WHAT ARTIST OR MUSICIAN WANTS TO GET LEFT BEHIND?

The music industry is in constant motion, evolving at a relentless pace. Every year brings new trends, technologies, and shifts in the way music is created, shared, and consumed. As an artist or industry professional, the challenge isn’t just keeping up—it’s staying ahead. No one wants to be left behind in a world that’s always moving forward, but how do you ensure that you remain relevant and continue to grow?

In order to stay in the game, it’s not enough to just follow the trends. You need to cultivate a mindset that embraces personal and professional growth. This is where the inner game comes into play—the deeper work of self-awareness, resilience, and intentionality that ultimately determines your success.

“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”—Michelangelo

Do You Want to Be the Best You Can Be?

As artists, the desire to be the best often goes beyond just seeking fame or recognition. It’s about creating music that resonates with others, that moves people in a way that leaves a lasting impact. But what does it mean to truly be the best version of yourself as an artist? It means being intentional about your growth—not just technically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Many musicians focus only on their craft, but the truth is, how you think and how you grow internally matters just as much as the notes you play. Are you actively developing yourself beyond your music? Are you surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and push you to reach your potential?

“Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”—Oprah Winfrey

Seek Out a Mentor

Every successful artist has a mentor—someone with more experience who can offer guidance, wisdom, and objectivity. No one succeeds alone, and having someone to turn to in moments of uncertainty can make all the difference. A mentor can help you avoid pitfalls, make better decisions, and navigate the complexities of the music industry.

It’s important to recognize that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a key component of growth. We all need someone in our corner who can provide us with a different perspective, someone who has walked the path we’re on and can offer valuable insight.

“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”—John C. Maxwell

Be Thoughtful About Your Journey

The path to success isn’t always straightforward, and overthinking can sometimes paralyze us from taking action. But when it comes to your larger vision, it’s crucial to reflect deeply on what moves you. What do you believe in? What’s driving you forward? If your thoughts are clouded with doubt and negativity, those are the emotions that will play out in your performances and your work.

Being self-aware is key. The best musicians don’t just get lost in their own world—they’re in tune with what’s going on inside them and around them. They have the ability to be both fully present and deeply connected to their environment.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”—Zig Ziglar

Develop a Burning Passion

To thrive in the music industry, you need more than just a desire to succeed—you need a burning passion that drives you to push beyond your comfort zone. This kind of passion transcends superficial goals like fame and fortune. It’s the kind of hunger that makes you willing to do the hard work, day after day, even when the rewards aren’t immediately visible.

But remember, the end doesn’t justify the means. Ethical boundaries matter, and the choices you make along the way will shape not only your career but your character.

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”—Oprah Winfrey

Be Intentional in Your Practices

Success in music isn’t just about talent—it’s about consistency and discipline. The most successful artists don’t just practice—they practice with purpose. They’re intentional about how they spend their time, what they focus on, and how they approach their craft. It’s not about the quantity of time spent but the quality of the effort you put in.

When you show up consistently—even on days when you don’t feel like it—you build a foundation for long-term success.

“The difference between successful people and others is how long they spend time feeling sorry for themselves.”—Barbara Corcoran

A Never-Quit Attitude

The music industry can be brutal. It’s a world where artists constantly face criticism, rejection, and competition. But those who succeed are the ones who refuse to quit. They understand that setbacks are a part of the process, not the end of the road. They learn from failure and use it as fuel to keep moving forward.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”—Winston Churchill

Keep it Real and Stay Authentic

Authenticity is key to staying ahead in a constantly changing industry. The artists who thrive aren’t the ones trying to be someone else—they’re the ones who know who they are and build on their strengths. They acknowledge their weaknesses and either work to overcome them or bring in others who can complement them. By staying real, you’ll build trust with your audience and ensure that you never lose sight of what makes you unique.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Break New Ground

Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking risks. The artists who break new ground and push their boundaries are the ones who stay ahead of the curve. If you’re content with staying in your comfort zone, you risk stagnating and losing the very spark that makes your music come alive.

Be bold in your choices, both on and off the stage. It’s the willingness to take risks that will keep you and your audience engaged and excited.

“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”—Jim Rohn

Final Thoughts

In a fast-changing industry, the greatest risk is becoming stagnant—getting left behind. But by focusing on your inner game, surrounding yourself with the right people, and pushing yourself to grow, you can stay ahead. The journey isn’t just about keeping up with the industry—it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself as an artist.

What are you becoming? Are you intentional about your growth? Now is the time to reflect and take action, because in an industry that never stops moving, no artist wants to get left behind.