high caliber musicians. What ever it takes to get a mentor you should do it. Write that person a letter if they are not local. Be kind and honest about who you are and what you like about what they do. You would be surprised how far flattery will go to helping you cause.
There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. If you can learn from someone else than you should take advantage of that. Don't let your ego get in the way of your future. Learning form others is smarter and quicker in the long run.
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For more information about how to build your confidence, improve your creativity and make better music visit http://www.bebop2pop.com and get your copy of 9 secrets to better music.
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