Ever been in a state where you wonder what you’re going to do in life? Sure you have, we’ve all been there. To some, it takes longer to answer than others, naturally. Not everyone knows what they want to do right away. Sometimes, it’s just them thinking they are being “realistic”. Almost everyone has big dreams and aspirations in their head, not all choose to share them, and even more so, not all choose to follow them. I’m not saying that people don’t try, a lot of people do. But, what is trying? I think it’s a lie. Most might disagree. But, look at it this way…
1A. “I’m going to try to do that.”
1B. “I’m going to do that.”
2A. “I’m trying.”
2B. “I’m doing it.”
Now, examine those two comparisons. In each, which statement do you like better? Which one sounds like the better deal? It’s obvious. People would still argue, though, that it isn’t that easy. Most times, they are right, no it isn’t easy. But trying to do something makes it much harder than just doing something. Look at myself, just a little over 2 years ago, I wasn’t anywhere close to who I’ve become today. One could easily say I was just “average” or “just another dude”. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life yet. I had many ideas, but none stuck with me or felt right. I had a guitar, never fully learned to play it, hardly played it. I drew really well, but drawing was boring to me most times. All I did successfully was “chill”. Not much of an accomplishment, especially for a small town such as this one.
Then, once I got a chance to get away for a while, I took it. I moved to Seattle with my uncle for a whole summer, and, to say the least, it was awesome. You see, I was always a big music fan, mostly really alternative chill music (MGMT, Silversun Pickups, Phoenix), and to live in Seattle was a dream come true. The city was so awesome, and the people were really great, and I easily made a mass amount of friendships there. I guess you could say, the city was so “me”. Anyways, after noticing my utter fascination with certain kinds of music, my uncle told me one night, “You should check out Fruity Loops.” “Wtf is that,” was my first reaction to his suggestion. So, I then researched what it was, having no idea how a DAW worked, it looked really complex, and at first I said “Maybe later,” as I went back to doing nothing too productive. I then grew enough curiosity to download the demo and check it out. My expectations were met, as in my mind was fusterclucked beyond belief. “Where do I start?,” I thought to myself. That was the beginning. Me, being discouraged, feeling completely dumb and clueless as to what I was doing.
I started making covers. Very, oh so mediocre covers of my favorite songs at the time. That went on for a time, then I finally produced my first (and worst) complete track, which led to my first (and worst) complete CD. Which then led to my second (not as bad but kinda bad) CD. Which led me to continue to make music, each song SLIGHTLY better than then next. Until finally, people recognized. I mean sure, with my first and second CDs I made, people thought “Oh hey, that’s cool”, but it’s when they saw that I didn’t stop after that, that’s when people know.
This led to some of my first opportunities, such as my first show, at a club in Austin, or me DJing a part of my school’s pep-rally. Things like that, they keep you going on your feet. I mean, yes, I’ve had my ruts here and there, but I’ve never stopped doing, and I don’t plan too, from my first show to my most recent show at Stubb’s, I’ve still got A LONG way to go.
But, what I’m trying to say to you all is, don’t ever think you’re dreams or goals are too unrealistic. If someone else can do it, so can you, if it’s what you want to do, and you keep practicing, and keep doing it. Here, follow my super effective guideline:
1. Do it
2. Do it again
3. Repeat
