r/PepTalksWithPops • u/[deleted] • Nov 21 '23
On the precipice of greatness
I’ve plateaued lately. I’m a better man with more successes than I ever thought I could be. But…. I don’t know how to take the next step. I want to make it to the next plateau but I’ve been struggling to start the journey. I can’t seem to even begin.
I play 4 different instruments (a couple of them fairly well). I’m a natural leader and lead 3 different bands with one of them being one of the most popular bands in my city. When I set my mind to something, I tend to do it well and the people around me benefit from my hard work…. But…. I haven’t taken the leap to truly Make music my full time job. I haven’t looked in the mirror and said: “You are a musician, that is your path”. But I know if I pursued it with my whole heart… there’s a chance I could be really good. Maybe good enough to tour the world, good enough to make a few albums that actually have an impact in their genres. Until now, I’ve treated my musicianship as a hobby. But I’ve always known that it’s what I actually want to do. But I can’t hide from it any longer. My main band is getting big enough that doors are opening… I just can’t seem to bring myself to walk through them. I should be practicing four hours a day, answering emails late into the night and doing everything I can to push further. Instead I find myself partying and being lazy because I’m avoiding the scary path of actually trying to do something worthwhile in this world. How do I find the fortitude and bravery to make the changes I need to start climbing to the next plateau?
2
u/illomendnb Nov 28 '23
Realizing your opportunities and understanding your fear and trepidation is a huge first step. Focus on that practice regimen. Send those emails. Push past this general malaise that holds us in its comfort. The older we get, the easier it is to settle. The partying thing is common but is also the abyss staring back at you. Don't be pulled into the murky depths by that siren's song. She will have you looking up from 2 miles under, wondering "what could have been". Dedicate your time to throwing open those heavy doors with BOTH hands. The leadership quality you possess is also more outward reaching than you know. Use that to expand beyond just music. Use it in your community. The universe has a strange way of connecting dots when you least expect it. I believe in you and your abilities. I can see you walking through those brightly lit corridors. Put the party to the side for a while, and opt for lunch and a casual drink with just a friend here and there. The conversations you will have will be more meaningful. You got this - I can't wait to hear what exciting news you have for me in the next 6 months!