What Does It Mean to “See”?

In music, the ability to see goes far beyond physical sight. It’s about understanding, recognizing, and connecting with yourself and others in a deeper, more meaningful way. Whether you’re a musician, producer, or industry professional, this idea of seeing forms the foundation of your creative journey. But what does it truly mean to see? And how does this concept affect your artistic growth?

To See Is to Recognize Yourself

One of the most critical aspects of being an artist is self-perception. How you see yourself impacts your confidence, creativity, and resilience. The inner game of coaching teaches us that our internal world directly shapes our external achievements. The music industry is full of noise and opinions, but ultimately, it’s your self-perception that dictates how you show up in your career.

“Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.” — Beyoncé

When you can truly see yourself, you start recognizing your value, your potential, and the unique gifts you bring to the world. This vision is essential for creative confidence and longevity in the music business. When you lose sight of who you are, it becomes easy to get swayed by external pressures and criticisms.

Seeing Others and Being Seen

In the music industry, we often talk about performance as a way to be seen. But true belonging and success don’t come from changing to fit in; they come from being unapologetically who you are. Being seen is not about surface-level approval; it’s about connecting deeply with others through your authenticity.

When someone says, “I see you,” it’s a powerful affirmation. It means they recognize you for who you are, not just what you produce. As an artist, you have the responsibility to see others in the same way—whether it’s your collaborators, your audience, or even yourself.

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” — Brené Brown

Seeing others means acknowledging their emotions, their journeys, and their efforts. In turn, this strengthens connections and collaborations within your musical community, fostering growth and mutual respect.

Confidence: Seeing Your Potential

Believing in your abilities as an artist is critical to your success. Self-doubt can be crippling, but how you handle it determines your growth. Many iconic artists have navigated this space of uncertainty, transforming self-doubt into fuel for creativity.

“Believe in your flyness, conquer your shyness.” — Kanye West

Confidence isn’t just about outward bravado. It’s an inner knowing that your talent and vision are worth pursuing, no matter what the outside world says. Seeing yourself as capable and worthy allows you to take the risks necessary for artistic evolution.

Creativity: Seeing Beyond the Surface

Creativity thrives when you see beyond what’s obvious. Music is about exploring new ideas, sounds, and emotions. But this kind of exploration requires self-awareness and trust in your intuition. The ability to tap into your authentic creative voice comes from seeing yourself as an innovator and visionary, rather than simply a follower of trends.

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” — Oprah Winfrey

Take artists like Prince, who consistently pushed the boundaries of music by staying true to his self-perception as an innovator. His ability to see himself as someone who could create beyond expectations led him to become one of the most revolutionary musicians in history. Seeing yourself as someone who can break new ground is essential for making lasting contributions to the music world.

Resilience: Seeing the Bigger Picture

The music industry is full of ups and downs, and resilience is a must for survival. When you face rejection, criticism, or failure, it’s your self-perception that will carry you through. Seeing yourself as resilient means acknowledging the challenges and still moving forward with determination.

“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” — Janelle Monáe

Take Taylor Swift, for example. Despite facing public scrutiny and industry challenges, her self-belief has allowed her to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing music landscape. By seeing herself as an evolving artist, she was able to transition from country to pop while staying true to her artistic vision.

Overcoming Self-Doubt: Acknowledge and Move Forward

As a creative, self-doubt is part of the process. But learning to see it for what it is—a temporary feeling—can help you navigate through it. It’s important to recognize that even the most successful artists experience doubt and anxiety, but they don’t let it define their path.

“I’ve never been more normal than I am now.” — Adele

Adele, like many artists, has faced internal struggles. Yet, her ability to acknowledge these feelings without letting them stop her is what has led to her continued success. To see yourself clearly means embracing both your strengths and your vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: The Power of Seeing

In the end, to truly see means recognizing the full spectrum of who you are—your potential, your challenges, and your growth. It’s about creating a deep connection with yourself and others, and from that place, sharing your art with the world. Remember that how you see yourself directly influences your ability to succeed, create, and persevere in the music industry. Embrace your uniqueness, trust your vision, and always strive to see beyond the surface.

In essence, to see is to acknowledge, understand, and grow—not only as an artist but as a human being. When you do, you unlock the full potential of your creative and personal life.