Whatever scares you or excites you, go do it
2008-03-26
Just got an email from a high school student asking if I would recommend Berklee College of Music, as compared to taking a year off to travel the world.
After givng some details about Berklee, I realized it came down to this:
I have some easy rule-of-thumbs to follow
- whatever excites you, go do it
- whatever scares you, go do it
- every time you're making a choice, one choice is the safe/comfortable choice - and one choice is the risky/uncomfortable choice. the risky/uncomfortable choice is the one that will teach you the most and make you grow the most, so that's the one you should choose.
So if travelling Europe as a vagabond for a year is what seems more scary and exciting, do that! Though if that feels like slacking or avoiding, and going to music school is more scary and exciting, do that!
The risk/safety choice thing comes from Abraham Maslow, and you should see this page about Abraham Maslow's theory of self-actualization if you're interested in that kinda thing.
My friend Mark Fried of Spirit Music had a similar saying: “Whatever you're thinking, go do it.” - which I also seem to follow almost every day.
You just have to keep on asking questions to yourself. Finding out who you are... Isn't it the purpose of living? That's what I am doing now. My life is good and I do not want any change but the change might make me a better person after all this pain. And remember to be kind and loving! Make yourself available for people who really need someone...
Solid advice, to be sure. This is one of the very few Truths About Life I hope to pass on to my kids.
I just know this philosophy is going to make me jump out of a plane someday. Been avoiding it for years... heh.
Nice stuff Derek. Always great to see someone living an authentic life.
I need to remind myself of this every day.
I'm about six years into a new stage of life -- one where I attempt to understand myelf using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It explains most everything. All the extra stuff is covered by Walt Whitman. Dig.
You know what Derek? You just gave ME the advice that I needed today...great general philosophy that applies to a lot of things.
Who would've thought *I*, as an organized, driven musician, was normal? Thanks for the reassurance.
Derek,
We are all "Waiting" for something but sometimes you just have to close your eyes and jump! Thanks for inspiring and supporting us.
Always~Peace
Isn't it possible the risky/uncomfortable choice is uncomfortable because your gut/intuition is telling you this is a genuinely dumb idea? How do you read your gut when sorting through the boneheaded risky/uncomfortable choice vs. the smart risky/uncomfortable choice.
Derek Sivers is a man for the history books of tomorrow when it comes to the music business. I guess I DID write a song titled 'Sometimes I Can See The Future' but the history is 'right here, right now' with the major players leaving the major companies ala Radiohead and Madonna..etc. what beautiful dispensation of time to witness. It's inspired me to write lines like "mp3's done brought down the man / all that's left standin' are those of us who CAN!!!!"
--always in gratitude to you sir..
Rock On- Bear
Farthest Star - Maybe we can tell the difference by looking at the 'end goal' of the risk. Is one's motivation selfish or inclusive? Consider plausibility, factored in with capability, available fortitude, support and planning. Maybe the boneheaded risk can be turned into a smart risky down the road with a little honing of the basic needs to succeed.
IMHO, that's a 'big picture' application of Derek's guidance, whereas the 'little picture' application happens hundreds of times a day for most of folks. The 'dumb' risk often reveals itself by it's attraction to ones 'id' (need for instant gratification), whereas the 'smart' risk more often satisfies ones 'super ego' (conscience)
The 'gut' instinct is tied to instant gratification (often, 'too good to be true' scenarios) whereas the 'conscience' is often more knit into our hope for success (it's worth the effort even if it only helps one other person) and instead of giving us a 'gut' directive, it is more like a big, deep breath (or a sign) reaction.
Geeez, did I just make that more complicated or what? I discerned it was worth the risk to put the response out there...just in case it helps just one other person
Dear Derek!
Very nice article. I'm just discovering these principles in many different ways.
I have read always one chapter of Lao Tsu`s Tao Te King every morning, ( 81 all in all ) and the principles in it are also about self realisation. Becoming a witness, not taking things personally and integrating ups and downs by accepting that only both are the polarity that is life. Living in the moment is also the most important thing that all enlightened masters of the past and present try to teach. Although it can't be tought, only experienced.
The minute we can seperate our self esteem from peoples reaction ( your music is wonderful - your music sucks ) we have regained our dignity. Same thing with money.
I have studied the self help and motivation scene for a while. Although there are some people who are fakers, there are many who really dig into it and share what they have discovered. Lately I have seen a few videos from Byron Katie that are relly good. (I wonder if you know her)
Abraham Hicks and their daily quote are also very sincere.
New thoughts pop up everywhere, and I think the time is right for a quantum leap. And that includes living without fear, trusting oneself and surrendering to what is.
Thank you for sharing your article. It's all very exciting, isn't it?
Take care;
Peter Blue - Blue Star
I like it, fantastic one liner to have in your head all the time so just when you need it most, go and do it
I always think it is best to do *something* than nothing at all, this stops from procrastination.
I totally agree! Seems like I've always tried to make myself to what was what is scary! Except foolishly dangerous stuff. I think pushing out of our comfort zone is a way to grow. Fear is at the core of all of our problems when it comes to crossing over into unknown territory.
