One of the Most Rewarding Aspects about Having Good Mentors in Your Life are the Applications You Can Apply Immediately. It Doesn't Matter if the One You Follow is in Your Industry Or Not. Wisdom is Omnipresent!
Gratefully I've been under the Guidance of Bishop David L. Thomas for 13 years. His Leadership has helped sharpen & shape me in practically every area of my life. I've had the most fun implementing his pastoral teachings into my career as an EntreMusician. Several years ago he taught a Series on the 'Three C's to Live By' that continues to impact my perspective, especially as I am around so many creative people. I know these 3 C's will help you too!
1. Don't Compare!
Comparison is akin to a Two-Headed Monster which can actually eat you up from the inside, even though you are outwardly focused upon the talents of others.
First You have that Big Head that says "I Am The Best!," "No One Is Better than I Am" and You then Begin to Loudly Put Down Other Musicians, Singers, Producers, overly analyzing what or how they destroyed a Song or Project and what YOU would've done to blow the thing out of the water. Unfortunately, we've all been around people like this and most of us have looked for the quickest exit to either get out of the conversation or leave the room.
The Little Headed Monster is More Subtle, but Equally As Dangerous. He whispers how horrible You are, compared to this or that singer - and all that you are unable to accomplish. She whines that she didn't go to music school, or can't afford the $5000 guitar and can never catch a break while her counterparts are soaring. It's the Ultimate Pity Party that often attracts a room full of crybabies who should otherwise be grateful for the gift they've been given, sharpen their skills and grow a pair... of stronger legs to stand on.
2. Don't Compete!
Healthy Competition is Great. It is downright Essential In Business and In Sports. There are Myriad of Stories of How Great Recording Artists would strategically either release their records in advance of, or several weeks after another Huge Artist, so they wouldn't get crushed on the charts which proved to be sound business moves. But there has long been an unhealthy form of competition in the Creative World that seeks to Steal, Kill & Destroy the Hearts & Souls of their fellow Artists. It's Downright Hateful and No Self Respecting EM should continue to participate in it or Stand For It.
There are some who use every opportunity to freeze out other musicians - primarily out of envy or brutal ugliness. Some won't share information, resources or opportunities, preferring to hoard everything. This behavior emanates from a "Lack Mentality." These Artists don't understand that there is infinite space in the Entertainment Community and the World is always awaiting the Next New Sound, Look or Experience. True EntreMusicians operate with an 'Open Hand.' We Look for ways we can Engage, Encourage & Empower Each Other!
3. Don't Criticize!
This final behavior is many ways the Vocal Chords of the previous two. The Artist simply MUST make their observations known to anyone who will listen. Interestingly, they become meaner and nastier about other performers as the crowd swells. You & I have seen Tweets, FB Live Footage and Instagram posts of horrible and often unwarranted criticism of someone who is either out there doing their absolute best or taking a completely different approach to the muse - only to be hammered for their individuality. Remember Fergie?
Regrettably, I have been around more seasoned musicians who will attend the show of a far lesser known artist and rip apart their performances as if they have always had perfect shows, sing on key or play awesome solos every single night. They rip apart the newbies and feel great about it. These are often the very same performers that find themselves dropped from their labels as soon as their own numbers fall below the anticipated streams/sales. Karma.
Truthfully, there have been several times where I have found myself in each of these three camps. If I were not speaking my position, I was certainly thinking it - and to be completely transparent, I am sure my attitude at the time may have cost me a connection or opportunity to advance. By God's Grace, I have a more healthy respect for every EntreMusician I encounter, even if I don't necessarily agree with their viewpoint or values. There is a wealth of maturity in Staying in Your Lane, Improving Your Gift and Sharing the Most Positive Energy You Have the Capacity to Produce!