Bob Baker's Indie Music Promotion Blog

News, notes and ideas on music marketing, self-promotion, artist empowerment and more

August 03, 2005

The Music Biz Success Factor

Want to get a handle on your odds of reaching success with music? Well, don't tell anyone, but one of the best predictors is -- ready for this? ... your mental attitude.

I know, that's not as sexy as sold-out stadiums or red-carpet walks or having your photo taken on a beach with either Brad or Angelina (or both). But the cold truth is, your mental outlook will make all the difference in the world when it comes to your chances for reaching true success.

On Monday, I talked about Madalyn Sklar and the views we share on positive thinking. Today I want to point out another indie music supporter who also shares our enthusiasm for "the mental game" of the music biz. I'm talking about David Hooper of IndieMusician.com.

In a blog post called The Right Mental Attitude, David describes how optimism prepares you for life's inevitable speed bumps:

A positive outlook is necessary to see change coming, to be able to work with the change, and to make the most of whatever change comes down the pike in your life. If you expect change (but not from a vending machine!), you'll be in a better position to accept it and make the most of it.

In Developing a Magnetic Personality, he talks about more benefits of an upbeat mental outlook:

It's amazing how people gather around a person who exudes confidence. Someone who believes in himself and sees the potential in others around him. A man or woman who perseveres, continuing to put one foot in front of the other until success is attained.

How does a person develop such a magnetic personality? She chooses to be enthusiastic and develops the positive attitude of "knowing no defeat." Think about it. How many successful people do you know who have gloom and doom personalities?

And the importance of enthusiasm and a good sense of humor can't be overstated. Whenever you lose your ability to laugh, your physical and emotional health start to decline rapidly. Don't you enjoy being around someone with a genuine laugh and fun sense of humor? It really is one of the characteristics of great personalities.

Two other blog posts from David worth reading are:

A Remarkable Source of Self-Confidence Revealed

You Have Today in the Palms of Your Hands

So, whether you're walking the red carpet or just jamming in your basement, I ask you: Are you happy and enthusiastic doing what you're doing?

posted by Bob Baker @ 11:36 AM   2 comments

2 Comments:

At Aug 16, 2005 12:38:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

How true it is....However it's hard for a person to maintain that positive attitude when you've got a dream yet you also have tons of responsility. After a long day at work, dealing with the family...when it's time to make music..whether it's just writing a song...it's hard to be energetic....Maybe a Red Bull would help... what else do you suggest?

 
At Aug 29, 2005 5:51:00 AM, Anonymous Roel van Veldt said...

I know what you mean, Mr or Mrs Anonymous. It's not easy to be an artist when you have a job for the money and a family to take care of. Sadly, we often make the choice for family time at the cost of artist time, while the other way around wouldn't be healthy either. Though, instead of sleeping less, I suggest you agree with your partner on having 2 "artist evenings" every week, preferably to spend away from home or at least in a dedicated, separate place in your house. This works reasonably well with me, on three strict conditions to keep it working fine:
1) Your partner can choose his or her 2 evenings, and he/she's 100% free how to spend them.
2) Make 100% use of the free time you acquired, even if it's just for having fun playing or singing.
3) Be there any other evening for your family, and be there for 100%.

Finally, I would like to share two more tips to make it last:
1) Be flexible to make exceptions (for matters important to your partner, to your children), on condition that flexibility goes both ways: if you have to let go of your evening, try setting an other evening for yourself.
2) Share from time to time with your partner and children what you are doing, try to keep them involved. Don't expect them however to be fans. They want you to be first of all a good partner and father/mother. And that remains at least as important as our musical career.

Good luck! songwriter-father-partner Roel

 

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