Author Archives: ericadauroragc

Wednesday Wisdom: Hate Networking? Here’s What to Do

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Do you shudder when someone drops the word “networking”?

Same.

Whether you’re planning on attending an in-person event or trying to connect online with other people in your field, networking is something so many of us dread. Just the thought of it can stir up anxiety, and imposter syndrome, and all of the uncomfortable feelings that general social interaction can produce.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are my best tips for taking the work out of networking and making it something that you might even–dare I say–enjoy.

Take the pressure off.

    The term “networking” can be so incredibly intimidating. But networking is actually something that we do naturally every day without even thinking about, which is forming relationships.

    If you’ve made friends at all in this life, you’ve had plenty of practice.

    So if you’re someone who, like me, despises networking in the traditional sense of the word, and you feel pressure to make the most of every networking situation you’re in, it’s helpful to first remember that you likely already have all the skills you need to network effectively because you’re a human on planet Earth.

    Then try to redefine your goals. 

    Maybe instead of convincing yourself that you have to meet everyone in the room (or virtual group), this time focus on genuinely connecting with one person. It’s a strategy that I’ve used myself, and guess what? It helped me shake off the anxiety and pressure I was putting on myself because meeting one person–just one–is an extremely realistic goal. 

    You don’t climb every rung on a ladder at once do you? Of course not! So why overwhelm yourself with meeting all the people, and doing all the things, all at once?

    Although it may feel small, meeting one person, especially when you’re nervous to begin with, is still very much a valid success. Not to mention that it can help give you the confidence to meet more people going forward. 

    Focus on finding common ground.

      If the hardest part of networking for you is making small talk, or just plain opening a conversation with someone new, one of the easiest ways to break the ice is starting on common ground.

      If you’re at an in-person event, something as simple as making a comment on the venue or town can be an effective way of making that initial connection. And, yes, as played out as it might sound, you can even talk about the weather. It’s a boring topic, but it works.

      If you’re trying to connect with someone professionally through Instagram, but you’re afraid of outward rejection (or, let’s be honest, being left on read), start by pointing out a mutual acquaintance. They’ll likely be more likely to respond if they know you share a friend.

      Finding common ground can help connect people in any setting, especially when it comes to networking.

      Look for people you know.

        Sure, you might not be able to do this in every situation, but it always helps to find a friendly face in a room you’re feeling uncomfortable in, whether you’re at an in-person event or interacting virtually in a Facebook or LinkedIn group.

        It’s important to remember here that you shouldn’t stay glued to the people you know, as much as you might want to. You probably don’t know everyone, or perhaps anyone, they know, so think of them instead as facilitators who can help introduce you to other people.

        And if you can’t find someone you know, try talking to the person who is leading or organizing the event. More often than not, they are happy to chat and even do the hard work for you by introducing you to the people in the room they think you might click with!

        Remember everything you bring to the table.

          It can be easy when we’re in certain situations, especially big networking events, to feel like we’re not as accomplished as the people around us or like we don’t belong in the room. 

          Although comparisonitis is very real, the reality is that you bring a unique perspective that no one else has (you know, that no two snowflakes are the same theory and all that). You have legit skills to offer and different life experiences than the person standing next to you. 

          Your knowledge is valuable. 

          And more importantly, you are inherently valuable. Which means you have as much right to be in that room–and on this planet, for that matter–as anyone else.

          Networking can be downright nerve-wracking, whether it’s in a virtual setting or in person, but when it comes to forming connections, what works for some may not work for everyone. Luckily, there are all different kinds of strategies that can help you find success–you just have to find the approach that best works for you.

          Wednesday Wisdom: How to Deal with Disappointment

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          Disappointment really sucks, doesn’t it?

          Although it’s a natural and very unavoidable part of life, it still hurts when it happens, and it can be difficult to cope with.

          It’s so easy to feel discouraged and defeated when we’re faced with disappointment, but it’s how we deal afterward that makes all the difference.

          If you’ve just come face to face with disappointment, here are some of my best tips for moving forward.

          Acknowledge and experience your feelings.

          One of the best ways to deal with disappointment–or any difficult situation for that matter–is to allow yourself to feel your feelings.

          You’re entitled to feel how you feel, and it’s important to recognize what those feelings are. Whether you’re angry, sad, or discouraged, name it, sit with it, and reflect on why you’re feeling that way.

          Of course, disappointment ranges in severity, from momentary, forgettable disappointments (like your favorite ice cream being out of stock at the grocery store) to what can seem like devastating setbacks (like being passed over for your dream job). So if you need to cry, let the tears rise to the surface. If you need to let out all that pent up frustration, hit the gym or punch a pillow.

