- Preparation
This is something I’ve said before and I drill into my students. Preparation is the key that unlocks the door so to speak. It’s the nail in the coffin if you will. If you as a drummer can work harder than the last guy and the guy after you, the has been raised, and you come out as the knight in shining armor.
- Performance
You perform the way you practice, and the way you practice is the way you perform. AGAIN, Preparation is the KEY to your PERFORMANCE. Enough said. NEXT!
- Persistence
Listen, things don’t come overnight. It takes time to build something. That will never change, no matter how long you’ve had an Smartphone. Our Smartphones have given us the illusion that we can have it all NOW. That is just not the case when it comes to building a business, a career, or anything worth while. You are going to need some patience and PERSISTENCE, and enjoy the process while you’re building. NEXT!
- Mindset
Now, your mindset should be…Long…Term… Set some goals and get to it. And expect to struggle for a while. Just because you struggle, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Picture yourself successful in your head while at the same time you’re going after what you want. Mindset is everything. If you think you’re not good enough, you wont be good enough. On the flip side (the more important side) if you think you’re good enough, then you’ll be good enough. It’s very simple.
- Decision
Let’s say you know what you have to do to get a gig. Well Just do it! Even when you don’t feel like it. I promise you, it will be the best thing you ever figured out. If you can make a happy of making decisions and sticking to it day in and day out, things will start to change and that’s when the opportunities start to present themselves to you. The reason you might not be seeing things workout for you, is because you haven’t gotten around to making a habit of making decisions. That’s the only reason.
- Purpose
Your purpose clearly as drummer, is to make a career out of playing drums. That includes a lot of things. That should be the only thing you focus on is being a successful drummer for a living. That’s it! That IS your job! (hint) Cover-gigs make quick money. I just gave you an easy job-inquiry. Cover gigs, Wedding gigs and tribute gigs all pay. If you’re just starting out, this is a good way to go. You’ll learn a ton as well as upgrade your playing by being around other musicians.
- Discipline
If you don’t have discipline, nothing’s going to work for you. BUT…the GOOD news is discipline CAN be acquired! In other words, YOU HAVE A WAY OUT! I used to be one of the undisciplined people. I used to procrastinate, I was lazy, you name it, I actually believed my own bullshit. Until I discovered all these traits I’m speaking of in this blog to you. We NEED more drummers with these traits.
- Desire
You’re desire WILL be the driving force. How bad do you want it? Why do you want to be a drummer? Why do you want a career as a drummer? Well guess what, whatever the reason, it’s good enough. Don’t over think it. Just get to it and start building your career and nurture that desire. SERIOUSLY! Start Now!
- Shut Your Mouth!
That’s right! READ IT AGAIN! Don’t talk to your friends! Don’t talk to your family! Don’t talk to your relatives! Don’t talk to your Associates! Don’t talk to the guy at the gas station! Don’t talk to your musician buddies! SHUT THE F#$% UP! I don’t care who it is! It is crucial that while you are going for the gold so to speak that you keep your mouth shut. YOU DO NOT NEED ANY DISCOURAGEMENT FROM ANYBODY! NOBODY!!! Any goals you set career wise should be kept IN YOUR HEAD. And I’m not going to tell you why. Understand?
8. Focus
Laser – Beam – Focus! I want to tell you a story. When Bill Gates was young, he was an admirer of Warren Buffett and wanted to meet him. His family had invited Warren Buffett to dinner at the Gates’ home one night. As they were at the dinner table, Bills’ mother opened the conversation, and had asked Mr Buffett what is the main reason for his success. Without a blink, both Bill and Warren at the same time blurted out – FOCUS!
Still to this day, Warren Buffett is still a mentor to Bill Gates.
- Time
You MUST get comfortable with the idea of putting the time in. There are NO SHORTCUTS in life. And if you think there are, you’re fooling yourself and need mental help. It will help you put things in perspective as well as take the pressure off. Not that you should sit back and relax, no, you should be constantly moving towards your goals and achievements.
Cheers!
Zac Treby
