A lot of us feel haggard and barely able to function because we are trying to do so much all at the same time. Charities always need help, and often look to entertainers to help them meet ever-increasing costs, forgetting that the average musician is more cash-strapped than they are. Learning to organize your life so you can cram more in without undue stress, and having the presence of mind to know whether or not you should take on one more project or make a tighter deadline are talents we all need. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before you take one more straw onto your camelback.
WILL THIS REALLY HELP ME?
Sure, as a musician, you are an uncommon breed. You are sensitive as well as creative, and this allows you to not only be able to think up things many folks might not to solve problems, you often also command the ability to express yourself in words and music well enough that you can get others to listen when the average person cannot. You may even have enough clout in the community to get attention drawn to worthy causes that may otherwise be ignored simply by mentioning them in passing, and others know this. This is why they ask you for help so much, but this can also really hurt your career. You can spend so much time playing benefits you never get paying gigs, and others know they can just come to the next free concert to see you, not bother to come to your regular ticketed shows. You may get so busy making speeches for the environment you don't get the chance to get into the studio and finish the album your label wants from you, and this could get you dumped, no matter how good you are (this has happened, too!). You could spend so much time on a favorite charity you don't spend the time you should in rehearsal, so suck when your band finally gets the chance to play, but your charity pals are elated you can now spend more time with them once your band breaks up, again. Weigh your choices carefully, and don't let any cause, no matter how worthy, take your time to such an extreme that you neglect your musical calling. If it has started to hurt your music, just politely say "no," and perhaps try to suggest someone else who might be able to help in your place.