          Acknowledging your feelings is one of the healthiest things you can do to move on.  

          Accept the situation.

          Yep, you were disappointed. And yes, you probably wish you weren’t.

          It might take a while for you to process the situation, and that is 100% okay. Don’t put pressure on yourself to get over it, and don’t judge yourself for taking the time to digest what happened.

          However, there is major power to be found in acceptance. At the most basic level, acceptance is acknowledging reality and relinquishing control of a situation that is out of your hands. 

          Trust me, I know how hard it can be to reach acceptance after disappointment. By doing so, it may feel like you’re giving up or that you’re telling yourself that you’re okay with what happened. But that’s not actually what you’re doing. Acceptance can help you make peace with the disappointment while empowering you to move forward with clarity.

          Recognize the positives.

          Even though disappointment can feel truly devastating in the moment, there is always a bright side, no matter the situation.

          Sure, it might be hard to spot at first, but when you’re able to find the light peaking through the clouds, it changes your perspective.

          Maybe that disappointment happened because there’s something better waiting for you to claim. Maybe that disappointment happened because you weren’t prepared to receive the outcome you wanted yet. (If you believe in a little thing called divine timing, you know exactly what I’m talking about)

          And if you’re just so mad and upset that you’re really not able to see the upside, reflect on your life and recognize everything you have to be grateful for. I guarantee that you’ll find a lot when you start looking.

          As an added bonus, when you start practicing gratitude, you’re training your brain to see the good in life, which means you’ll naturally be able to see more of it every day, and isn’t that a wonderful way to experience the world?

          Spend time doing what you love.

          Having hobbies and projects that light you up inside is super important when it comes to living a full and satisfying life. They are an important tool that can help get you through the bad times.

          After being disappointed, doing something you love gets those feel-good hormones pumping in your brain and gives your mind a break.

          Whether you love cooking or painting, crafting or reading, doing something you love can also help you feel productive and provide you with a sense of control at a time when you feel like you don’t have control over anything. 

          Take the time to fill your cup. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
          Disappointment is a natural part of life, but instead of getting consumed by it and letting it keep you down, there are plenty of ways we can cope with the hurt and come out stronger on the other side.

          Wednesday Wisdom: How to Avoid Burnout When You’re Hustling 24/7

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          Burnout is a monster all its own. It can chew you up and spit you out. When not addressed, it can haunt you like a ghost.

          When you’re an entrepreneur — and especially if you’re an entrepreneur in a creative field — burnout is very real. More than likely, your passion became your business, and your business became your passion. And all of that has gotten tangled up with your need to survive, leading you to get caught in a 24/7 hustle that you can’t escape from.

          Once burnout sets in, it can be very hard–but not impossible–to recover. However, the trick to dealing with burnout is actually preventing it in the first place. Here are my best tips.

          Set boundaries

            Personally, one of the most important rules I’ve learned when it comes to both business and living a healthy and satisfying life is setting boundaries.

            Boundaries are crucial when it comes to maintaining a good work-life balance, and if you’re not used to setting them, doing so can feel scary. You might feel like you’re going to upset or disappoint the people around you, and in business specifically, setting boundaries can make you feel like you’re threatening important relationships, or like you’re putting yourself in danger of losing work.

            Every day, you are teaching others how to treat you, and when you’re constantly allowing your boundaries to be broken, you’re teaching them that you’re okay with it. Not only that, but by putting others’ needs before your own and prioritizing their demands, you’re damaging your self-esteem, you’re sending yourself the message that your time and effort are not worth as much as that of others, and you can get caught in an endless cycle. And the more you allow your boundaries to be violated, the more it can shake your self-worth, stir up frustration and anger that you might not even realize you’re feeling, make you feel powerless, and yep, lead to burnout.

            When you finally make the effort to set boundaries, you might feel some anxiety to begin with–because saying no can be incredibly intimidating when you’re not used to it–but you’ll find that the more you do it, the easier it will be. 

            Take breaks

              This may seem like an obvious solution, but when you’re going going going, working with clients, working on trying to drum up business, working to survive, taking breaks can feel like a luxury. Heck, making time for life in general can feel impossible.

              If you’re stuck in the hustle 24/7, your brain isn’t getting the rest it needs to function properly, nor are you leaving yourself any space for new ideas and solutions to come through. 

              Your mind needs time to focus on other things, so make it a non-negotiable to do something you love every day, even if it’s just for five minutes.

              Whether it’s cooking or crafting, reading or watching movies, whatever it is that fills you with joy and makes you feel alive, do it. Regularly. Consistently. Just do it.