I like this verse from the Bible...
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Great advice, Derek! Inspiring to read first thing in the morning
Hey, you still in the hood??!!
Derek,
How about a post telling us how you communicate this to your employees? Powerful organizations are places where this occurs systemically, yet people are generally resistant to change and uncomfort.
Chris
I completely agree Derek. The best choices that I've made in life were based on just jumping in and doing it. Scary and exciting? Yes. And these types of decisions have lead to even more opportunities to make scary and exciting choices.
It's never easy and I've been swayed to the dark side of "experts" telling me what I should and shouldn't do. As you say, they mean well, but I'm the one who has to live with the results. Listen to experts, friends and family, but in the end, live your own life based on what you feel is right. It's your life.
This is great thinking, it's exactly what helped/caused me to leave a record label job four 1/2 years ago and start my online marketing company. And I remind myself of it every day. Sometimes I make safe choices, and in retrospect see I could have gone much further. When you make those risky choices you learn so much, whether the outcome was intended or not, positive or negative.
a simple truth, thx for the reminder. my dad always told me to choose the path that would teach me what i needed to learn, and the money would come later.
I have a different slant that I've worked with called 'me in a rocking chair evaluation at age 95'. I imagine myself sitting there with a cold lemon aide evaluating this moment in my life: am I like 'good thing i did that', or 'too bad I didn't to that'...
Dean : YES! I love that! And that's the EXACT analogy I've used to describe it. That's why I left Portland last year : I imagined myself at 90 in a rocking chair looking back saying, "Well I came to Portland in my 30's and been here ever since," and shuddered at the thought of it. So I left, moved to London, and plan to move to many other countries before I die.
This is a great reminder to be persistent in achieving goals. It's all in attitude be open to suggestions and to follow your postive thinking.
Great Derek,
this is how we started the www.highrockswapshop.com we want to help people! It is time in our lives (my husband and I) to give something back!
So that is what we do.
Thanks very much for sharing this with all of us, I appreciate it!
Skies the limits, I prescribe to Bhakti a devotional type action based method. Acting on thought as quick as possible has brought me great knowledge, all my encouragements for people to understand Derek's insight. Live on the edge, walk were the water breaks at hide tide. Thanks Derek.
I had to make a similar choice (sans Europe) when I was seventeen. To go to Berklee or stay in my hometown and go to a non music school. Both were scary choices, but leaving, taking the chance to go to Berklee was really exciting. We must risk and in the end we find that is really worth while and builds us into the people we are dreaming of being.
thanks for mail.. you... promote me.. for tournee' deejay in U.S.A??? BYE.. DJ ANGELO DANI - BAGNOLO CREMASCO CREMONA ITALY
Awesome.
Always insightful advice, Mr. Sivers. The fear machine , especially in a place like Los Angeles, can sometimes be insidious, without realizing it at times. A nice kick in the arse -- gracias.
Just for kicks -- where did you go in India? I was there last year and fell in love wit the place (Vrindavana and Rishikesh in the North)
Keep the great ideas and thoughts comin' bro.
Cheers,
JC
Weel I Look at the Forrest and I see the Tress. Many Look at the Forrest and never seem to notice any trees. Sometimes i wonder what people are really into. I stopped wondering about others. Just doing what i feel makes me feel better. Putting input on what i enjoy doing. I know where i stand and what i want to do to make me interested and excited about trying new ways and methods in life to keep myself interested in progress. i notice as many around me get older and more mature in life. Many just like simple routine. That can get you into a RUTT, I do and try new things cause i want to. Need to stay in Touch with the new sounds, New Grooves, New Methods and adapt them to my Music. So i go do it. I become the only witness to my own doing and effort. love the article's and very inspiring to read. All the Best ! I want to read more !
In and As
Love
and
Gratitude
At The End Of The Day
At The Start
And Throughout
We Really Have No-Thing
To Worry About
We May Think
That We Do
And Not Know
When We Worry
That All Thoughts
We Hold
Come Back
In A Hurry
So Worry You Not
For What You Fear
Worry Instead
For What You Hold Dear
And All Of A Sudden
In That Instant
It's Here..
Andy@TruthMeetsTruth.Com
Sometimes the people closest to you don't get it when you decide to make a radical change and go for it.......following your dream. When it happens later in life they sometimes think you're crazy or in a mid-life crisis. They become uncomfortable with the new you. My advice to anyone experiencing this is to try to ignore them. If they are truly with you they will accept you, if not then that's their problem not yours. Don't let others label you and don't conform to the image they have of you. Become who you see yourself as. Don't be afraid to dream BIG! You just might make it. This happened to me when I decided to become a singer in my 30's. It was the best decision I ever made.
Very inspirational! And who owns the rights to the diving pig picture? I'd love to use that on my site.
James Higgins
I greatly admire all the things Derek has done to help the independent artist, for sure. His motivation is to help others with what he has discovered. For this and more he is to be highly commended.
So, I find it hard to understand why he would recommend Abraham Maslow as someone to be studied or that has anything worthwhile to say.
