Making Dreams Come True

by Cari Cole

You have a dream.

You’re willing to work hard and do whatever it takes.

But you have a suspicion that you’ll need more than just your willingness and a hard work ethic.

So, what else?

I can’t tell you exactly what else you’ll need, because each path to stardom is different. But I can tell you what I’ve seen successful artists do that put them in the running and were an integral part of their success.

Before I give them to you I want to let you know that I, like you, was once a struggling artist, with big dreams.

I used to live in a little studio apartment where the entire living quarters — including the sink and a cooking range that had a frig underneath the range and no oven (never seen once of these since) — fit in to 250 sq feet. My tiny abode was in the East Village in New York City, next to and above an Indian restaurant (talk about cockroaches – they lived like kings at my digs… ugh).

I was in my early twenties and was attending music school during the day, waitressing by night and had just started a rock and roll band. I had big dreams but no idea if they ever going to happen for me. (Whether you are in your early twenties or not, you have your own version of this I am certain). Every day I struggled with the consuming desire to be a great singer/musician performing at Madison Square Garden — and the pit in my stomach that came from the intense fear that it may never happen.

Sound familiar? (not the cockroaches)

But if I could have known then, what I know now – that it would all work out . . .

The one thing I can tell you for sure that I know now, is that there is a path and a system to it — and that you can get there quicker by knowing certain things. And that one of the best ways to avoid pitfalls and mistakes is by learning from those who have gone before.

I hope the Five Top Traits below will bring you some clarity and perhaps even make it easier for you than it was for me! Keep in mind, a lot of this I learned the hard way!

Five Top Traits for Success:

1. Strong Daily Habits & Practices ~ The ability to master the details of the craft through daily habits and practices. Perfecting their vocals, their songs and musicianship is one thing I see all successful music artists do. You are only as good as your voice and songs are.
2. Relationships with Professionals in the Industry ~ To be a music artist is to spend a ton of hours alone perfecting the craft. Because of that, artists can be isolated and forget that carving out time for relationship building is just as important. Relationships with professionals in the industry is a big part of moving your career forward. That means everyone — from your songwriting partner and your vocal coach and/or mentor, to producers, publishers, performing rights organization folks, to managers and or labels and entertainment attorneys.
3. Consistent Persistence ~ Never Give Up ~ When you want something bad enough you don’t give up until your get it – period. This quote from Morgan Freeman sums it up: “The surest way to fail is to give up”.
4. Faith ~ Success in any field cannot happen unless you believe it can.
5. Patience ~ Patience makes you take the time you need to develop your craft, fine-tune your songs, and not rush out there before you are ready. You have one chance – use it wisely.

Dreams do come true.

And — Yours CAN.

Just as much as anyone else.

This week – apply just 1 or 2 of the above and watch what happens. If you get an “ah-ha”, send me an email. I’d love to hear about it!

In love and support,
Cari