Once upon a time, there were two bricklayers working side by side at a construction site. A boy who was passing by approached them and asked what they were doing.
The first bricklayer replied, “I’m laying bricks. It’s hard work, but it pays the bills.”
The second bricklayer answered, “I’m building a cathedral. Each brick I lay is helping to build something much bigger than myself.”
Both bricklayers were doing the same job, but their attitudes and motivations were completely different. The first bricklayer saw his work as a means to an end, while the second bricklayer had a clear sense of purpose and a wider perspective.
Why Is “Your Why” Important?
Like the bricklayer who was doing a job, sometimes we can get lost in the doing and only have a vague idea of why we’re doing something. This lack of a clear reason/s for why we’re doing what we’re doing will set us up for a bumpy ride as we journey as a songwriter, music producer, mix engineer etc.
When you have a clear understanding of why you’re doing something and how it fits into the bigger picture, you’re going to find it easier to be motivated, engaged, and fulfilled by your work even when you face setbacks.
In contrast, if you’re just going through the motions and don’t have a sense of purpose, you’re more likely to feel disconnected and unfulfilled.
I’m not saying you have to have grandiose ideas of why you’re making music, I’m saying you need to be able to answer yourself when you say “Why am I doing this?”. THAT will keep you motivated and focussed when you’re up in the wee hours of the morning about to jump into a writing session. Or when you’re working a long day to get a mix done.
Love “The Work”
As I mentioned in “The Struggle”, you’ve got to learn to love “the work” and not just the goal or idea of the goal. Knowing “your why” helps you to do this.
Also note making “your why” about others rather than your own goals, is far more rewarding and deeply satisfying.
The Takeaway: Sit down and ask yourself why you make music. I usually write these sorts of things on a spare page in my diary so I can refer to it. Every month, I can check back on my progress, adjust my goals and if necessary, what success looks like.
Think about the projects you are currently working on:
- Is there a goal for them? Does it fit into a bigger picture?
- What would success for this project look like?
- In 6 months time where would you hope you are in your music making journey? How about a year from now?
- Who would you like to bless with this project?
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