Maslow was an American psychologist who developed a theory of self-actualization, which does little more than clutter the concept with his convoluted writings and thinking. He took a simple concept and made it far more complex than necessary. Common sense would have served him better.
Stick with Derek, he's got his head on his shoulders, uses common sense to make the complex simple, and is in touch with real people.
Ok Derek, you are clearly giving your pet pig "free press" here. Such shameless promotion. LOL
Excellent thoughts. Thanks for posting.
Karen
--------------------
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
~Pablo Picasso
The theme of this thread is what I am living right now. I am planning my first European tour and I'm not sure of what's going to happen. My heart and head are united in this and I know the risk of upending the security I have painstakingly acquired is worth the reward of peace of mind and is a necessary element in my journey toward self-actualization. The regret I would feel in not trying something I am capable of is one regret I refuse to lay down for. This possible acceptance of laziness, apathy and fear scares me more than anything!! That I have already lived in this way has brought about an ache that cannot be made rid of by a pill or other drugs. It is looked back at as a great reason to move forward to experience truly living. I just turned 50 and have come to know deeply that "the time is now, every day.
I agree,I've done this for most of my life,for the most part its worked out good..,thanks Derek
Howdy Derek, Its great to know there is someone in the music business who is a thinker and humanitarian with a sense of humour to boot I just love your take on life.
The old truth be spontaneous and take the long way home happened to my partner and I today, Instead of going home the same way we turned the car around and went for a drive out west for a bit of adventure and boy did we find it, first the car broke down then it started to rain and to top it off we got lost with hungry bellies.
So while we were waiting for help to arrive we ended up having a deep conversation about life and its meaning and why we need so much technology and gadgets to feel happy or good about ourselves then suddenly it dawned on us, Here we are with nothing but ourselves and imagination to play with and it felt great just simply talking and exchanging ideas but then that’s what the human race has done for centuries until modern culture tells us we need this and that to feel complete.
So from now on we have decided to spend at least one day a week without electricity so we have to connect with our senses and learn to live again.
Hi Derek-
This is a superb article with excellant advice!
i never would have gotten as for as i have if not
for developing this type of attitude. It helps to
describe the 4 principle points of becoming successful:
(1) Enthusiasm (2) Determination (3)Extreme Effort
(4) Dilegent Hard Work. Yes my Friend, one day you go down
in Music History, i love these articles!
Hank
Get out of your comfort zone , I told my Band that I'll turn 50 next year and I really don't want to work 10 or 12 more years and retire , so lets hit the road and live alittle , we'll be better off I think
I am 7 months into and Art and Design degree and it scared the hell out of me in the first few weeks - I felt completely out of my depth compared to some of the other students on the course who had done art before me whereas I hadn't even studied art at Highschool!
Well, I'm so glad I swallowed my fear and plowed on because I have to say I'm in the happeist place I've been for a very long time. It does still scare me because any time you're producing art, be it musical or visual you're letting the general public into a piece of your soul and that vulnerability can be very uncomfortable but it's a good discomfort because it makes you a more peaceful person in the long run (well it does for me anyway).
Hi Derek,
Thanks for emailing me the very nice articles. I scanned over some very interesting subject matter. I am very excited about my music. I've been practicing and waiting for the local radio stations to start playing my music, so that the public locally will invite me to perform for their members.
I've even visited the St. Louis Symphony Site and the Sheldon where local talent are showcased from time to time so that all areas of inquest concerning local performances were covered. However, I haven't heard any response as of yet. The public loves my music but that's been by my promoting this project solely. Pray for me Derek if you are a praying man.
Respectfully,
Valerie Ann Grimes
"Val-Val"
Hey Derek
It's great to hear you're in London.
How about doing something exciting and getting yourself down to Brighton.
You've most probably been, but I'd sure like to say hi.
Regards Markus
many thanx bro ,perfect zen vibes there.jus saved my life bro ,keep up tha good work my brother ,andre,yush2k, edinburgh ,scotland
Derek: I love and relate to your philosophy
Everything that you believe is true
Truth can only be just what you tell it to
If you believe that I am bad, then I am bad, for you
Believe that I am good, it seems it's understood
Believing makes it so, believing makes truth grow
Even things you do no know
The groundbeneath you feet - the plants to which you talk -
The trees above your heaed- the grass on which you walk
cannot care or share what the animal knows
only as it dies, does it share and then care where the grass has grown
won't come by trying - only by dieing
can man truly know , that by non-knowing he will grow
and then understand what the mind of man has struggled to know
since man began.
Everything that you believe - believe me friend, it's true
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
nice on
I was denied a visa to Canada based on insuffient information. My younger sister died April 11 and I thought I would can the whole idea of a reunion of Ryerson alumni of the Radio TV Film class of '83. Then I got calls from friends in Toronto: will I be coming? Your philosophy pushed me to give it another shot. Wish me luck with the Canadian High Commission in Trinidad.