              Exercise

                A major key to preventing burnout is stress management, and one of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise.

                Stress needs a way to leave the body. Otherwise, it can fester and build up inside you, leaving you feeling exhausted, drained, and just plain unwell.

                There are endless benefits to exercise. It helps lower stress hormones, it helps you sleep better, it can help you feel happier, it can help you focus. At the very least, it can help you get your mind on something else, for gosh sakes. And when it’s combined with fresh air and sunshine? There’s nothing like it.

                So take a walk, do some yoga, hit the gym. Move your body in whatever way feels good for you. Get the stress out.

                Find support from your community

                  Human connection holds a lot of power. Maybe even more power than we realize. It even has the power to heal.

                  If you’re a business owner, your default might be to do everything yourself, and you might have trouble giving up control, even when it comes to the smallest tasks. And if you’re a solopreneur, you really do wear all the hats, which, let’s be honest, can not only be draining as heck but can put you on the fast track to burnout.

                  If there’s one thing I’ve learned from starting and running a business it’s the power of community and the importance of building a good one for yourself. Whether you find it in friends, family, fellow business owners and creatives, or all of the above, your community plays a crucial role in your overall success and mental health.

                  Being able to rely on people you trust will help you feel supported, and when you’re caught up in what seems like a never-ending to-do list, they’re the ones who will pull you back into the present moment and remind you that there is more to life than the hustle.

                  Burnout is a beast, but it’s a beast you can avoid by making a few small changes to how you approach your work and life. You don’t have to do it all overnight, but putting in a little effort one day at a time will make you stronger in the long run and prevent you from reaching a point that will be difficult to bounce back from.

                  What to Do When Your Passions Change

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                  When a new year starts, many of us often find ourselves reassessing our lives, goals, dreams, and passions, but when we go through this process, we might realize that we are feeling stagnant and that something needs to change.

                  If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut lately, and that the same passions that once fulfilled you are no longer serving you, you’re not alone.

                  Oftentimes, our passions come to be such a big part of our lives that, when we realize that they are no longer serving us, it can feel intimidating — and may leave us questioning who we are.

                  But here’s a secret: We’re allowed to change.

                  In fact, the only constant in life is change, and if we don’t change, we don’t grow. The world changes. The human species is constantly changing, and we as individuals are always changing throughout our lives. We grow and adapt, we meet new people, we learn new things.

                  So it’s OK if what once brought you joy no longer does because you’re not the same person you were last year or last month. Heck, you’re not even the same person you were yesterday.

                  If the person you are today wants to change direction and pursue a new passion, go for it! Find the next thing that satisfies your spirit so much that you could just burst.

                  Here are some of my best tips for making it happen:

                  1) Give yourself permission to follow a new path.

                    Giving yourself permission to try something new can be incredibly difficult. It can even feel scary. And when you’re used to following the rules and doing what you have to do–and what is expected of you–it can be easy to forget that you have a choice.

                    Yeah. There’s a little something called free will, which means you always have a choice, especially when it comes to your passions and the hobbies you pursue, but when you’re not used to owning this–that you have a choice–it makes it that much harder to allow yourself to act on it.

                    If you’re a perfectionist, following a new path can provoke a fear of choosing the wrong one. You might get caught in that dreaded black and white thinking and feel like you’re being forced to choose between life and death.

                    Just remember that no one can force you to pursue a hobby or passion that no longer serves you. In fact, you have all the freedom in the world to explore new interests. You only have to let yourself do it.

                    2) Talk to people.

                      Throughout the course of our lives, we cross paths with countless people who affect us in all different ways. Some may hurt us, but others may deeply inspire us, and it is when we meet those people that we might discover new parts of ourselves.

                      If you’re feeling a bit lost, and like the passions that have brought you so much joy for so long no longer do, get out there and talk to people. Talk to your friends. Talk to your family. (You might feel like you know everything there is to know about your closest friends and family members, but you probably don’t). Talk to your cashier at the grocery store. Talk to your local librarian. Talk to the barista at Starbucks.

                      When you talk to other people, a few things can happen. First, you can start understanding their perspectives and what life looks like through their eyes, which is valuable in itself. But when you talk to people, it also exposes you to new things that you never would have known about otherwise. You can learn about their hobbies and passions and what brings them joy. Your local librarian might be a rock climber or a beekeeper who makes her own honey. Maybe your mom used to write songs when she was young but you never knew that about her, and maybe you’ll realize that same love for music runs through your veins too, but you never gave it room to surface before.

                      So talk to people. It might change your life.

                      3) Get out of your comfort zone.

