5 tips to boost your confidence in the competitive music business
The music business is the kind of competitive and public-facing industry where image and status seem important. So how can you overcome self-doubts and feelings of insecurity in the face of challenges, and what can sometimes be a ruthless business?
If you’re a music exec, you feel you have to play the networking game and earn your peers’ and clients’ respect. If you’re a musician, your sensitivity - which fuels your creativity and enables you to express powerful emotions - can make you vulnerable to setbacks and criticism.
Confidence is a very necessary skill to have if you want to succeed in this industry - fortunately, even if you weren’t born as self-assured as Kanye, it’s a skill that you can learn and develop.
Beyond the ‘I’m gonna kill it’ bravado, what you really need is a sense of quiet, lasting confidence in yourself and your work: the kind that comes from the inside.
Here are 5 ways you can increase it, so you can get out of your comfort zone, approach people you want to work with, or avoid feeling sick to your stomach before you have to step on stage.
1. Own your worth
If you’re like most people, you’ll rarely take time to reflect on your existing achievements, instead always quickly moving on to the next thing. Being aware of - and owning - your strengths and positive qualities is essential to building confidence.
Think of 3 past achievements, big or small, that you’re proud of and identify why they make you feel proud. What underlying qualities of yours do these accomplishments represent? For example, if you secured a headline tour for your artist in a new market, that demonstrates innovation, proactivity and ambition. All of these are essential qualities which will help you as you progress in your career.
2. Stop caring about what others think
Easier said than done, I know, but let’s think about it for a minute. There are 7.5 billion people on Earth and there’s absolutely no way you’re gonna be able to please everyone, right? If you create and expose yourself, you will get criticized. Whatever you do or ideas you have, you bet someone will have an opinion on it - in fact, you’re probably criticizing and judging others, too!
Letting go of other people’s opinions will free you from constantly second-guessing yourself or worrying unnecessarily. Remember that what others think of you has more to do with them than it has to do with you.
3. Turn your self-criticism into something more empowering
Notice how you speak to yourself, especially when you struggle or face disappointments. Imagine a show where you didn’t perform at your best, or a booking that you messed up. Are you berating yourself, saying things (internally) that you would never say to your best friend?
Being hard on yourself is not the best way to progress. Instead, acknowledge your disappointment, see what you can learn from the situation, and figure out how you can best move forward. Create a positive affirmation using words that work for you. For instance, saying something like ‘Everything is an opportunity to learn. I’m going to [something you’ll do differently] next time, as I continue to improve’. Doesn’t that feel a lot better?
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4. Keep a praise file
This is a tip I give to all my clients and use myself. Keep a note of positive reviews, or any words of appreciation and encouragement coming your way. Nice words from your grandmother count, too! You can keep a digital file for easy access, and look at it whenever you need a boost of confidence.
This will help you remain positive when the going gets tough. Although true confidence comes from the inside, external validation can be handy in challenging moments - and we all need those pats on the back sometimes.
5. Stop comparing yourself to your peers
This is a big one. Social media makes it very easy for you to compare and despair. Don’t fall into that trap! As you probably already know, what’s shown on social media is never the whole truth: followers and likes can (and are) bought, successes are flaunted, and few people actually share how they’re really feeling.
Additionally, don’t forget that everyone’s on their own, unique journey. Everyone has a specific combination of talent, past experiences, skills, connections and drive. Everyone wants different things out of their lives and careers. You have no idea what others may have sacrificed to have gotten where they are today. Comparing yourself to others will not only make you feel more insecure, it will also rob you of your precious time and energy - so stay focused on your own progress instead.
When you implement these tips, you’ll increase your self-confidence and it will be easier to overcome your fears and doubts. Like they say: ‘No one will believe in you unless you do’. So keep on believing in yourself - because the music industry needs you, your talent, and your music!
Boost your confidence in yourself, your skills or your music, and take your career to the next level!
Check out the Thrive program for artists so you can write, share, perform and promote your music with more ease.
Are you an industry professional? I’ve got you too! The Walk This Way program is your fast-track to playing a bigger game - and finally ask for that pay rise/promotion, pitch bigger clients, defend your creative vision, or anything else.
* This post first appeared on the Reverb Nation blog