Much respect,
Andre
we definitely need to live by this..
thanks to that acting class.
when i first moved out to L.A. there were tons of acting classes but i took the one that scared the HECK out of me and that was the best decision i have ever made. now.. in my arts, singing, acting, etc.. NOTHING scares me cause i've gone there. we have to be fearless as artists and that I know i am
Risk assessment is always necessary. Gut feelings make good movies and if they translated in to real life success stories in a higher percentage than we wouldn't need movies. Enjoy what you do in real time because Fantasy doesn't age well. I chose Music, Engineering and Medicine as my endeavors and have enjoyed all. Each CHOICE involved risk and loss but it was thru the losses i gained wisdom and its thru wisdom i learned to enjoy life on life's terms. Keep the enthusiasm high and the expectations low - the possibilities are endless.
shalom
-j
I know a man who prayed so he could win the lotto
He prayed everyday so he could win the lotto.Many
weeks passed without him winning.One day god payed him a visit
& in a calm but firm voice said HELP ME HELP YOU BUY A BLOODY
TICKET
sorry about abusing the priveledge of partialy signing upwith your company.i wanted to say I heartily concur with your observations and have my actions for proof.its hard to be happy when the hellone knows one thinks is better than the unknown.as my music is original and folk it seems immposssibly difficult to not just give it out free which i do.I stillwant to sell a cd through your company but as i amon disability and do not believe in very rich musicians.in fact i planned to sell the cd through you youi at cost.several of my best songs are conducted originals using an odd choice of ready made sounds,d and b tribal which i altered and the voice of charles bukowski and alan watts.joni mitchel.com accepted my rendition of carry which i feelwith a cd might helpme get some tour workoverseas.i hope i will be able to fig ure out how to put the partialy ready mades on the album as well as fred niels the other side of this life.thanks for the encouredjment.i lived the life of freedom you describe and also left the bussiness world at 41 as touretz/autisme caught upwith me.happy ending though.thankyou again on behalf of folks stuck in inactivity regarding their dreams.
Derek,your resolve to help musicians find and sustain focus is commendable.These articles re-affirm to me that there is a winning formula in a balanced combination of intuition and intellect.If it scares you,it's most likely unique and thus have a better chance of being success with all other bases covered. Tracy Chapman,Sachmo,Thelonious Monk .....
Don't start a label Derek !! Your catalogue may be that dismal,with nobody signed !
Derek,your resolve to help musicians find and sustain focus is commendable.These articles re-affirm to me that there is a winning formula in a balanced combination of intuition and intellect.If it scares you,it's most likely unique and thus have a better chance of being a success with all other bases covered. Tracy Chapman,Sachmo,Thelonious Monk .....
Don't start a label Derek !! Your catalogue may be that dismal,with nobody signed !
Everyone read Peter Gutteridge's post, above, if you missed it. Great story, Peter!
Hey all
nice ideas...but I could use some money
please check me out at www.itsaboutmusic.com/andypratt.html
blessings to all
Andy Pratt
Hell yeah man! I totally agree.
Everyone I know that went to Berklee ended up moving furniture for a living or working in the store 24 across the street - OK well slight exaggeration - the real life lessons I think are much more valuable. I just happen to think Berklee is a bit overrated and a rip off for "bright young stars to be" - better still; go and work in a fish market for a while and get an unpaid internship at a nice studio as a side gig, you will learn a lot more then the 4 years paying $20k.
Every since I was thirteen I've been making myself do things I'm afraid to do. As a result I can get up in front of an audience and speak without preparation at the spur of the moment. Last night I went to a fashion show and the person who was supposed to do the commentary on the clothes did not show up. I got drafted to do it and had a lot of fun. There are so many other things I have become comfortable doing that have made my life so much more fun. So rather than worry about doing something I don't know, I just plunge in and try.
Derek,
You're a badass!! No way around it!!Thanks.
Very True, Derek!
Great way to help the world amigo!! And in light of this article I would like to add this quote by Leonardo Sciascia:
"The truth is at the bottom of a well. You look in a well, and you see the sun or the moon, but if you jump in, there's no longer the sun or the moon; there's the truth."
Wisdom, love and light...
gia
Derek , I love the way you think and what you said in your article. My thought is this,If you pray don`t worry,If you worry don`t pray.So be happy and don`t worry.
this has been my philosophy of life for the past 3 years
hasn't let me down yet
Right On! Most people are afraid of the wrong things. What hurts us the most is not taking a risk. Jump out of the comfort zone and live! I did this 6 years ago and now I'm on my way from being self employed to business owner. Thanks for your emails.
To Derek!
If you sart a label I think you would be good at it! We would sign with you if you think we meet your standards. We are all ASCAP song writters and we have listed CD Baby as our Label for all the Digital Distribution you have done for us! We thank you sincerely for all you have done for Cocobola Club.
All you have to do is Just google our group and you will find over 20 digital stores. I do think what would help is a Digital Promo Kit like the One Cocobola Club has on AirPlay Direct. If CD baby with all its computers and "Know How" Could Promote Digitaly directly to the Radio Stations with Air play Quality streams for imediate download and play that music sales would sky rocket in everyones favor.
Just a thought! Check out Airplaydirect.com When you get a chance.
Sincerely!