                        That darn comfort zone. We all know the definition of our own comfort zones and where the boundaries are that keep us feeling safe. And I’m sure we can pinpoint the times when staying in our comfort zone held us back, as much as it sucks to admit.

                        Sometimes, though, we really need to break out of it, as uncomfortable, and–let’s face it– unnerving, as it might seem. It’s often how we see the most significant growth in ourselves.

                        Exploring past the boundaries of our comfort zone allows us to challenge ourselves, which, although daunting, has so many benefits for our overall happiness. If we never challenged ourselves, we wouldn’t grow and we wouldn’t discover new passions.

                        Break free from the chains that are holding you back! You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side. 

                        4) Follow that spark.

                          While you might be finding that the passion you’ve had for years isn’t doing it for you anymore, you might also know exactly what you want to try next. Maybe just thinking about pursuing that new path is already lighting you up inside.

                          You never want to deny yourself of something that has the potential to make your soul smile, and feeling that spark within you? That means you’re excited about it. And that’s a very good sign.

                          So don’t deny that call. Be sure to answer it!

                          Life is too short to feel stuck and uninspired. But when we make the choice to take action and pursue new passions that satisfy our spirits, leaving behind those that no longer serve us, we are honoring ourselves, and that is one of the best ways to live.

                          Wednesday Wisdom: How to (Finally) Do the Thing

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                          How many times have you wanted to do something, or wanted to chase after a big dream you’ve had, but then you just…didn’t?

                          Maybe fear was holding you back. Or maybe you were battling procrastination. Maybe you were overthinking yourself right out of the whole thing. Maybe this is something you’re battling right now.

                          It can be tough to break out of a cycle of overthinking, and feeling like everything has to be perfect before you start doing what you want to do. It can be tough to break out of that fear. But you’ll never get anywhere if you keep getting stuck in the same place.

                          Sometimes it’s hard to just do the thing.

                          Below are some of my best tips for getting started so you can finally check that thing off your list.

                          Ask yourself what you’re most hesitant about

                          Sometimes when we can’t do the thing it’s because we start overthinking. As a result, a bunch of what-if scenarios might pop up in our heads, further preventing us from moving forward.

                          Thoughts like “What if I fail?” or “What if I’m making a mistake?” can be pretty daunting, and self-doubt can start taking over quickly. Maybe you find that imposter syndrome is rearing its ugly head and it’s convincing you that you’re neither capable nor worthy of achieving your dreams. (More on how to combat imposter syndrome here).

                          If fears like these are holding you back from starting, take the time to reflect on what you think will happen if you actually do the thing you want to do. Get honest with yourself. Write it all out. Feel all the feelings.

                          Sometimes just acknowledging our fears is exactly what we need to do in order to realize that, sometimes, they really aren’t as big as they might seem. Sometimes just acknowledging our fears removes the fear itself and you can get moving in the right direction again.

                          Take one small step forward…

                          When we feel really stuck, and like we can’t get going, sometimes it’s actually because we’re feeling overwhelmed. 

                          That thing you want to do? Maybe it seems huge and impossible to you right now, but maybe it will seem more achievable if you break it down into smaller pieces.

                          Of course, it’s super easy to feel overwhelmed when we’re thinking about climbing a mountain instead of climbing two steps up a staircase, right? So, is there something you can do right now that can be that first step you need to get started? 

                          Are you dreaming of opening a business but can’t even begin to fathom how exactly you’re going to make that happen? Maybe your first step is coming up with your business name. Have you always wanted to write a song but never wrote one before? Find a local writer’s round and get your feet wet that way.

                          When we can break down our biggest dreams into smaller, achievable goals, and then we achieve one of those goals, it gives us an important sense of accomplishment and fills us with the excitement that’s going to help us to keep moving forward.

                          Or… take a step back

                          Sometimes we get so deeply involved and invested in something that we start losing perspective. Small obstacles might start becoming bigger in our minds than they are in reality, and we might start believing that they’re impossible to overcome. Basically, we start psyching ourselves out. Big time. 

                          If you’ve been thinking and thinking and thinking about the thing you’re thinking about doing, take a break and do something different. Get out of your head! Take a walk, watch a movie, go out to dinner with a friend. Anything. It will give your mind a much-needed breather, allowing you to refocus.

                          Meditate

                          Meditation is most commonly known as a coping method for stress and anxiety, but it can also be an important tool when it comes to accomplishing our goals and chasing after our greatest dreams.

                          Taking a moment to ground ourselves in the present moment can help shift our perspective and see that thing we want to do in a different way. Maybe you’ll realize you were approaching it all wrong and you’ll discover a new road to take that will allow you to achieve your goal even faster.

