10. Thinking I was too old.
Yes I know this sounds crazy. I'm only 23 but it seems like musicians are getting younger and younger. Or I'm just getting older. Yeah that's it. Then I was reminded that there are hitmakers of all ages. Look up the credits for some of these hits and these writers go well into their 30s and 40s and beyond. So, so much for that point. NEXT.
9. Illuminati-complex.
Yes, this halted me for a sec. If you don't know, the Illuminati is a group of some rich and influential people who are considered to be devil-worshippers and yearn to dominate and control. I don't know if the whole Illuminati thing is a frightening fact or a mere conspiracy that is only a ploy to excite nothing but attention and paranoia. Truth is, there is greed, deception, and illegal activity in every industry. As long as I stay grounded, have a strong sense of self, and keep my goals in perspective, such things would not affect me. NEXT.
8. I am not an expert at any instruments.
This has always been a handicap of mine. I have played the flute for over 10 years and am pretty good at it. But it is no mainstream instrument and barely useful for songwriting nowadays, right? Wrong. Many writers today don't know how to play an instrument, let alone read music. I know how to do both. Many use a computer, in which I own. I also own both a piano and a guitar. No I am no expert on either but I can at least compose for piano. For writers that aren't experts in instruments, find musicians and make it happen. So much for that excuse. NEXT.
7. Writer's block.
Every writer gets or has gotten writers' block. I could get it for weeks and months. But what I would define as writer's block doesn't mean that I cannot write anything. It's just that I would want to write something that I feel like others would want to hear over and over. I understand that the more I write (good or bad) the better I get. So if I can persist and write 100 bad songs to get 1 hit, it would be worth it. Writer's block is a myth to me. NEXT.
6. No one would take me seriously, not even me.
I had a situation in which I was composing something for a performance...I wanted to be easy-going instead of demanding so I was very lenient on the direction of my composition. One of the artists on stage improvised my piece against my wishes. I was very upset and felt disrespected. But I took that as a learning lesson. I had to be an authoritative figure. I had to stand up for my work and take myself seriously in all situations. Lesson learned. NEXT.
5. It's too risky.
I am reminded of this everyday. Duh it's risky. A small percentage see profits from their music exports. A vast minority can live off of their careers alone. So why do I want to do this for a living again? Why not? If you've got the talent and drive, go for it. Be smart with it though. Come up with a plan B, C, and D. Multitask. If it works out and you become that fortunate minority, then go with that. That's my way of thinking. I've never been much of a risk-taker so I am definitely stretching out of my comfort zone with this.
4. Self-doubt.
I'm just not good enough. The quitter's slogan. I know I have said it to myself many times before. I know I have great potential but there is still the fear of rejection. I have moments of strong confidence and other times of self-doubt. Developing a strong foundation and belief in my work is what will keep me going, even when things don't work. I work to better that part of myself everyday.
3. Procrastination.
I am an expert procrastinator. What I could put off today I would gladly push off into tomorrow. When the pressure is on, I usually find other things to occupy my mind to lessen the stress. I know I need to work on being persistent and block out time in my schedule for my music.
2. It's not practical.
Money is a grave concern in today's economy. The music industry, as much of a money-maker it could be, is not a practical industry to pursue career-wise. I still have this fear. That's why I didn't major in music. That's why I didn't pack a suitcase and move to L.A. knocking on the doors of producers and executives. I am a big dreamer but I am also a realist. I am concerned about how I will pay my bills and loans. I get reminded of it everyday. It's a struggle I deal with and hopefully it will not hinder me from spending the time I need to keep going at this.
1. FEAR.
All of these excuses can be summed up in one word: fear. Fear of the unexpected. Fear of failure. Fear of putting myself out there. It is all fear. When people ask me what would stop me from reaching my goals, I would say me. I often felt like I would stand in my way of greatness and success. So I would retreat to my comfort zone and stay as a closet writer. To me, I owe the world more than that. And I owe myself more than that.
~L~
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