Alex Causey
(Cocobola Club)
I want to say that over the past five years, I have been struggling every
day trying to maintain living this strenuous, challenging yet incredible life
style of an independent musician. You fight everyday to deal with the
same regular life struggles that everyone else does:
rent,
utility,
heat,
phone,
(if you can afford cable),
car(van) payments,
gas prices,
(if you can afford food),
and a shit load of debt.
-hmm... I am positive there tons of miscellaneous other debts we can all
list however, we first have to think about busting our asses at day, night
and/or third shift at bullshit jobs to pay to record and play our own music.
The perks of being a musician are untouchable. There is nothing like
hearing your OWN brand new record for the first time. Or having a
complete stranger in the audience sing YOUR lyrics to you as loud as they
can.
This life-style definately has it's ups and downs, and when you're in the
core of the down, it's inspirational to have FRIENDS like Derek Sivers
around to help in the many ways he and CDBaby have helped me.
Great advice as usual Derek. Thanks again,
AHH!dumb
No Service Project
Thanks for the article. It's great to know that there's advocates like you out there for us "unkown" artists. My main problem is not fear or excitement, it's opportunity. I need help in creating the opportunity. Any suggestions?
I agree Derek, be bold, be audacious, be daring. I put my head on the chopping block every project I do, it keeps it fresh, new exciting and the element of risk somehow drives me. But then, I am a bit extreme that way
If you don't think outside the square then you will be the same as everybody else and never do something truly brilliant.
Yup, challenge yourself and see how much more interesting you are afterwards, no doubt.
With certain limitations, life-threatening risks should be mitigated as much as possible (or preceded by appropriate farewells to loved ones). 8-)
thanks i have several things to say let the good times roll............if your not on the edge you not really living also nothing can take the place of persistence .......... SUCCESS something to do someone to love and something to hope for.......... i have many more this is the day the lord has made rejoice and be glad in it.......................god bless dr tom butt
If you want to do it ( git er done )
Estoy completamente seguro de que las cosas que asustan mas son las que hay que terminar por vencer, y finalmente ganar.
gracias.
Super Derek for now expanding to become a spiritual leader in your own ways. You have proved that the philosophy you follow is working over the years, by your success.
I would like to add that: when you feel Joy in your heart, sparkles of stars getting crazy within your heart and your entire body, aura, energy field, whenever you feel THAT JOY deep inside you, this is the dream you can live NOW! The ego thrill has no joy but the brain storming thrill, the TRUE (divine within) JOY that ultimately will bring to TRUE SUCCESS is the one you recognize by feeling that JOY when you think of something, a goal, a vision, an idea, a suggestion... Follow your heart, and go do it. Fears are our biggest enemies. So trust your intuition, your inner voice, your inner JOY and all will be fine
Derek:
You are the best - totally inspirational when I need it - and you get right to the bottom line.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Jeanne Sorensen
I totally agree
Everyone keeps telling me I'm the most unpredictable person they know.
I believe this aligns with "Follow your passion, no matter what it takes."
I left the village now I'm at the foot hills of Mount Everest. CDBaby gave
me a warmer suit and a new rope. Got a long way to go.
Navy Jim
From being a composer, I have discovered that there is no such thing as reality. We create our own reality. We swim in an endless pool of possibilities. Mostly we make choices without considering the outcomes or consequences, which could be an infinite number of other possibilities. A piece of music is a model of the universe. They both operate on alll the same universal principles.
good school in Canada http://www.gmcc.ab.ca/web/home/index.cfm
Derek:
This is absolutely true. I've done many things in my life, that were risky, and I'm a much better person for it. Marriage always haunted me, but I always wanted to do it. I knew one day, it would all come together. It's the greatest move I ever made, besides being born. It's only getting better from here. God bless you, in all you endeavor on your fascinating journey through life. You are indeed a platinum source of inspiration. Please stay in contact with all of us? We will definitely do the same. God speed to you. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Marc De Julio
Dear Derek,
You impress me daily. I love this idea about the articles. I don't have a particular question, but needed to tell you that you regularly come up with wonderful ideas. I do have a few questions and comments for you, but I think it might be best for me to forward them to your staff, since it relates to my new CD, due to be released on 6/17/08. If I have CDs sooner I'll send them on to you for inventory and sound clips and cover scanning.
Thanks!
Bobby
I want to get a giant tattoo. Now I'll tell my mom it was your fault.
Ye, Don't think DO
Ye, Don't think DO, dannysumbler.com
Derek,
Insightful article, got your email and will be reading more of them as time allows. I was wondering if you have any tips on how to get my music on the radio without greasing a bunch of palms?
Regards,
Ric Zweig
I really appreciate what you've shared in these recent articles. It's always good to be communicated with on a supportive, professional level with music. And, incidentally, if you ever DO start a record label, please sign me! Best, Julia
I live in L.A. There are plenty of good musicians here, but not a lot of work for jazz musicians. Clubs are closing, people stay home, watch t.v. or are online.
So, I am thinking about relocating to a place where people go out, hear music and there is street life. Someplace like Italy or Spain.
