💭 Thought Bubble… On Competition & Comparison 🎶✨
We've always taken music pretty seriously in my family… quite a few generations of us, actually. But more about that another time. 😉
We used to rehearse in my dad's panel shop, and every now and then we'd build ( well not me, but someone ) a stage next door or take things outside for a gig… because that's just how we rolled! 🎸🥁🎤
When I look back, there was probably no way I was ever going to do anything else. 🎵
But here's the funny thing… at no stage did I ever really think I was going to "make it". And isn't "making it" an interesting concept in itself? 🤔
Because, by the usual measures, I haven't made it big.
I don't get millions of streams. I don't have a massive following. People often know my name, but not necessarily my music… although they might know how "the way I feel" about things! 😂
But here's something I've learned relatively late in life… 💭
Life is so much better when you stop comparing yourself to others. ❤️
When you stop measuring your progress, your achievements, your numbers, your journey… to someone else's timeline. 🌱
Sure, it would be amazing to be a huge star, getting millions of streams and playing to massive audiences. 🌟
But here's the thing…
I wouldn't want to swap out my work to sound like someone else. I wouldn't want to trade my creative journey for theirs. 🎶
The biggest benefit I can see in that kind of success is having more resources to make more music, explore more ideas, and pay the wonderful people I work with really well. 🙌🎶
Would it make me happier than I am right now? I genuinely don't think so. 😊
I'm proud of the work I've done. I'm proud of the music I've made. And I'm SUPER excited about what's coming next! 🔥
I think my definition of "winning" has changed. 🏆
Winning now is still being able to do what I love and getting better at my craft.
Success is creating something that means something to me… and hopefully connects with someone else along the way. ❤️
And maybe the biggest win of all is realising I don't actually have to be in the race. ✨
I've taken myself out of it.
I'm not chasing someone else's numbers, someone else's career, or someone else's version of success.
I'm focusing on the now. On the music. On the joy of creating. On getting better at what I do. 🎸
Because the truth is, we're only promised today. 🌱
And I'd much rather spend today doing something I enjoy than worrying about how I'm measuring up against someone else.
Less comparison. More creation. 🎨
And all going well ...a whole lot more music. 🎶❤️
#ThoughtBubble #MusicLife #CreativeJourney #ComparisonIsTheThiefOfJoy #IndependentArtist #KeepCreating #DefineYourOwnSuccess