One of my creative outlets involves writing and performing music. Years ago I took my mates and the current catalogue into a studio and recorded an album. Mixing, mastering, artwork, digital distribution. The works.
I also ordered a crap ton of CD’s.
[...I know…I know]
I’ll never ever forget the day they arrived in boxes on my doorstep. I lugged them inside, cut the tape, unfolded the cardboard, and stared at my carefully packaged creation like it was lost treasure.
And then it hit me…
WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO DO WITH ALL OF THESE?!
I thought the threshold of my front door was something of a finish line. But in many ways, I’d done the hard work of getting to the starting blocks. Now, after all that time and money and vocal takes, I could finally BEGIN.
I’m finding that same experience again and again: thinking I’ve arrived when I’ve only just begun.
the website
the degree
the certification
the “logistics”
the package or offering
the whatever
They’re done. And good on you. But now you gotta find someone to give you a chance, somewhere to get your foot in the door. Now you need clients, gigs, participants, sales, etc.
It takes a lot of work to get to the starting line. Most don’t. There are far more spectators than sprinters.
Now it’s time to get to the real work of creating what you envisioned in the first place.
What is the life you envision beyond the finish line?
What is that life going to require to create? (and it’s usually waaay more than the degree or cert)
What are you willing to do behind the scenes that probably no one will ever appreciate?
What are you willing to do for the love of it regardless if anyone appreciates it??
Btw, I’m still playing shows. And I’m STILL working to get rid of all those disks!
They do make great coasters though:)
I love this, Wes. My husband is also a musician (guitar) and years ago his band recorded an album in a studio. They also did that hard work of selling CDs after playing shows, and there’s still a bit of a pile in our basement.
But maybe it’s all just a series of finish lines. Making a CD is a huge accomplishment. Most amateur musicians don’t even dare. Showing the work is a whole new ball game, and you’re right–it requires grit, thick skin, and commitment. And a willingness for it to be a total flop.
Have you seen the documentary Searching for Sugar Man? It’s all about a musician whose record tanked in the US but was a surprising hit a continent away, unbeknownst to him for over 20 years. So maybe it’s also about trusting the process and the uncertainty of the path?
“maybe it’s all just a series of finish lines.” I like this! And YES to trusting the process and uncertainty of the path:) Thanks Amy!
I love this, Wes. I think this is a common feeling for a lot of us at this stage of life, regardless of career or marital status or whatever. A lot of us have reached some type of goal we had set, never looking beyond the day we reached that goal, only to realize the goal wasn’t the end (and often it was just opening a door to another room full of new obstacles to face).
Maybe this is why people become disillusioned in midlife? But maybe we can find ways to reframe the journey (much easier said than done!)
Scottie! So nice of you to stop by here:) “Realizing the goal wasn’t the end,” …that feels powerful, at least the way I interpret it. If anything, I believe I’m learning to dig deeper beneath the perceived finish line to what it is I truly want to accomplish. Thanks for sharing!