Without having any contacts there, how should I approach this?
Is there a network for musicians who are like minded?
maybe because the economy is bad and the euro vs. dollar is high, I don't want to end up living in a bus terminal in Rome!
I've thought of waiting for the economic situation to improve, but who knows wen that will be.
Any ideas on how to proceed?
Thank you!
Good advice, as always from Derek, although doing whatever it is that excites or scares you is always easier when you don't have to worry about paying the bills and taking care of the kids. Time is money and money seems ever-so elusive but I suppose these are still good goals for which to aspire.
I totally agree D.
I 'am to the point of F it...
you only live once
All press is good press.
It's a lot easier said than done. I mean I can't always force the mountains in my way to move.
Great advice- you're like a musician-shrink!
I appreciate the advise. I am in a growth spurt as we speak.
Taking on the unknown is exciting and scary and a learning experience.
I am overwhelmed at the opportunities now presenting themselves around me.
Thank’s again Derek, you have consistantly given us great articles.you
keep motivating us to keep working for our dream.good advice as usual.
no one said it would be easy,but nothing worth while is.
I agree with you Derek. We should do whatever scares us to build the courage that it will take for us to be comfortable doing it.
Because practice makes perfect.
those few words reveal a double edge sword of humanity...the young men from columbine and jeffery dalmer murdered many with those few words, dr. martin luther kings killers, john lennons killers and many other un-named victims recieved plenty of hurt and pain from these few words...
on the other hand you would'nt have the works of bob marley, peter tosh, gahdi, joni mitchel, john lennon, malcolm x, dr. king, bunny wailer, aretha franklin,carol pellet you and me and many others-if those few little words did'nt spark us as well-this is the time for revelations-to reveal all that has been hidden-lies-hypocracy-deception-our hidden talents-our self worth-the war and confusion within ourselves-bob marley put it plainly "...we know we shall win for we are confident of the victory of good over evil, good over evil, good over evil....
keep on keep'n on
bless
health
strength
Hi Derek,
Enjoyed all the various comments of people,and the encouraging words from you,that might be too strong for some.But you see,regardless what your desire is, one needs
dicipline in order to create, or to be free.Sounds strange perhaps? Not really!Once you (DECIDE)you want order,the next one is as you said;turn off everything,except what you now want to concentrate on,and than it takes some more, than just to be a 5 minute star.(I have to laugh at all of this at times ,you have to)It takes Selfconfidence to conquer.It's called Life.Enjoy the exsperience while being on this wonderfull journey to take all the good and the bad,and keep stepping with a big smile.It is so much easier to do things with a smile.Nobody wants to hire a lazy person.Very bad for one self,not even to mention the company
who might be hiring you.
Most people are caught up in the I, and me syndrome ,and not what makes one a whole and unique person,as we came into this world in the first place.Dare to let go at times,because it makes space for the new to come in,to learn
even more than you thought you new.
It all might sound simple,and it is. Sometimes we are determine to make it complicated,and it is not.Sprinkle
it all with a lot of love being good to yourself,and the rest will
flow into place where you have to be at the moment.Life is a Spiritual journey with a flow of gentleness within us.Coming back to your Answer of what holds us back at times? Dare to stand still,and you will find the answer.
Hope you enjoy my comments.
Thanks again,Sonja.
Very timely advice for our band, Derek. Thank you for that. We were stuck between a choice of touring in Eastern Canada or the UK. We chose the one that scared us most.
I'm not sure if this follows the established thread here but thinking about how lovely it might be to burst through our limitations - some of which are dictated by time and circumstance and needs be endured - and trying to marry my 'day' work and Maslow's principles of Self Actualisation, I offer these thoughts.
I get my news by searching out information on the issues which affect us all. For events in my own back yard, I look to local T.V. They could be different worlds. It’s cold and I’m trying to shake a depressed state.
I’ve just spent a useful five hours at a training seminar on ‘meaningful activity’ as this pertains to working with people with a disability - more directed towards intellectual disability but not restricted.
Most of our staff understand that, while we could do most of the tasks in the Group Home far more quickly and efficiently by not involving our clients, this approach misses the point. To paraphrase ... give a client a cup of tea and perhaps you slake his thirst. Enable him to take part in the process and the thirst for self worth, independence, interaction, constructive movement, meaningful activity is also nourished. Be patient and perhaps the client can make you a cuppa. There are many small steps along the way. Meaningful activity ... now there’s a ‘call to arms’.
I don’t give a stuff about the Rothschilds and their kin. I loath a system which makes a virtue of playing monopoly with the wealth of nations. I recoil from ...ahhh ..take a break, draw a breath, walk about, cup of coffee.....................................................................................................
I was directed to a page on the Internet - Maslow’s principles of Self Actualisation - I hope there’s no problem in ‘copy and paste’ - it’s just to give the idea.
Maslow studied healthy people who had the "full use and exploitation of talents, capacities, potentialities, etc.."
“Maslow's Basic Principles:
The normal personality is characterized by unity, integration, consistency, and coherence. Organization is the natural state, and disorganization is pathological.