                          Maybe you’ll realize that everything happens at the time it’s meant to happen.

                          Maybe you’ll find a new sense of patience that will help you keep chugging along, rediscovering the drive within you to make your dream come true.

                          It’s natural to feel stuck and overwhelmed, but when there are things you want to do, sometimes it’s difficult to get them done. Don’t let a little hesitation or setback get in your way, because there’s no worse regret in life than not trying. You’ll be so glad you did.

                          Wednesday Wisdom: Spring Cleaning Tips for Creatives

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                          Spring is finally here, and it feels pretty good, doesn’t it?

                          This spring was a little bit different because we also had the pleasure of experiencing a solar eclipse in North America. This rare event brought a little extra energy to the beginning of the season and has seemed to renew the spirits of many.

                          But of course, the arrival of spring is also traditionally associated with spring cleaning, and at least for me, I’ve felt the need to clean more this year than perhaps ever before.

                          Many of us in the industry often find ourselves juggling quite a bit, and the opportunities to organize and deep clean in all aspects of our lives can often be few and far between the busier we get, and as other tasks begin to take priority. However, since spring so appropriately lends itself to starting anew, let’s all take the opportunity together now to put our affairs in order before the chaos of mid-year really starts to hit.

                          Below are some of my favorite tips for regrouping and refreshing the mind and the space around us, especially during this time of year.

                          Take the time to refocus on your goals. Or set new ones.

                            Now is about the time that those New Year’s Resolutions have been long forgotten, or at least, they’ve become harder to stick with, but if you’ve lost sight of the goals you set earlier this year and are feeling a bit lost and unfocused (which is totally understandable as we undergo this seasonal reset) you can easily get back on track. 

                            All you have to do is start again. Write out your goals, but maybe instead of beginning with a huge one that seems impossible (like finally starting your business, for example), begin with smaller ones that you can accomplish today, which can even include something as small as emptying the dishwasher or making dinner at home instead of ordering takeout, or posting something on Instagram.

                            Then decide on two to three goals that you’d like to accomplish tomorrow. And then a few more for the next week. 

                            After that, jot down what you’d like to accomplish in the next month, which for you may mean booking a show or attending a networking event. 

                            Sometimes planning for the near future, instead of allowing our minds to jump too far ahead, can be just what we need to course correct. Plus, as you set and accomplish goals now, it’ll give you that much more momentum to keep working toward those bigger goals down the line.

                            Update your social media accounts.

                              When we get insanely busy and start to get thrown out of our usual routines, more often than not, it’s our social media posting is the first casualty of the chaos, because although it’s a necessary task, especially if you’re an artist or business owner, it’s not something that in the grand scheme of things is typically considered “critical” when compared to other tasks, like filing your taxes, for example. It’s very easy to put posting to IG on the back burner when we have family in town, or when we get busy with client work, or when we get sick.

                              What better time to get back to it than now, though? Spring leaves us feeling refreshed in so many ways, so why not bring that energy to your social media accounts? Show your followers how excited you are about everything you’ve been working on and bring them along for the ride!

                              If you’ve realized you haven’t posted to your grid since the beginning of December, just post something! Don’t overthink it. 

                              Now is also the perfect time to put together a content schedule for the next week, or even the next month if you’re feeling ambitious. 

                              Clean off your desk!

                                I don’t know about you, but my work desk sometimes gets super cluttered super fast and I can quickly find myself buried under piles of bills to pay and reminders scribbled on Post-It notes and legal pads (yes, I still take notes the old school way, don’t hate). When that happens, my mind starts to feel just as cluttered, and to be honest, it doesn’t do anything for my productivity. 

                                If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you might have felt the same way, and if that’s you right now, keep on with the spring cleaning and clean off that desk! Take half an hour (or even 10 minutes!) to throw out the dried out pens, file away important papers, and throw out the junk mail. If you’re someone who eats at their desk while they work (I am super guilty of this one), put those dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Put every random object that has found its way into your work space back where it belongs.

                                Clearing all that clutter around you will help clear your mind, making room for new thoughts and ideas to come in. So get to it!

                                While you’re at it, clean up your computer!

                                    When you think about it, your computer desktop is just an extension of your physical desk but in digital form. I know that I’m not the only one who lets documents and folders clog up the desktop of my computer screen as well, and I can’t stand the visual clutter when it starts getting out of control, which happens fast if you don’t stay on top of it.

                                    Delete all the screenshots you don’t need anymore. Organize what you can into folders, and hide away anything you don’t need immediate access too. If you’re anything like me, once you do, you’ll be breathing a huge sigh of relief!

