“I don’t know where to start!”
The Uncertainty Trap
Have you ever found yourself standing at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take when pursuing your dreams? I recently attended a motivational speech by author Chris McChesney, where he addressed a common hurdle we all face - the uncertainty trap. It's that overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start or how to prioritize amidst a sea of tasks and possibilities.
McChesney revealed the solution using the words of Albert Einstein: "there are few problems that can withstand the constant onslaught of human thought." This simple truth inspires us to believe that we can overcome our uncertainties and find our way.
What Do You Want to Do?
To break free from the grip of indecision, it's important to identify what you truly want to achieve. Take a moment to really consider your passions and aspirations. Do you want to play more shows, sell more merch, or explore new creative opportunities? Define your goals based on what excites you the most.
Action: Define Your Artistic Goals for the Next Month or So
Now that you have a clear sense of what you want, it's time to turn your aspirations into actionable goals. Setting specific and achievable objectives for the next month or so will give you a clear roadmap to follow. Whether you are a band, singer, dancer, actor, writer, or something else, here are a few examples to help you get started:
Goal Ideas for Bands
Play a Mini Tour of 5 Shows: Organize a mini tour to perform in different cities, reaching new audiences and strengthening your fanbase.
Secure 1 Music Festival Slot: Aim to secure slots in music festivals to gain exposure and connect with a diverse range of music enthusiasts.
Increase Streaming by 10,000 and Downloads by 100: Set targets for streaming and download numbers on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.
Record with 3 Other Bands/Singers: Provide recording and production services for other artists, leveraging your band's recording experience.
Host 1 Live Stream Concert: Host ticketed live streaming concerts where fans can enjoy your music from the comfort of their homes.
Goal Ideas for Singers:
Write 3 Original Songs: Challenge yourself to write and compose a specific number of original songs, showcasing your songwriting skills.
Audition for 1 Music Competition: Participate in singing competitions or talent shows to gain exposure and recognition.
Connect with 2 Songwriters: Collaborate with other artists and songwriters, co-writing original songs for their projects.
Create a Weekly Cover Series: Record and release a series of cover songs that showcase your unique interpretation and vocal prowess.
Take on 5 Vocal Coaching Clients: Provide vocal coaching services to aspiring singers, helping them expand their vocal range and improve technique.
Provide 5 Private Performances: Offer personalized private performances for events, celebrations, or special occasions.
Record 2 Songs: Record demos for songwriters, providing your vocal talents for their compositions.
Goal Ideas for Dancers:
Choreograph 2 Original Routines: Create original choreography for performances, competitions, or special events.
Join 1 Dance Competition: Participate in dance competitions to showcase your skills and receive constructive feedback.
Collaborate with 2 Choreographers: Collaborate with choreographers to create dynamic and visually captivating dance routines.
Perform at 3 Events: Secure performance opportunities at events, parties, or showcases to expose your talent to different audiences.
Teach 4 Dance Workshops: Teach dance classes and workshops to individuals or groups interested in learning various dance styles.
Goal Ideas for Actors:
Obtain 1 Major Role: Set a goal to audition for and obtain a specific number of roles, whether in theater, film, or television.
Take an Acting Class: Enroll in acting classes or workshops to refine your craft and develop new techniques.
Create a Showreel: Compile scenes from your performances into a showreel that showcases your acting range.
Participate in an Improv Show: Join improv troupes or perform in improv shows to enhance your spontaneity and quick thinking.
Write and Perform 2 Monologues: Write and perform a series of impactful monologues that demonstrate your emotional depth.
Collaborate with 1 Filmmaker: Partner with filmmakers to act in short films or independent projects, gaining exposure in different mediums.
Perform 2 Voice-Over Roles: Utilize your voice acting skills to provide voice-over services for commercials, animations, and more.
Attend 3 Industry Networking Events: Attend industry events, film festivals, and mixers to connect with fellow actors and professionals.
Goal Ideas for Fiction Writers:
Write 3 Short Stories: Set a goal to write and compile a collection of short stories exploring different themes and genres.
Complete a Novel Draft: Dedicate time to writing a full draft of a novel, focusing on consistent progress and storytelling.
Enter 2 Writing Competitions: Submit your short stories or excerpts from your novel to writing competitions for recognition.
Start a Writing Blog: Create a blog where you share writing tips, insights, and showcase your creative process.
Collaborate with 2 Illustrators: Partner with illustrators to bring your stories to life visually through cover artwork or internal illustrations.
Attend a Writer's Retreat: Participate in writer's retreats or workshops to immerse yourself in a creative environment and refine your craft.
Self-Publish a Book: Set a goal to self-publish your work as an e-book or print-on-demand paperback to reach a wider audience.
Engage in 5 Writing Challenges: Join writing challenges like National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) to boost your writing productivity.
Host 1 Storytelling Event: Organize paid storytelling events or performances, captivating audiences with your fictional narratives.
Write 7 Custom Short Stories: Write custom short stories for individuals looking for personalized and unique gifts.
Navigating Your Artistic Path: Crafting Goals for Success
Your journey as an artist begins with a crucial step – defining goals that align with your unique strengths and passions. These goals are your guiding star, illuminating a clear path out of the uncertainty trap and toward artistic success. Integrate these goals into your daily routine, making them an integral part of your creative journey. Let them shape your decisions and lend direction to your endeavors, whether you're composing music, choreographing dances, or writing stories. Remember, this is just the first step in your journey towards success. Commit now and prepare to adapt as needed. With clear goals in sight, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Your Partner in Artist Marketing: Unlocking Your Potential
If you're still grappling with the challenge of where to begin in your artist marketing journey, know that I'm here to help. As an advocate for artists like you, I specialize in navigating the complexities of marketing and tailoring strategies to your unique vision.
Let's work together to unravel the uncertainties and craft a roadmap to amplify your artistic endeavors. Reach out for a personalized consultation and let's transform your aspirations into concrete achievements. Your artistic dreams deserve to flourish, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to start your journey towards artistic success.
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