The organism can be analyzed by differentiating its parts, but no part can be studied in isolation. The whole functions according to laws that cannot be found in the parts.
The organism has one sovereign drive, that of self-actualization. People strive continuously to realize their inherent potential by whatever avenues are open to them.
The influence of the external environment on normal development is minimal. The organism's potential, if allowed to unfold by an appropriate environment, will produce a healthy, integrated personality.
The comprehensive study of one person is more useful than the extensive investigation, in many people, of an isolated psychological function.
The salvation of the human being is not to be found in either behaviorism or in psychoanalysis, (which deals with only the darker, meaner half of the individual). We must deal with the questions of value, individuality, consciousness, purpose, ethics and the higher reaches of human nature.
Man is basically good not evil.
Psychopathology generally results from the denial, frustration or twisting of our essential nature.
Therapy of any sort, is a means of restoring a person to the path of self-actualization and development along the lines dictated by their inner nature.
When the four basic needs have been satisfied, the growth need or self-actualization need arises: A new discontent and restlessness will develop unless the individual is doing what he individually is fitted for. A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write--in short, what people can be they must be.
I’m trying to follow the common thread through this line of thought. My work - by which I pay my way - is with the disabled. After awhile you see the common humanity and work with what you have. It’s almost a truism that staff generally have more behavioural problems than clients and, in that respect, we are all disabled to some degree.
The following is, perhaps, the key.
“The organism has one sovereign drive, that of self-actualization. People strive continuously to realize their inherent potential by whatever avenues are open to them.”
This is what I see in the behaviour of my clients. This is what I see in my own behaviour. This is what I see in everybody notwithstanding the ‘garden of limitation’ in which all of us live. The difference is in the options which are open to us. That’s part of the depressed state I feel. What ‘meaningful activity’ is open to much of mankind in these dislocated times. Hmm ... I feel better now.
I’ll practice songs after this and I start recording next week.
We are fortunate. It's barely a whisker away in time to where all we could hope for in terms of musicianship was to be recognised as 'the village songsmith'. For all the pain - these are the times.
Hi, Derek
I am terrified of diving. So, I totally relate to THE PIG.
I think it is key to say "what makes YOU afraid?" because my fears are not anyone else's. If you are a born risk-taker, then you're not stretching by taking risks. It's what you do naturally. Maybe you need to learn different lessons. But, if you are born afraid, then even the smallest steps are significant.
I fall into the second category. So, I appreciate your wisdom-sharing.
Peace,
Laura
THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEEN SCARED AND BEING CAUTIOUS, BEING SCARED PROTECTS YOU FROM MAKING MISTAKES, BUT A SCARED PERSON NEVER GIVES A STEP FURTHER, WHILE THE CAUTIOUS ONE, PLAN THINGS, SOMETIMES USES HIS/HER GUTS.
MANY TIMES YOU HAVE TO INVEST IN ORDER TO WIN.
I HEARD MANY SCARED PEOPLE SAY. " I CAN`T DO THAT I`M JUST BEING CAUTIOUS". IF YOU REALLY WANT IT WHY CANT?!!
THERE IS A TONS OF SOLUTIONS, PLAN, ENJOY, FIGHT, FALL, STAND,
TRY AGAIN, ACHIEVE IT, BE ALL YOU CAN BE!!!!!
You know what Derek, you've come so far and built your little great company into a great great one by helpimg the unknown musician; and thats a great achievement. But can you go further and have CD Baby Radio? Would that be like the Covent Garden mouse who was trying to get into the house on your video
LOL
Dear Derek,
Have you ever listen to music of mind to share with you as well?
Thank you for your motivation,but if you don't know what is in your music store you can't really say what. I believe.
If you did good, if you didn't,than go do it so.
Once again thank you for your "passion" of your work and concern.
Sincerely your friend Emily Eunjue Hayes
Hey Derek!
Your drive keeps us all -who have ever had the wonderful opportunity to cross paths with you- driven!!!! Everytime I read one of your articles I get soooo mad at you because you challenge me yet again and I realise that I've still got alot of growing to do.Truth be told, that's what's exciting the musicians lifestyle...thanks again for being a part of my journey
I agree! It's skydiving that excites me!
There's a management guru named Peter Block who succinctly notes "Every time you choose safety you give up sovereignty."
Derek, I came back to this post after last week's American Idol show reinforced how important you and CDBaby have been to the art of music. My 12-year old daughter is an idol fanatic, a growing singer/songwriter, and in love with Jason Castro. Watching Castro get trashed in the last two weeks shows that the entire industry is about promoting the high payoff, power rock ballad genre that most of America has been hypnotized into believing they want. Castro and Blake Lewis showed the incredible appeal of independent music, and it scared the hell out of the powers that be.
Thanks for all you've done, and continue to do.
Man, I love that you have sivers.org now! And I wanted to stop and give you some mad props as I continue to realize how blessed I am to be a part of the work your hands have built. In all seriousness! you have provided support and inspiration, introduced me to inspiring folks like Bob Baker and Ariel, (which I hope to work with when I get back on the $ upswing,) but guess what I'm sayin is... I think i love you. ;-)
Derek,
I read some of these. One of them was the one of was the first one the one about change. I thought it was about the pain and pain I know because I haven't had success in my life in what I pursue-music.
