“The big question is whether you’re going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure?”–Joseph Campbell -author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, directly influenced Star Wars.
Obviously we all have fears. I had fears about starting this blog, like a fear about my sub-par literary skills, and what if no one likes it. What if I run out of things to write about? After years of working with so many unhappy musicians I had to do it. So I started with one thing, an experience, then I just wrote about the experience, and so on. Before I knew it I had my first blog!
What fear is holding you back? Fear of embarrassment? Fear of not enough money? Fear of commitment? Fear of the unknown? Whatever it may be. Is this fear holding you back from more happiness? Is this fear holding you back from your purpose? I’m going to be blunt ” Get out of your head, and take action” Don’t waste anymore hours, days an years trying to calculate the perfect move. Focus on where you are right now and start with one thing where you are right now. What you do doesn’t have to be the best thing since sliced bread, but it should take you on a path to happiness.
I have this question posted on my vanity mirror
“If you had unlimited cash and resources what would you do?”
This question helps me shake off my mental roadblocks and stay focused. I still have my struggles, I’m still in happiness training myself. But, one thing I have learned is this; happiness is not the goal, happiness happens on the way to the goal.
Here’s a little FYI for musicians, you are already equipped with tools to take action. You can use the same process you use when learning a new piece:
Music.
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Select the piece
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Set smaller goals within the piece.
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Practice, Try it out
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Add to the piece bit by bit
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Identify problems and break them down
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Play it through.
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Polish and Perform.
Your Goal
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Set the Goal
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Make smaller steps to meet goal
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Test out what you have so far
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Add more steps towards the goal
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Identify problems and break them down
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Take your plan for a test drive
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Polish and Go for it
Getting started on your goal can be the difference between a happy fulfilled life or a life of what ifs and bouts of unhappiness.
Please understand fear is not a bad thing, it’s vital to your existence but, fear can also put up unnecessary walls. Simply starting where you are right now with what you have is the first step to getting over that wall.
So what are you waiting for? Start now. Don’t let your fears postpone your happiness.
Your Happy Musician
