MUSIC STATE OF MIND

What aspect of your music career is the best predictor that you will make it in music? Is it where you live & build your music career? Is it your skills that the music industry cares most about? Is it who you know? Is it your age? Is it how many in the industry know your name and hear your music?

Your mindset determines every action and every choice you make in your music career and in your life. Your success will be a result of your actions and choices, which are the product of your mindset.

Where your mind goes your energy flows.

Why do so many people quit or throw in the towel before they fulfil their dreams?
We live in an age of instant gratification, we want results and measurable improvements immediately, but many people aren’t prepared to work to get the outcomes they desire!

Successful people know that the 1st step to achieving any goal you set for yourself is to create the right state of mind. It’s vitally important to get your mind on board before you can hope to achieve any significant goals and make dramatic improvements in your life. Creating a supportive state of mind is the key to experiencing higher levels of performance.

Learning produces Growth

One of the most important mindsets is to always having the willingness to learn. No matter how talented you are adopt the posture of a student. Study your craft, always be the student who is capable of learning something new. This is a very important mindset to have as the habit of always wanting to learn will push you to continue to grow as a artist or musician.

Be active in your learning, constantly practice all the while applying the things they are learning. Actively seek opportunities to learn, maintaining the mindset of a student who is willing to learn. There’s so much to learn in music, we just have to be open to learning it.

The 10,000 Hour Rule

This rule states that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of work and practice to master any skill. This pushes you to work harder and practice more, it’s also good to keep in mind that it’s different strokes for different folks.

Clarity of thought

The ability to keep a clear thought process is important if you want to be successful in anything. It can be overwhelming for any artist to balance everything in their lives, from their practice sessions, gigs, and their life outside of music. Allowing all of these overwhelming pressures and responsibilities to run your life can be detrimental to your well-being. This is why it’s so important to develop the ability to think clearly. When you have a clear head, you can make better decisions, work more effectively, and even have more focus during your music creation. You’ll also be able to align yourself with your big dream and ensure that you’re taking the proper path towards them.

If you don’t know where you’re going any road will take you there!

The magic in the detail!

Always pay attention to the details is one of the most important habits you can develop. Some artists are constantly striving for perfection when it comes to their work, which is why it can be very helpful to have someone trustworthy to consult with.

Consulting with someone you trust takes away the pressure that comes with the perfectionist nature. Removing this pressure makes it possible for artists to actually finish their projects. We can be our own biggest critic, resulting in never being satisfied with our work. This can be frustrating that is why it’s important to find the balance. This will ensure that you’re only putting out your best work that will best represent you. It will also help you make better decisions throughout your music life.

Rhino skin

In any creative field, especially music, having a thick skin is very important. Like any art form, you expose yourself to an environment where people are constantly judging and analysing your work. Today it is even more toxic due to social media and it’s reach. This increases for artists and musicians who have a personal and emotional attachment to their work. An important thing to keep in mind, not everyone is going to love your work. It can be a hard pill to swallow at first, but it’s very necessary if you’re going to pursue music. This is why having a thick skin is so important. If you find yourself losing the motivation to work on your craft because of someone’s negative comments, then you’ll never improve as a musician or artist. Being able to keep moving forward even after being put down by someone else is a necessary skill to have if you ever want to advance in your music career.

It can be hard for any creative to take criticism, but it’s also important for artists and musicians to take them into consideration. You might learn something valuable from it.

Using the Critic

There is a big difference between destructive criticism and constructive criticism. Understanding the differences between the two will give you the opportunity to pick up valuable information that can help you improve. Reality check, they both hurt, but you can’t let your ego prevent you from being aware of the things that need working on. Remember, you are constantly learning and growing as a artist or musician. Criticism is just part of the process.

Position yourself in the direction your going in

There are so many artists & musicians who get attached to their successes and achievements from their past. These moments are great, however, don’t let them hold you back from where you are going. You must keep moving forward. This means new projects, new ideas, and even new goals & dreams. It’s part of the journey of being an artist or musician. Always look forward to what the future has to offer and what you have to offer to the future. Make tomorrow’s music today. Of course, never forget about your past success, but instead of being content with these achievements, use them as a marker and motivation to work even harder.

Play the Game

Great social skills normally lead to more connections that lead to fresh opportunities. Its never been more important to network and connect with others than it is today. It also has never been easier, thanks to social media. We can collaborate with other musicians without having to leave your home. It’s truly an amazing time to be an artist or musician. The opportunity to build relationships are there, but you still need to have the social skills to utilise them. If you’re able to network properly and build relationships, more

opportunities will open up for you, including collaborations, chances to perform, recording sessions, and much more.

You also have to utilise social media. Your online social life is just as important when trying to make a name for yourself. Developing your overall social skills, whether for online or in person will be one of the most beneficial things you can do.

Deal with Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? Like your going to be found out that you’re a fraud, and you don’t actually deserve to be where you are?
These feelings are known as imposter syndrome.
Impostor syndrome the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent.

One of the first steps to overcoming impostor feelings is to acknowledge the thoughts and put them in perspective. You learn to observe that thought as opposed to engaging it. Ask yourself ‘Does that thought help or hinder me?’”

Humility

This world is filled with ego where the idea of having to be better than everyone else is common amongst other artists and musicians. It’s all part of the competitive atmosphere that we can sometimes create.
While it is important to be confident in your own talents and abilities, too much ego can close many doors, causing you to lose out on opportunities. It can also destroy the links you have with the connections you have made.

Be confident, it can take you a long way and lets people know that you mean business. Just remember to do it in a respectful manner and don’t be arrogant. This will help you make the connections that you need, but it also shows everyone that you’re someone that people will enjoy being around.

Good things come to those that …

Many of us can be impatient when we want to see ourselves at the level we want to be in. Whether it’s your technical skills or achieving the goals that you have set for yourself, it can be frustrating when you still feel you have a long way to go. If you put in the time and work, you will see progress, but it may take you longer than expected. Patience helps you do things the right way to get the results you want. Impatience and rushing is a recipe for disaster that will hinder your progress. Be patient, and continue to work hard. It’ll all be worth it in the long run as there are no quick fixes.

Pressure

Being able to handle pressure means that you can control your emotions and focus on what needs to be done. Where does this pressure come from? Well, it usually comes from the expectations and demands we create about how the outcome should be.

This then begins to feed our thoughts and feelings follow thoughts. This is why constantly thinking about results can be detrimental to you and your success. The first step to overcoming any pressures is to notice when you are focusing too much on results.

Once you’re aware of this, you must shift your focus to the important elements that are relevant to your performance and success of whatever it is you are working on. This shift in focus allows you to be more present and will lead to even better results. We must enjoy the journey.

“Changing how you view things isn’t easy. Throughout our lives, we are told that things are the way they are. At no point are we told that we have the power to change it. Today I am telling you; you have the authority to change your mindset and become more positive.” – Robert Norman

Basil Reynolds

Coaching Consultant

Finding the Music Inside