                                    Spring is such an optimistic time of year, and there’s no better feeling than when you’ve taken the time to refocus and reset. Take advantage of this time to do yourself a favor that will only benefit you going forward (spring cleaning can be a form of self-care, after all). You’ll thank yourself later!

                                    Wednesday Wisdom: Tips for Surviving the Holidays

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                                    Although Thanksgiving is already behind us — can you even believe it? — December is already speeding by, as we head into the winter holidays and the new year.

                                    It’s a chaotic time full of travel, gatherings with family and friends, work events, last minute shows, and more — and it can seem like our list of obligations has no end in sight. 

                                    As we all know, this is a stressful time of year for anybody. For those in the music industry, the last few months of the year can pile on even more pressure.

                                    If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, in a haze, and you find yourself wishing it was already January 2, you’re not alone. Here are my best tips for surviving the end of the year.

                                    Prioritize

                                    Prioritizing will be your best friend this time of year. Trust me. 

                                    Everything can feel so important and urgent right now, but the truth is that there are some things that can wait until next year. Literally. 

                                    Maybe you have to submit your new single to the distributor by tomorrow, but it’s hard to find the time to write that caption for the Instagram post. Or, maybe there’s an important family dinner you have to go to on Saturday, getting in the way of you designing the cover art for your new album. 

                                    There are times when it’s actually more beneficial to push certain tasks off to a later date. I know, I know. That may sound completely insane to some (or maybe all) of you, but hear me out. For instance, maybe this year you wanted to start gardening, or you wanted to learn how to bake an apple pie so you could impress your family at Christmas dinner. Instead of squeezing these activities in before December 31, doesn’t it make more sense to tackle them when you’re not already drowning under a to-do list that’s a mile long, so you can enjoy them? Maybe you push off baking until March – that gives you plenty of time to perfect that pie so you can knock people’s socks off next Christmas!

                                    Take the less urgent tasks off your plate for now. You will alleviate some of the pressure to not only make the holidays perfect for yourself and for those around you, but to make the end of the year perfect when it comes to your career.

                                    If you have a routine, try to stick to it

                                    Some people thrive in a routine, while others don’t. If you’re someone who absolutely needs a routine in order to get things done, try your best to stick to it right now. The holidays and the end of the year are chaotic enough, and if you get thrown out of your usual schedule, it can make it even more difficult to do what you need to do.

                                    If you’re starting to feel unfocused because the demands of December are starting to pull you in different directions (and away from your regular routine), resist the urge to let it go completely until after New Year’s.

                                    Of course, there are only so many hours in a day, so it may not be possible for you to get everything done that you’d like (that’s where prioritizing is going to come in handy!), but at least try to maintain the pieces of your day that are most important to you. For example, if you exercise every day at 5 p.m., keep doing it. If you work on your social media on Mondays and Fridays at 2 p.m., keep doing it. If you read every night before bed, keep doing it.

                                    Although these may seem like insignificant practices, continuing to honor them as part of your daily schedule will help you to better cope with the chaos that may be swirling around you, and keep you fortified throughout the season.

                                    Start planning for next year

                                    December can also bring anxiety about what awaits us in the year to come. To help alleviate some of that apprehension of the unknown, why not start making a plan now?

                                    What are the goals you’d like to achieve next year? Do you want to form relationships with certain people in your industry? Do you want to make a new album? Do you want to film your first music video? Do you want to leave your tedious full-time job to finally make a career out of your side hustle? Get it out of your head, and put it down on paper. 

                                    If you’re already a planner, this tip will probably find you in your glory. If you’re not already a planner (which is totally valid), give this a try.

                                    Take time for yourself

                                    The end of the year does not only bring career stress; it can also stir up some pretty heavy emotions that can make it difficult, and perhaps even painful, to make it through the season. 

                                    We may be reminded of those who are no longer with us, and find ourselves mourning how things used to be in the face of devastating change. 

                                    And so, it is during these times especially that taking care of yourself should be of the utmost importance. This can mean giving yourself a 20-minute break to take a walk, taking the time to make yourself a healthy meal, planning a dinner date with a friend, or even going to sleep early. 

                                    We need time to rest so we can perform at our best. If we’re not carving out those moments – no matter how small – to nourish ourselves in mind, body, and spirit, we’re doing ourselves a huge disservice, by preventing ourselves from being able to enjoy the present moment and continue moving ahead successfully.

                                    In the end, the holiday season is all about enjoying – enjoying the company of the people we love, enjoying good food, and, hopefully, enjoying some well-deserved time off. So, although it might feel uncomfortable to momentarily let some things slide, it’s totally OK to put some not-so-urgent tasks on the back burner. It’s more than OK to take care of ourselves so we can not only survive, but conquer, this time of year triumphantly with our sights set on all the possibilities that 2024 holds. 

