Resolutions, ever made one? Ever kept one? How about 5 things to make your music, your productions, your business, or all three better? I dare you to try them and then tell me at the end of 2013 if they worked or not… seriously.
That Idea - Do It!
We all have ideas we never get around to. It might be going back to college, an online degree, buying a new building, or a new mixer for the studio. It might be going self-employed. I put that one off for several years for fear of being broke… best thing I ever did. Thoreau wrote “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” don’t be one of them.
Work harder
‘No shit Sherlock’ some of you are thinking. But if someone gave me a dollar every time I’d heard that success in music was down to luck, then I’d be the luckiest and richest man on earth. Of course there are lucky people, but 99% of those I know who have succeeded in music production are hardworking people, who work more hours than there are in most days. So work harder, you’ll be surprised how lucky you’ll start being.
Say ‘No’ More
The enemy of the best ideas are good ideas. We often settle for average opportunities for fear of not getting great ones - however we’re often so busy with mediocrity that we just don’t have the time or the energy to take on the great stuff.
Find More Partners
While you are busy trying to be all things to all men, you can’t do what you do best, so find partners. They may be session musicians, engineers, mastering experts, they may make videos or be graphic designers. The saying ‘jack of all trades and master of none’ may be a cliche but it’s still true. The best thing I did in 2012 was to go from being a one-man blogger to having a team of 7, they do some of the things I used to do but better than me and it allows me to do what I do best.
Do Something To Benefit Others Even If It Doesn’t Make Money
My life is richer because of people who give of their time freely; The MPG, Graham at Recording Revolution, Jon at AudioGeekzine and Dave Pensado are just a few of them. Your life is probably richer because of the same people and of course the Pro Tools Expert team - but I can tell you from our experience that although we give of our time freely, the rewards are priceless. Why not do the same?
So, there is the challenge. Please do let us know if you do any or all of this list and how you got on.
May your 2015 be filled with success, some of which won’t be measured by what you have in the bank - never confuse net worth with self worth, they are world’s apart.