Hustle and Follow Your Passion!

No matter where you are in your indie career there is always the question of, “how badly do I want this?” There will be horrible days when you may feel like you aren’t making any progress and there will be days when that 9 to 5 looks better and better by the moment. Those days require a stern yet enthusiastic awakening. The kind of awakening that a guy like Gary Vaynerchuk can offer. While searching TED.com, I came across this video from the 2008 Web 2.0 Expo. It’s a jewel for anyone in any walk of life that may be struggling with following his or her heart and passion.

First off, I love Gary Vaynerchuk! My introduction to his wealth of advice came via Twitter in 2010. Looking for people to follow that really had a grasp of branding and social media, his name popped up in a search. I have been a fan of his since. That aside, this video gives a glimpse of why he rocks. It is undeniable that many people are doing things that they hate, not enjoying the aspects of life that should be enjoyable. As an indie artist, part of the reason you are pouring your heart into your music is because you love it. Who would want to face the constant criticism and rejection for something that they hate? Who would want to fillet themselves continuously to audiences and industry heavy hitters for something that they just feel okay about?

When I was performing, I worked the 3pm to 11pm and often had band rehearsals that started at midnight to get ready for gigs. My band rehearsals never felt like work because it was what I loved. I wrote songs at my desk during my lunch hour. Sometimes, I got reprimanded for writing songs in between work tasks. So, I absolutely understand what Vaynerchuk says about doing what you love from 7pm to 2am. If you love it, you’ll make the time for it and you’ll put aside the distractions.

The other thing that I thing you should take from the video is the fact that in this era of communication you have the ability to make your brand everything that you want it to be. You have the opportunity to reach people all over the globe and share your art with them. There really is no excuse. Commit to taking the necessary measures to do what you love.

I’ve become passionate about helping indie musicians because I have been able to reflect on the errors I made. I don’t want anyone to repeat those ridiculous mistakes. Life is too short to spend it committed to any career that you can’t find joy in. Vaynerchuk’s video just solidifies my resolve to help indies do what they are great at and what they love.

The bottom line is there is no do-over on life. If you don’t seize the moment and start to really do what you love the opportunity will fade. Make a plan and start to incorporate time to further your passion and art. Put aside things that aren’t important and start to hustle for what you love. In the long run, you’ll be rewarded in ways you never imagined.