The music industry is tough. I get it. Anyone you meet in this industry isn’t likely to argue with you.
Choosing to pursue a career in music comes with a plethora of unique challenges which, if we’re all being honest with each other, can really get to a person. And if you’re an artist, the demands on you can be extraordinarily overwhelming.
For those days when things feel just a little too hard — when you lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, and you start questioning why you’re pursuing your dreams in a field where it can be so difficult to break into and succeed — here are some of my favorite tips for helping you to rediscover your passion, and restore your faith that you are on the right path.
Take a break from music and social media.
Now, when I say take a break from music, I don’t mean walk away completely. If you’re thinking about music, working on your music, and worrying about building your social media following 24/7, then it might be time for you to take at least one day to be kind to yourself, give your brain a break, and do something different. When you feel like you’re hitting a wall, or you feel like you’re running on empty, there’s no use fighting against it. It just ends up being counterproductive—it’s your mind’s way of telling you that it needs to focus on something else.
Whether you take an actual vacation, go to a movie (like, in an actual movie theater, not in your living room), or take a cooking class, stepping away for a minute (or two!) will allow you to gain a refreshed perspective, and help you move forward on your journey to fulfilling your career goals.
Look to your idols for inspiration…
As you’re building your artistic career from the ground up, one brick at a time, it’s important to remember that success doesn’t come overnight (as much as you probably wish otherwise). However, the general public often (falsely) perceives that to be the case. One day an artist is unknown, and the next they’re seemingly everywhere and the biggest star in the world. But… that’s not reality.
The reality is that they fought the same way you are to make their dreams come true. They faced all the no’s, all the doubt, and all the judgement that you may be finding yourself confronted with now. But eventually, because they had fierce determination and incredible belief in themselves, they accomplished their greatest goals. You can too.
So, when you feel like giving up, look to the stars. Think about your favorite artists and check out some of their past interviews, where they’re talking about how they started and about all the challenges they faced before they made it big. Do you see parts of yourself in them? Take comfort in them. Learn from them. Use it as fuel to motivate you to not only see the stars, but to find yourself among them one day.
…but don’t get caught in the vicious cycle of comparison.
While it’s super helpful to draw inspiration from others, it’s important to remember not to get caught in the trap of comparison. Every artist—and every person—is on their own journey in life and career, and when you start comparing yourself to others, you’re only putting more pressure on yourself to become something that isn’t actually in alignment with who you are.
Instead, consider what it is that makes you unique, both as a person and as an artist. It can be easy for those lines to be blurred no matter your career but especially in a creative industry. It’s easy to define ourselves by what we do… but, what we do isn’t everything.
Besides your awesome music, what makes you, you? Do you have a wicked sense of humor? Are you ferociously compassionate? Recognizing what only you can offer the world can help revive your passion for making the impact that you’ve always dreamed about. Harnessing the power of those qualities and talents can become your greatest strength on the days when your vision gets cloudy.
Reflect on why you started your music career to begin with.
You’re forging a path in the music industry for a reason. We all love music—that’s why we’re all here right now. But, for what specific reason are you pursuing this career? Are you a songwriter? Do you find joy in sharing stories with others? Are you the frontman of your band, and feel your most genuine self when you’re performing on stage in front of your fans? Recognize and acknowledge that reason, and hold it close. Never lose sight of it. It is that reason that’s going to keep propelling you forward as you continue your journey, especially on the toughest days.
The music industry is a beast. There’s no denying it. But, if you’re here now, you likely know it’s where you belong. By keeping these tips in mind on the days where you find yourself questioning why you chose to embark on this wild ride, no one will be able to stop you as you chase your dreams—and, eventually, make them come true.