Parents tell us don’t grow up too fast. My niece, Brooklyn, is also growing up fast. She loves to play my instruments, and also knows where I keep the microphones and cables so she can sing. Brook has helped me set up for recording sessions, and even wrote her first song called “I’m a Rock Star.” She’s a talented four year old.
We can also grow up too fast when it comes to goals. We live in a fast-paced "gotta have it right now" culture. We don't want to work that hard to get our reward. And it may take longer for one person to reach a goal than it does another.
Because things seem to move quickly around us, it is so easy that we can miss out on the journey that gets us there.
Whenever I hear those words echo, don’t grow up too fast, it reminds me of the song “Cats in the Cradle,” written by Harry Chapin, and later covered by Ugly Kid Joe. Carefully listen to the lyrics. Life can pass you by in a blink of an eye.
Songwriters and artists, myself included, can feel this need to reach the goal of “making it” way before we are ready to make it. It takes time to develop your talents and skills in order to be on the same level as those who have been doing it for years.
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others. I’ve been guilty of comparing myself to songwriters that make a comfortable living from music royalties. Then I have to stop and think about how many years it took for that artist to reach that level of success.
It may take years to reach a specific goal. We have to be OK with that and not get frustrated because it's doesn't happen when we want it to. We want to run before we can walk. What happens if you try to run before you're ready? You fall and it hurts.
I see fellow indie musicians get frustrated because they tried to run before they walk. Then they question their talents and abilities. I've witnessed musicians spend a small fortune upgrading their guitars because they couldn't play like Stevie Ray Vaughan, when all they needed was more practice.
Work smarter, not just harder, and remember life is a marathon, not a sprint. Attempting to sprint to your goals will cause stress, anxiety, and honestly it’s not worth it the toll it takes on your health.
Being a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) musician takes a certain balance as well as dedication, especially balancing a full time job along with it.
Sure, we want the next big promotion, the next big bonus, and for musicians the next big break. If it’s meant to happen, it will happen if you give it time. Just don't force it to happen.
If creating music or whatever you do causes you stress and anxiety, take a step back. There have been times where I'll put the guitar down for a couple days. The last thing thing I want is to force creativity. It definitely affects your mood.
I’m declaring 2019 the year of balance. Find balance in your life. Balance work and rest. Balance your day job and your creative outlet.
The finish line isn't going anywhere. It will wait for you. Take your time and don’t grow up too fast.