                                    Wednesday Wisdom: Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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                                    Imposter syndrome. It’s a beast, am I right?

                                    According to Merriam-Webster, imposter syndrome is “a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments, accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of one’s ongoing success.”

                                    Does that sound relatable to you?

                                    Of course, I’m not a licensed mental health professional, but I can speak from personal experience and observation, and I’ll let you in on a secret: Many of us—if not all of us—have likely experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our lives. And, for those of us in the music industry, it seems to be especially prevalent.

                                    Whether you’re an artist or a songwriter, a publicist or a manager, a social media marketer or a booking agent, imposter syndrome is real — but, the good news is that you can beat it. Here are some tips for overcoming those inner hurdles that may be standing in your way.

                                    Be kind to yourself.

                                    We’re all hard on ourselves sometimes (okay, maybe most of the time), but it’s so important for us to remember to be kind to ourselves.

                                    That means engaging in positive self-talk and acts of self-care.

                                    When you think about it, you wouldn’t be harsh or cruel when speaking to your best friend, right? Of course not! So, why would you want to speak to yourself in a way in which you wouldn’t dare speak to them? Likewise, if they were going through what you were going through, would you tell them to continue subjecting themselves to madness? Of course you wouldn’t!

                                    Being kind to ourselves can do wonders for our spirits and mindsets. It can help us claim our worth, it can make us stronger, and perhaps most importantly, it can help us transform our perspective.

                                    Yep. That’s right. When we treat ourselves with kindness and respect, we can become more secure in who we are, have more confidence in our abilities (no, you are not a fraud just because you feel like you don’t everything there is to know in the world; the knowledge and skills you do have are valuable), do our jobs better, pursue our passions with more enthusiasm, love more, and get more out of life.

                                    Never stop learning.

                                    One of the most incredible parts of life is that we have the ability to learn. We are constantly learning throughout our entire lives, from the moment we open our eyes, until our time on Earth comes to an end. And best of all, no one can stop us from learning. The right to education is number 26 under Amnesty International’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We actually have the right to learn.

                                    As we all know, the creative space grows and changes at what seems like the speed of light, leaving many of us feeling like we just got whiplash as new social media platforms, streaming platforms, and new universes pop up. We can so easily feel left behind, and like we can’t keep up with how fast trends and technology are evolving around us. This sometimes results in us feeling “not good enough” or “unworthy” of our current or dream positions.

                                    As fast as our industries move, we can learn, and we can grow, and we can always keep cultivating the foundation on which we are basing our careers.

                                    Staying on top of your game by consistently attending events and learning the latest news will help quell the voice convincing you that you don’t know what you’re doing. It will nurture your roots, simultaneously helping you to enrich your skill set and develop confidence, so you can claim your power. Taking action is key to moving forward, and it will help you avoid remaining a slave to those pesky lies that your brain is trying to deceive you with.

                                    Stop your obsession for perfection.

                                    Perfection is a slippery slope. If you’re an artist, you know the struggle is real. Your work probably never quite feels finished to you, and you feel like there will always be ways to make your creative output better. Trust me, I’ve been there.

                                    Of course, you always want to do your best, and make your art the absolute best it can be. However, it’s important to remember that constantly striving to achieve perfection is like fighting an uphill battle. It’s exhausting and will hold you back, without a doubt.

                                    Trying to be perfect — and then beating yourself up when you feel that you have fallen short of achieving perfection — is totally not fun, and it’s just not productive. What may seem “imperfect” to you can knock someone else’s socks off. So, instead of getting caught in a downward spiral of questioning your choices and the quality of your end product, think about all the things you’re doing right and all the successes you’ve achieved so far — no matter how big or small they may feel to you. Has your recent single hit 1,000 streams on Spotify? Incredible! Have you racked up 5,000 streams on your new music video? Amazing! Did you get five new social media followers over the weekend, or pen the last verse of the song you’ve been working on? You deserve a round of applause!

                                    Never lose sight of how amazing you are.

                                    If there’s anything you take away from this post, always, always remember how amazing you are. You were put on this planet for a reason, and you deserve to be here. As an artist, you’re pursuing the purpose that you know aligns with the core of who you are. In following that purpose, you are touching the lives of others. You have value. Your work has value. Mistakes or “imperfections” don’t change that. Don’t forget it.

                                    Imposter syndrome sucks, but with just a few simple tweaks to your mindset, like those I’ve shared above, you’ll be able to tame it—if not completely overcome it—in no time.

