Ever heard the saying 'infinite patience yields immediate results'? Yeah, I know what you're thinking - sounds very likely *shakes head*. But hear me out, I get it!!
Remember when we did our January goal workshop this year, and dug into the fact that we need clarity (the why), action (the how), change(the will) and prioritization (the way) to achieve our goals? Well, we're 6 months into 2024 now, and I'd be lying if I didn't say some of those big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs!) I listed feel no closer within reach now (hello fitness goals ughhh)!
I want results! And I want them now!
And after banging your head on the wall...
Is this worth it? Where's all this effort going anyway?
I see you! And, the reality is, sometimes your blood, sweat, and tears seem to evaporate faster than you can say "mock audition", or "musicpreneur". Whether it's practicing for a recital or audition, getting your music business or project off the ground, or reaching that funding goal - - you've gotta play the long game!
Over the years, I've found a few techniques to get through these stretches where NOTHING seems to move the needle forward. Grab your favorite pen and journal, settle in with a caffeinated beverage and try these top 4 tools and strategies to keep
1. Measure As business guru Peter Drucker said "You can't improve what you don't measure." If you're not measuring what you produce in some way, then all your practice and effort are just a guess. What metrics are meaningful to you? How often do you check in on your metrics? Some people need to weigh themselves every morning when they're trying to lose weight, and other people weight themselves once a week.
Looking back on your 1% each day/ or week progress, you can truly see how far you've come. Small, daily improvements stack up to significant change.
Write ➡️ What have you measured lately? What can you start measuring?
If you find it hard to take small steps each day, try the 5-Minute Rule, a strategy where you commit to just 5 minutes of work on a task. More often than not, you'll keep going, and end up with longer periods of productive work.
Seth Godin puts it very well in a recent blog post:
He had a hard time lying because his nose got longer every time he did.
Gas-powered leaf blowers would disappear if the smoke they belched out was black instead of invisible.
And few people would start smoking if the deposits on their lungs ended up on their face instead.
We’re not very good at paying attention to invisible or gradual outputs.
The trick is simple: If it’s important, make it visible. If it happens over time, create a signal that brings the future into the present.
Creating vivid measurements of essential variables that others overlook is a significant competitive advantage.
2. Write Henriette Klauser wrote a wonderful book called "Write it Down, Make it Happen." The book gets a little woo woo (you know how much I love the woo woo!), but stripped of that, it still makes a ton of sense. The more clearly you can describe our goals, the more clearly you'll know what progress means, and the better you can move towards them. She once said "Writing separates the dream from the fear; writing about your anxiety makes it an entity existing outside of your goal."
Write ➡️ Grab a pen and do the "outcome of the outcome" exercise.
3. Find community It's not only good for accountability (so trendy rn, no!?) - it's about creating the right environment and the right conditions to cultivate a healthy mindset, overcome doubt and release the fear of failure! Your community & environment (the places you go, the things you see or media you consume, and the people you surround yourself with) influence the choices you make. Find people who already have the habits or behaviors you want, or are a few steps ahead of you - or find people who want the same thing you do - and be in it together! It's sincerely one of the most powerful things.
Write ➡️ the names of 5 people you have now, or want to have in your circle.
4. Know you're playing the long game. Going back to the paradoxical opening of this message, when you release the timeline for results, you also release the pressure, and allow yourself to flow in the present. This detachment from the outcome produces a quiet certainty in you and a knowing that what you want to create will happen, at the right time.
Write ➡️ What outcome do you want intensely? How can you detach yourself from the timeline in which it HAS to happen? Or from HOW it has to happen?
One last thing before you go... don't beat yourself up! Rely on your inner wisdom, stay consistent and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
Cheering for you every 1% of the way -
Ixi
p.s. #3 speaking to you? When you love your family and friends but they don't necessarily give you that environment or mindset you need - - join our Thrive membership! It's a space guidance, growth and mentorship to help you weather the bumps and move forward stronger than ever.
M U S I C 3 6 0 R E T R E A T S
One of my efforts that felt it was moving forward at a glacial pace is my dream of gathering an in-person career retreat for musicians. However, I am so thrilled that we have built out a 4 night, 3 day retreat at the end of this summer! The Music360 Retreatwill be held Aug 29- Sept 1 of this year, a nourishing, immersive and impactful escape for YOU get past your resistance, and supercharge the application / project / business / portfolio / studio / job your want to manifest!
Click here to learn more and submit your interest form!
Music 360 is a career hub for musicians. All of our resources, programs, and work with you are centered on our belief that in order to grow sustainably and intentionally, you must address the many layers of who you are: an artist, human, entrepreneur, creative and so much more.
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