treadmill and believe they must work and work to feel good about themselves. It’s a form
of addiction that can be next to impossible to break. Plus, it can all too easily lead to more
destructive addictions. Think of all the artists we’ve lost to drugs. They may still be heard
on the radio or on CDs, but that talent is lost forever. No more new music ... ever.
Taking personal time for hobbies, time with family and friends, or simply taking a
walk can be energizing. A vacation to a new place can spark ideas and enhance your cre-
ativity. Speaking of vacation, it’s a good idea to actually save for one and schedule it. A
week or two away from performing and recording can give you entirely new insights into
your music.
In the end, you are more than your music and its related work. You’re more than a
nice melody, a great beat and harmonies. If you become overly absorbed in your work,
you risk missing the life you were meant to live. I don’t mean to offend those who are
into reincarnation, but I believe we only get one shot at life. Strive to keep things in per-
spective. Work and your business are simply a means toward an end. That end should be
having a complete, satisfying and fulfilling life that’s punctuated by music.
Money Management Thoughts
Richard J. Leider, author of The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better,
writes: “Time is the most precious currency of life, and how we spend it reflects what we
truly value. Once an hour is gone, it is gone forever. It cannot be re-earned.” Money, on
the other hand, can be re-earned, saved, and invested.
Money is a funny thing. All artists want it to buy things to help make better music,
grow their fan base and provide a level of comfort for them and their families. Yet many