                                    Wednesday Wisdom: What to Do When You’re Feeling Uninspired

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                                    Anyone who creates regularly knows that creativity ebbs and flows, and inspiration is constantly found and lost.

                                    It’s great when you’re hitting your stride and you can’t keep up with all the great ideas that are coming to you, pushing you forward as you continue working towards your goals. But, what happens when the well from which you draw your best ideas runs dry?

                                    It happens. I’ve been there. When it seems like there’s no inspiration to be found anywhere, it can be hard to create anything, and it can feel like you’ll never be able to produce anything worthwhile again.

                                    But, I’ll tell you a secret: that inspiration that so quickly (and sometimes dramatically) disappeared into thin air always comes back. Always.

                                    If you’re desperate to fill your cup again, here are some tips for unearthing the inspiration you need, in order to get back to doing what you do best.

                                    Watch a new movie

                                    Watching a movie is like escaping into a different world, isn’t it?

                                    So, what better way to give your brain a much-deserved break, than by entering a world you’ve never been to before and watching a new movie?

                                    This can be a film in your favorite genre or, if you want to really push the limits of your comfort zone, you can choose something in a genre that you’ve never dared to explore before. (For example, if you usually watch rom-coms, try a thriller, or vice versa).

                                    It can be so easy to get stuck in a routine, and when you find something you love, it can be really easy to continue . After a while, though, doing the same thing over and over again can result in boredom, which can lead you to hit those dreaded kinks in your creative process, because your brain isn’t absorbing anything new.

                                    Sometimes, your mind just needs a simple switch of the old gears to unkink that chain. Watching a new movie can be one of the easiest ways to do that.

                                    Read a book

                                    Reading is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal. Besides the fact that it’s one of the greatest sources of learning and entertainment that humankind has to rely upon, it can also revive your vocabulary, expose you to different sentence structures, allow you to “meet” new people (i.e.; characters), and bring you to encounter new places and different themes with which you don’t have personal experience.

                                    In short, if you’re a (song)writer, reading can do wonders for your writing and composition skills.

                                    Personally, I’m not always able to get around to reading for fun as often as I’d like. But, I find that every time I do, I’m more inspired, feel more excited, and just have a better attitude toward writing in general.

                                    Whether you’re writing a song or a musical, an advice column for fellow musicians, or keeping up your own blog, you will encounter moments when you’re too burnt out to string even one sentence together. And, when you’re writing regularly, this might be happening more often than you’d like. Stop forcing yourself to squeeze words out of an empty well, and read a chapter or two from a book. Any book, no matter if it’s fiction or non-fiction, or even a couple of magazine articles. Many times, it can be just what you need to get the juices flowing in the right direction again.

                                    Observe the world around you

                                    From songwriters, to authors, to filmmakers, so many creative minds have found their greatest inspiration when they’re observing everyday life.

                                    If remote working has had you cooped up in the house for too long, take the time to venture out and go somewhere new. Go to the beach, the coffee shop on the corner, the new restaurant that just opened up downtown—anywhere that’s new to you.

                                    Experiencing a new environment is extremely beneficial for our mental health and well-being. It breaks us out of the monotony which keeps us in an unproductive drought. And, you never know what snippets from conversations you’ll overhear, or interactions between strangers — or with strangers, if you’re an adventurous extrovert — that you’ll find. Just a simple phrase can spark an overflow of ideas.

                                    When you get out and experience the world—when you get out and really live—that’s when the magic happens. So, search for and savor those moments that can reignite the fire within you. Those moments can lead you to your next big idea, whether it’s the subject of your next song, or the concept for a new album.

                                    Take a shower

                                    If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ve learned a thing or two about sensory deprivation. However, you don’t have to immerse yourself in a scary water-filled tank to benefit from its effects.

                                    In addition to being a nice break from the chaos of the day — not to mention, the constant bombardment of news and technology — a hot shower sometimes seems to hold the keys to the universe. Especially when you’re stuck in a rut.

                                    The heat and the noise of the water rushing over you can be enough to separate yourself from the hectic madness of daily life. This may give your brain the space it needs to refocus and find the answers it’s looking for.

                                    Heck, they even make waterproof notepads now. You can jot down those brilliant ideas that come to you while you’re washing your hair.

                                    It’s great to have a never-ending flow of inspiration, but we all know that isn’t realistic. Unfortunately, the inspiration we need to produce our work can sometimes run away from us and go into hiding.

                                    It won’t be lost forever, though. You just have to know where to look to find it again.

                                    Wednesday Wisdom: How to Rediscover Your Passion When the Industry Gets You Down

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                                    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.

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