How Self-Labeling Holds us Back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year! 

In the spirit of resolutions and goals, let’s discuss how we can move forward this year (and beyond.)

In general, we find it irritating when others put a label on us; we rightly want to break free from the restrictions of such things. Yet, we are more than happy to constantly put labels on ourselves, and to staunchly defend those self-determined limitations.  Let’s look at some common ones, both in our music and in our overall existence.

These often begin with “I’m a person who…”  and become gospel to us. Below, let’s identify some of these, translate them into what they really mean, and look at ways to challenge them.

1. “I only work under pressure.”  Translation: I can only get off my behind when there is a figurative gun to my head; I am unable to motivate myself unless there is fear. Living in a frightened, anxious world is painful, but not as painful as re-defining ourself as a self-starter. Some strategies: First, stop repeating this mantra, since it will control your actions. Second, do the opposite; try getting way ahead of any deadlines and timetables. Redefine yourself as the leader, rather than the follower.

 2. “I’m a procrastinator.” There is so much enabling going on with this trait that it’s almost universal, and carries little shame. We see it as “everybody’s problem,” and laugh it off. The truth: nobody ever got ahead and built their dreams by making excuses and finding fellow transgressors. Be bold enough to describe yourself as a “do-er” and move ahead. Like a former addict, you will find a whole new community of support in fellow achievers.

3. “I’m creative, therefore I’m disorganized and scattered.” Translation: “Don’t expect me to have things together… it’s not in my nature.” Here we use myths about left-right brain differences to make excuses for not handling details. Where did it say you can’t change this? Why not create the model of an efficient, well-organized dreamer?

4. “I’m an artist, therefore I’m not good at business.” Dizzy Gillespie was without doubt a great musician. He was also a good businessman and prospered, while many of his fellow jazz musicians struggled financially. Does this mean he was less of a “true” artist? Fact is, taking care of the marketing, networking and financial sides of your career is completely within anyone’s abilities. Leave the “starving artist” to the movie depictions; find a new model for your success.

5. “I need to feel inspired before I can do any creative work.”  Translation: “I wait for ideas and brilliance to come to me, and I don’t know when that will happen.” Mostly, this is an excuse not to get started and face the difficulties inherent in creative work. Truth is, most productive artists have found a way to just get started now, rather than waiting. For me, inspiration is way too infrequent to be relied upon.  Instead, try seeing your work as a puzzle to be solved or as a fun, but challenging job to do.

6. “I can’t take direction, my work goes wherever it will.” An example: Somebody asks for an up-tempo rock song and you present a slow ballad. The implication is that you “do what you do” and can’t be asked to direct yourself. Good luck with that! Again, the self-definition is a shield against the fear of a new challenge. Try re-defining yourself as a problem-solver; somebody who comes in and “hits the target.” You will quickly become indispensable. True artists can still inhabit the real world.

We go through our lives taking our limitations and character as pre-defined and unchangeable. Stare those labels down and they will disappear.