Being Deliberate

[rayzer]

Well, this month did not go as planned, but it was a very deliberate month.I only did one action from my list of actions posted for September 15. The reason, unlike a few months ago when I lost focus, was that I recognized an opportunity for my song and hyper-focused on promoting it. It was always on my mind, and I worked on it every chance I had. I made progress and learned a lot this month and am excited to keep at it. I think I stuck a nerve with this new song, so I’ve been working the angles to get it heard more widely. This month, I spent time getting my song into the hands of a lot of people and they are helping me get the word out to more people. I’m cashing in IOUs, getting names of relevant contacts, writing letters, setting up meetings and shaking hands.It’s weird to feel so positive on a Day of Accountability when I only spent time on 1/3 of my list, but it’s all about keeping things in perspective. These monthly lists are here to help me stay on track and pursue my main goal of quitting my day job and becoming a full-time songwriter. They give me a direction to take month after month when my main goal seems too big and nebulous. Getting away from my list of actions can be a slippery slope, so I’ve got to be careful and keep myself in check. The list is good. Monthly accountability is good, but my list of actions is here to serve me and my larger goal; I’m not here to serve the list.For October 15:I’m excited to keep going for another month. I’m devoting all of my available time to promoting this song, registering domain names and working on building a web presence.I’m kicking around an idea for a follow-up song, but developing that will probably have to wait for a future month.I’m so grateful to this forum and all of you that have made it what it is. Thanks for keeping me accountable and helping me sort this out a little more every month.Rayzer

[arkjack]

Well, I hate to say it, but it looks like this sabbatical I've been taking from music is going long-term. My schedules have not allowed for anymore time in practice or studio. I am focused at this point that my accounting firm is the priority. I've got a pretty decent thing going, and I'm looking to build on it this year. Music is going to have to take a back seat for a while. I have to face the facts that there are a lot of great writers and artists 'competing' for the spots who are better at this than I, have more time to devote to it, and after 3 years and 2 forwards, its a choice I have to face. I think I've done enough music for a while, and its time to go into retirement, mothball the studio, maybe even liquidate some excess gear and instruments. Its really more like surfing, I had a good ride to the shore in the tube, and its time to go out and hang for a while until the next nice wave comes. Best of luck to you all.ArkJack

[allends]

Sept 15, 2008, 4:40pm, arkjack wrote:Well, I hate to say it, but it looks like this sabbatical I've been taking from music is going long-term. My schedules have not allowed for anymore time in practice or studio. I am focused at this point that my accounting firm is the priority.Hey ArkJack,I admire you for your success in your (our ) field. Any business is demanding but the Accounting profession can be killer! You're hangin' in there and making it happen. That is a huge accomplishment! Do you plan to make music your hobby from now on? Any gigs planned? Whatever makes music rewarding for you is a good thing. Good Luck,Allen

[rayzer]

ArkJack, my friend,This has been a full year for you. Putting music aside and focusing on your business sounds like a wise decision right now. It's a blessing to have a growing business that you enjoy working at. If you grow it big enough to where you have good people doing all the grunt work, then you can be more hands-off and strike a better balance between your business, your family, and your music. Balance--now there's a goal worth striving for.When you aren't so divided and stressed, I bet you'll be surprised how your abilities as a songwriter and musician 'magically' improve.I know that many of us here will miss you and wish you all the best.Please stay in touch and let us know how you're doing.God bless,Rayzer

[melissag]

Wow, August 15th seems like a lifetime ago. I did MOST of what I had listed. I only got 2 new songs done (not 3 as I'd planned). I did spend some time on the critiques board and feel I gained some knowledge and understanding. I work at a college so the last month has been really busy. Things are leveling out some now so hopefully I can be more present here.From my first batch of TAXI submissions, so far everything has been returned. One tune was critiqued as off target for the first listing but the critiquer said it would be perfect for Extreme Sports. Unfortunately, the Extreme Sports listing it was submitted to was returned. Another tune was submitted twice. One reviewer rightly said it needed variation as opposed to being one idea repeated over and over. A second reviewer gave it an outstanding critique (all 9's and 10's), said it wasn't right for the listing but that it was a great "Smooth Jazz" tune. I was a bit thrown by that because it's not even close to jazz in my mind...but I ramble!Goals for Oct. 15th: 3 New Songs 5 Taxi Submissions One Christmas instrumental (for on-hold music project) Redo 2 tunes according to TAXI critique suggestionsHope everyone else is doing well and is psyched to plow forward for another month!Melissa

[rayzer]

Hi Melissa,Thanks for checking in. I know that getting started in a new academic year can be very time-consuming, so great job getting so much done in the midst of that.It sounds like you had some valuable critiques, and 9s and 10s are amazing! Keep on truckin' Make this month a great one! See you back here In October.Rayzer

[hummingbird]

Always glad to read everyone's reports and aims for the next month, as Julia Cameron says, 'filling in the form' is half the battle.I haven't reported in recently... so, to be honest, I have forgotten what I said I'd do but I hope I did it. Lots coming up here with getting ready for the Rally and finishing '50 songs in 90 days' by Oct 1st, and stuff... so let's see...Sep 19th to Oct 17th...-- write 5 more songs/instrumentals by Oct 1st to make 50 in 50/90-- Write at least one new instrumental each for 5 Taxi listings -- Challenge myself by taking one of my new 50/90 sketch songs and making it into an electronica song with vocals & submitting it-- Financial... sweat the small stuff; make the change from voicemail to answering machine; cancel long distance on my land line & change to Yak-- finish making travel arrangements & get travel insurance for CA trip-- choose pieces and start to prepare CDs for Rally that's all I can think of right now H

[deantaylor]

Vikki,You can add this to your already impressive list, if you want: ...... mix and master I COULD DREAM Just a reminder.Dean

[hummingbird]

Sept 20, 2008, 11:04am, deantaylor wrote:Vikki,You can add this to your already impressive list, if you want: ...... mix and master I COULD DREAM Just a reminder.DeanYES! Thanks for that reminder. Add it to my list, it's in the works

[Mark Kaufman]

What a JAWDROPPING thread! I don't know how I missed this one.Rayser, you sure created a good monster.