Hello musicians, I always write about how to be a happy musician but in this blog, I am going to discuss three reasons why you are NOT a happy musician. I'm not talking about the momentary unhappiness that all musicians have. I’m talking about that lingering unhappiness that is sucking the life out of your music and crushing your motivation.
"Happiness serves hardly any other purpose than to make unhappiness possible."
~ Marcel Proust
You forgot your Why
Your why must stay in the forefront of your mind, even if your why changes. It needs to remain at the forefront. Knowing your why gives you direction, helps you set the correct goals, and seek opportunities in line with your vision. Knowing your why gives you purpose. If you don't know your purpose your not going to be a happy musician.
Your working with the wrong musicians It's important to rid yourself of toxic people (read Toxic Detox Blog) to be productive and well, happy: this includes musicians. You may be working with musicians who may not seem toxic, but they unintentionally impede your progress, and/or cause unnecessary stress, or make you work harder then it needs. These musicians will make you very unhappy.
You're doing it alone Ever hear the saying “no man is an island” I truly believe this. Every successful musician has someone they “check in” with. Call them a coach, a mentor or whatever. It's important that musicians communicate with someone that is where they want to be, that someone is a wealth of information and helps keep musicians on the right track. If you don't have this type of person being a successful musician is quite difficult. Mentors/Coaches help you get clear about your goals, provide accountability, offer support when the going gets tough. They also help you realize your full potential. When you're not living to your full potential is makes you pretty unhappy.
“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
~ John C. Maxwell
If you want to be a happy musician, Know your Why, Surround yourself with the right musicians, and get Help.
Your Happy musician