Excursions

We always hear the cliché “success is about the journey, not the destination”. And although many of us are able to remind ourselves of that philosophy when it comes to our creative path, and even in maintaining a fulfilling life, I have often found that it’s harder to stay cognizant of that notion when it comes to our work.

For some reason, it’s easier in to get caught up in all of the toxic traits and habits when we’re immersed in an ultra competitive work environment. But it’s understandable, especially in situations where we have worked our asses off to build something, only to have the vultures start circling as soon as they detect opportunity.

And whether our competitors are aware of the countless hours we’ve put in, or they don’t give a shit; either way, they’re more than happy to step right into our territory and take what we’ve worked so hard to create.

It’s happened every time I’ve helped build an artist’s touring career, and it will continue to happen as long as I maintain this career path. But I’ve learned over the years that I can either embrace the competition or take everything personally. And if I’m being honest with myself, I have to remember that we are all in relationships until they no longer serve us. That goes for ALL of us.

I don’t say that in a selfish way, but with a firm belief that every relationship must be mutually beneficial. And when it no longer benefits both parties, the person receiving the short end of the stick should happily move on.

But life wasn’t always this complicated. Back when we sunk all of our money into our music and there was no living to be made, we didn’t have to worry about protecting our territory, because we were only concerned with being creative and having fun. And I think back fondly to the days of touring around in an SUV and sleeping on random strangers’ couches. For many of us, it’s a right of passage.

But now times have changed for me personally. Things are more comfortable. I’ve grown up and created the work-life balance I’ve always dreamed of. One where I can take the afternoon off to play basketball with my son and listen to his beats, or take my daughter to her tennis class at the drop of a hat.

So of course I’m content with the life I’ve built. But even so, I miss the experiences and bonds I created along the way. The ones that shaped me and taught me invaluable lessons.

So I say all that to remind you that life is short. You can blink and miss it. You can complain throughout the entire process and look back on your years of misery with regret. Or you can enjoy as many moments as humanly possible.

For those of you who haven’t checked out last week’s newsletter, I highlighted the possibility of AI taking over my job (and yours). And I’m sure you’ve all seen countless tweets and articles warning you to learn ChatGPT and AutoGPT or be left for dead.

Although I’m a huge advocate of keeping up with technology, I don’t recommend it at the risk of compromising our journey. Just as we can get fixated with the past, we can become so consumed with the future that we forget to enjoy the present.

And as we continue to become more effective in optimizing our tasks and now even our thoughts, the one thing we can’t transform into an algorithm is our happiness. Because happiness can change, and if we don’t lean into it while it’s present, happiness goes away.

So enjoy the journey, even when it comes to your work. Don’t get caught up in the stuff that wasn’t meant to be, and avoid the relationships and situations that feel forced.

And definitely don’t push yourself onto others who don’t see your value. Let your work do all of the talking.

People will recognize. And it they can’t, it’s their loss.

Thanks to everyone who’s been rocking with me, and recommending this newsletter to your friends. And thanks to all of the new subscribers as well.

Til next week.