I am glad you are here at CD Baby because it allows the distribution of artists music that would have no distribution at all without CD Baby.
I think that self awareness isn't knowledge but what's in your soul. I agree that doing what makes you excited is always the best way to go. If your friend travels the world he might wind up in Miami and go to Frost.
Derek, i have spent a good portion of my morning wandering through this gold mine of blogs. I feel so much more enthusiastic than i did 2 hours ago. Life is short and fun is where you find it.
I consider my life to be about as stress free as anyone's could be. I have a wonderful wife, a little cabin i built in the woods as a defiant young hippie, grow my own food for the most part, and have most all my bills paid off. I'm healthy as are those i love. I spent the last 15 years as a counselor in a teen psychiatric unit helping kids to find their way before i decided to retire to my Garden of Eden. My Life is so good that I...wait...what is that? It looks like rust forming on my soul!!
what scare every good artist of the new generation HIT TYPE is that we should gives music the amount of publicities needed to achieves its success,but many dont have this chances so ,best numbers of music are not know even when they are better than the top world ten.give us the chances,we promise to make you see the truth.
Sir
l kindly want to say ,by your will power,your tools of marketing l mean,we all can attain the apex of our carries.if only we are given the chances to act.
Thanks alot MR DEREK.
Hi Derek,
So often I meet other artists... or even people in general.... who look at my life and say "I always wanted to do that". But I see it in their face that fear prevented them from stepping out and facing the risk they would have to go through in order to achieve what they wanted. They dream of things they want to achieve but are afraid to "go for it!"
I've learned that God offers us opportunities to grow everyday. Many times those opts are envisioned in our dreams. We need to trust ourselves and our Heavenly Father and follow those dreams aggressively. To me a dream is like God saying to me.... "You can do this, just try! Take the risk and see what I have empowered you to do."
In 1979 with five small children and a husband who was not at all thrilled about my decision, I began a singing career. Four years later, I felt i was a big fish in a little pond and needed to see just how far music could take me. A good record label in Nashville wanted to "work with me" but there were no promises. If I was serious about my music career, the record company told me I had to move to Nashville. But a move meant losing all my gigs on the West Coast and becoming a minnow in a huge sea. My husband supported me in the decision to move to the point that when he couldn't find a job in his field in Nashville, he took a one year contract to work in Saudi Arabia thereby affording an income for the family while I sold the home, moved the family and settled in TN. The move was the best thing we could have ever done. 15 months later I opted to not take a very good record deal in Country and go into Gospel music instead.... because i felt "called" to that music. Many tears and fears were in that decision but it was where my heart led. Again my husband supported my decision and again it was the right move. Ten years ago we took yet another huge risk.... my husband left his job and joined me in ministry full time. Yes there were several very scary financial years but we got through them.
I can look back and see so many choices that have led me and my husband to this point in our lives. So many times we had to put everything at risk and move in a direction that so many others would have been reluctant to go. But each risk strengthened us (and our children), each risk produced results that would never have come if we had been unwilling to take risks.
As I write this note I am sitting on the aft deck of our 49 foot cruiser in the Bahamas. We began talking some years ago "Wouldn't it be great to get a nice boat, take four to six months out of life and head down the riverways of the US to the Gulf of Mexico and then onto where ever our courage would take us." Three years ago we bought the boat and we've spent the ensuing time getting to know how to handle this boat and work with and repair all it's systems. As we prepared for our departure I had many moments of fear. Could we handle the boat, could we navigate the waterways, etc. But we loaded the boat with provisions and outfitted it so that we could be out at sea as long as we wanted. As we went through our preparations I cannot tell you how many people said.... "We've always wanted to do that but...." Now health or money issues prevent them from embarking on such a challenge. We left home port on April 2. I have to admit we've had some moments we felt overwhelmed on this trip but we have learned so much about ourselves and each other that there is nothing to compare with this experience. In a few months we'll return to our gospel music ministry but this experience will stay with us forever. Maybe we'll do a similar trip in a few years... God willing!
Yes... By all means! ! Whatever excites you.... go do it !! and Whatever scares you... go do it!!
Thank you, Derek! Your advice is giving me new energy to follow my dreams and musical path.
In the music business it's maybe almost the same like to old sentence:
NO RISK, NO FUN.
I will push my goals to play all around Switzerland, Europe and the world.
Stay cool! Best wishes, Peter
Dearest Derek,
I believe your idea is the best I've read so far. But I have 2 questions I hope you could answer sincerely, they are:
1. What is the purpose of life? and
2. What is there for us after life/ when we die?
I am a regular reader of ur blog and the thing which I love about ur blog is you always motive people for achieving some thing good. It helps one to overcome from his/her complexes or weak points.Like in this post point #1 is pretty common but the the 2nd one is very thoughtful “whatever scares you, go do it”. Posts like this are really a great motivation for people who are in depressive state of mind and those who are scared of taking risks in life.