by Cari Cole

Okay, well no promises, but making music history could be in your neck of the woods. It doesn’t matter what stage you grace, follow these 14 ways to make your own music history – even if it’s with yourself. I live by these.

Here they are: 14 Ways to Make Music History in 2014

1. Stay true to yourself. One of the toughest things to do in the music business is to stay true to yourself. With everyone and their mother telling you what to do, it’s a minor miracle to pull it off, but it’s the only chance you have of making heads (ears) turn!

2. Be willing to change. Sometimes being stubborn is a good thing because it keeps us trekking up the mountain. However, when it keeps us from change, it messes up progress. Always be willing to see things differently, gain perspective and be willing to change, even if it means a few back steps before you can move on.

3. Find a buddy. Music can be isolating, Practicing your voice and instruments, writing songs are solo tasks – and before you know it the whole day is gone and you didn’t actually talk to anyone! Having a music buddy, someone who is going through the same things as you, can be a big stress reliever. Find someone who is not competitive and has your best interests at heart for mutual support!

4. Stay open. Sometimes even our best intentions give us tunnel vision. Stay open to opinions and feedback and avoid being closed minded. Not every opinion is right and you have to filter which ones to listen to, but keeping yourself open helps you improve. You never know, sometimes the right messages are trying to get through, but you are not listening!

5. Fall in love – with you. Seriously. I know, it sounds cheesy – but here’s why. No one is going to care more about you more than you – ever, and that includes your music. I know that sounds strange to say, but it’s true. When you give a hoot, we give a double hoot. When an artist is turned on by their art, we are too!

6. Don’t depend on anyone for help, but count on yourself. Dependence can easily be co-dependence and suck the life out of your confidence, Greatness requires independence and inter-dependence, which means confidence on your own and in working with others. The bigger lesson I’m really preaching here, is when you rely solely on yourself to get the job done, you’ll always come out ahead. This is one of the most important facets of being a successful musician.

7. Forgive everyone for everything. Most of the time no one is doing anything “to” you or “for” you. People do things for their own reasons and that have to do with themselves. Really knowing that, and owning it, is incredibly freeing and allows you to easily forgive. Forgiving easily allows you move on and not carry ill will along with you – which is crippling to you and your career. Besides, you’ll meet the same people on the way down that you met on the way up. Be kind to everyone. It’s good karma.

8. Expand your music playlist. Don’t be so close-minded that you stop listening to new music. It’s not all crap – I promise you. But you’ll have to do some digging and spend some time on this. My artists in my Your Exceptional Record Course this year were blown away at what they found when I made them listen to some of the new stuff out there. You have to keep expanding your musical ears and prowess if you’re going to dare greatness!

9. Expand your mindset. Mindset is one of the first places I look when I’m stuck. It’s often what holds me back and what I see holds my clients back. You can only go as far as you think you can. In the words of Henry Ford “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right. Expanding your mindset is key to growing bigger. When you change your mind you change your life and not in the other order. I’m so convinced of the power of mindset I lead a monthly circle for musicians and creatives who are rocking their careers just by changing theirs.

10. Expand what’s possible. Sometimes we are in our own way because we have a small vision. Just give yourself the permission to dream a little. Where would you want to be in 3 years if you could have it?

11. Have more fun. Have more fun. Be more fun. Laugh more. It’s proven that laughter begets more laughter and joy is infectious. No one wants to hang out with Debbie Downer! What can you do to step up your fun this year? Laughing yoga?

12. Take better care of yourself. Rest more, more self-care (massages are not luxuries for singers), do yoga, pamper yourself (you’ll be more productive-it’s proven!)

13. Be more compassionate. Ok – “compassion” is my word of the year – it doesn’t have to be yours – but practicing more compassion will get you some! Whatever it is you want ______ (fill in the blank) – offer up more of that and watch what comes back to you.

14. Believe you can. Nothing can happen that you truly don’t believe can. Strengthen that voice in your head that says “I can” – even if you don’t fully understand how. Miracles happen out of the blue – ever heard of the phrase “blind faith”? Believe you can.

Want more? I talk about this and much more in my monthly membership circle for musicians and music creators. Click here for more info.

Share which of these 14 ways you’re going to rock in 2014 in the comments below!!! I want to hear all about it!

©2014 Cari Cole, Vocal Mag, Inc. All Rights Reserved.