Failure?

In music, everyone will point out your flaws, unless you are the Rolling Stones

After my last post, I noticed that I didn’t get much response from people as some of my previous posts. Even with a video,and it being my Birthday. But, I did realize that in my hast to not waste my day as I rushed off to see the Hangover 3 that I made several grammatical and typographical errors.

Which brings me to my topic of choice, Failure.I really was shocked that some of my regular readers did not even comment. However, as stated previously I made many errors and looked at what I created in the eyes of a first time reader. Some one who was careless enough to not examine his work and present it in an orderly fashion shouldn’t expect to be taken seriously(from now on I will be even more meticulous when it comes to my final edit,lesson learned). As far as my regular readers, many people are away,planning trips and what not. You can never let one flop be your last post,last album,show,whatever. Because than, that’s how you were remembered.

Allow me to give you some unusual examples of "Failure". Michael Jordan, probably the best basketball player of all time was cut from his High School basketball team. Unbelievable isn't it? Walt Disney was swindled out of his first creation as an animator and on his train ride home he starting sketchy a quirky little mouse named Mickey that is now the most famous cartoon character in history(not to mention helping launch an empire that is going strong til this day that includes,TV,Movies,Toys,clothing and theme parks). And here is another : Elvis Presley was told these exact words after only one performance at the Grand Ole Opry : "You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck."

The Common thread? None of these people let this rattle them, they kept focused on what their passion in life was and found a way to overcome obstacles. I know these are some extreme examples,but any one that has a success story has over a thousand stories of how things didn't work out for them at first. Recently, a friend had asked how much time is enough in order to work on something,and particularly how do you gauge your success? I haven’t answered this question yet because I was still brood over it. But, I can say this though that if its something you love doing don't let the outside world's gauge of success determine whether or not you failed. In today's world this is very hard(how many times have you seen your Facebook feed,seeing what you peers are up to and became depressed)or telling yourself ": by this age I should have done this,written this,been here"-more on this in a bit. You are still learning and figuring out how to develop your skills. This same person showed me how the process can be enjoyable and that it is great to just be learning. Not to mention, let something sit for awhile or "sleeping on it" may help breathe new life into something. An opportunity that was not here yesterday may arrive tomorrow and later maybe the time for this project.

When it comes to this relating to music, you need to understand that the business has changed dramatically. We all see the Hollywood side of how the Beatles,Elvis,the Doors,the Beach Boys,Black Sabbath and many others appeared to be "overnight sensations". Many of these people were young and signed contracts that ended up costing them tons of money(do you really think some teenagers from Birmingham England would know anything about law or the music business in the early 70s?). Also, it is a crap shoot that someone will be in the audience that could influence your career. After seeing all these people succeed and having pie in the sky expectations of how great it will be to a huge success,did you ever stop and realize what a toll this takes on your personal life,health(both mentally and physically).Also, Hollywood producers make a movie about entertainers, to entertain an audience and keep their attention in a 90 minute span so they can make money,of course they are going to focus on the most glamorous parts of becoming successful. No one would go see a Movie about a band if they showed 90 minutes of someone trying to write songs locked in their apartments, or making dozens of phone calls to band mates or people that book shows,or trying to deal with real life stuff like the rest of us do such as working an actual job, paying bills,etc.

Success can effect us negatively as well. It can make us forget who we are or why even started doing what we became successful at in the first place. Many people who get even a taste of success develop a huge ego, start to not appreciate those who helped them get to where they are in the first place(even their own families).Most likely,in time that kind of smug attitude will catch up to most "stars" and hit them where it hurts,their wallets. After all, the fans got you where you are and if you don’t treat them right they will just stop buying from you.

Always remember, if you are still out there doing it you have not failed. Success takes time, self assurance,honesty and examination. And of course in this day and age, knowledge of how the business works(I promise you a blog in this to make it a bit easier). I deal with lots on criticism, some I take as a constructive, some I see as someone who is self motivated to cut others down to build themselves up by trying to diminish the accomplishments of others. If they like wasting their energy on that, let them and keep moving ahead. In music, everyone will point out your flaws, unless you are the Rolling Stones.

For more Famous people who failed at first see this
And of course my favorite all time motivational montage, by the world's Greatest Underdog, Rocky Balboa Enjoy(if this doesn't stir something inside you,you maybe dead,lol):