“Everything that is past is either a learning experience to grow on, a beautiful memory to reflect on, or a motivating factor to act upon.” ― Denis Waitley
When it comes to most things in life, experience is something that cannot be easily replicated. Has we grow older its all of our life experiences that makes us who we are. When I was younger there were many things that I know now that I wish I’d known back then. That being said i must reveal that it is truly my relationship with God that has created opportunities for me but these opportunities would not have manifested into anything if i was not adequately prepared. I personally have not arrived to my fullest potential but I have come to understand the importance of knowing the basics. That is what I am about to share with you in this post. If you want to make 2019 your year,were you go to the next level read this post. I will give you my top five list of things that I wish I’d known earlier.
1. Find out if this is your calling
If music is your calling, have faith and pursue your passion
This is a simple first question to ask yourself. But I don’t think you need to answer it right away. The fact that you are reading this article is a good indication that God is calling you.
Still, be aware that it may not be your purpose. Every human being is called by God to a specific purpose. Yet our ego's and our ‘calling’ in life can look surprisingly similar,”. “Both pull you toward the realization of your desires. Both can completely consume your waking and sometimes sleeping hours with frantic thoughts and sparks of brilliance. They can also manifest similar outcomes money, fame, and power. And they can both leave you feeling exhausted.” How do you discern your path and your intentions ? A quick overview of your dreams and aspirations often reveal your true calling. The key is to spend time in fasting and prayer it is a fundamental piece to everything. I’ve heard from many people about how frustrating it can become in “achieving their dream” or “pursuing their calling.” But when God guides, He provides. He often calls us to something that is beyond us so that we have to depend on Him in order to accomplish it. When He calls you to something, He leads and you follow. Let Him open the doors rather than trying to push through them, yourself.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (NASB) Ephesians 2:10
2. You Must Have Faith
“Let your life reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God's word, and trust the process.” ― Germany Kent
I recall the many challenges I faced when I first started out on this path, not for a second did I doubt or show a lack of resolve. I firmly believed in my God given abilities and absolutely cherished every opportunity regardless of how big or small they were. It can be tough to stay optimistic during certain times in your life, and it may even seem foolish to try. The principle to remember is that being positive is really fundamental to any task you wish to complete. Yes creating and playing music can be a whole lot of fun but there is an element of hard work which when combined with perseverance produces results. So feeling doubtful and pessimistic about where you are headed with your music career is not going to do you any favour's.. When you have faith, you will be able to overcome any challenges that will come your way during the journey.
Philippians ESV 4;16
I can do all things through him who strengthens me
3. Practice makes perfect
“Try to put well into practice what you already know. In so doing, you will, in good time, discover the hidden things you now inquire about.” ― Rembrandt
There is no professional football player, swimmer etc., who doesn’t have to practice in order to obtain or maintain their skills. Frequently doing something makes one better at doing it. When you do get to practice, it isn’t about how long you can go for. It is more about how effective you can be in that time you have. Stay off of social media (easier said than done) and stick to the task at hand. Make goals for yourself and strive to achieve them in each session. Start slowly at first. Also, learn how to “practice” when you aren’t in the practice room. If you find out that your out that you lacking a skill set make the decision to further your knowledge either via a tutor or an educational institution. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you have arrived remember you are never too old or young to learn something new.
Matthew 7:24,26; “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man… but everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man…”
4. Your Body Is Part Of Your Instrument
You have to love your body, respect it, and treat it well. ― Irina Shayk
It’s easy to get caught up in the continuous cycle of work, sleep, and more work. After awhile, your body screams in protest and demands you pay attention to its needs. Your body and mind deserves rest. You need to take care of your body has best you can. Setting yourself up for success is the first step in having a prosperous career. Keeping physically fit is part of taking care of yourself alcohol, drugs, supplements, and medicines. These narcotics have a huge impact on our minds and bodies. Monitoring your diet, allergies, getting enough rest and staying hydrated are all included as well. Staying healthy means you can work and make music. No one can hire you if you are sick or in a hospital.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1-2 New International Version (NIV)
5. Do you have good studio recording skills?
With worldwide releases over the last two decades Toby-Mac continues to pave the way for Christian recording artists worldwide with his innovative sound and savvy recording techniques. He mentions in a recent interview " I want my music to be everywhere, I want it to be heard. I want to give people an opportunity to enjoy my music " To a record company, the recording quality of your music represents not only the overall image of you or your band, but also the amount of money they will need to spend on studio fees editing poorly recorded tracks and/or bringing in studio musicians to re-record your parts. If you are unable to accurately record your music in as few takes as possible, you will be seen as a much riskier investment to music companies. If your desire is reach the millions to inspire them with your music, the quality of your work must be world class.
Ultimately our goal is always to give God our best. Make it a point to ‘practice’ recording so you can excel at it, in the same way that you practice anything else on your instrument. Doing this regularly will set you apart from all the other musicians who completely ignore this skill. In addition finding a great producer and engineer this would be a smart investment, they would certainly enhance your talent.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?k Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown. that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly" 1 Corinthians 9:24–25
