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You're Doing Great!

© Cindy Lee Haddock

YOU'RE DOING GREAT!

Since we are getting near the end of the year, going over your list of things you did do can really help you know your next steps. This can also buoy you up if you feel not much got done. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

LIST WHAT YOU DID

Firstly, don't dwell on what didn't get done this year. If you finished a song, write down at least the working title. If several songs got done, and if you sent off the Forms C, write that down. Did your music show a profit? Did you get any of your instruments out of hock? Did you get a new toy for your music arsenal? List each and every one of these things; even if you filed your IRS taxes. Note how many songs got started, or lyric lines got written. Did you attend any functions or pick up any new books or albums to study? Did you fix that loose wire on your amp, or finally clean that soda stain off of your keyboard? Did you download any programs from the Internet? Did you set up any sites on the Web, and how many hits did you get? Sell or send off any demos? Did any get at least a first listen? All these things, no matter how small they might seem, all add up, and really affirm that you are progressing, even if perhaps not as fast as you'd like. All of this really can help put us in the mood for the next steps.

LIST WHAT YOU COULD DO

Are there some outlets for your music opening up in the New Year? Check around with your local songwriter's group and on the Net and look for developments in your genre. A lot of acts may be looking for music, and deadlines for good prices of some upcoming conventions are approaching. Registration for local classes that you might be able to use either for spring or summer semester are also things you could be looking forward to, soon. Are there some songs that could be finished up before the end of next year, or perhaps a demo or album that you could finish? A group you could form or a co-writer that you need to interview? Think up specifics that you want to accomplish before the end of next year, including competitions you'd like to enter or even win. After you come up with this new list, you are ready for the next, and sometimes toughest part.

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