3 Mindsets That Gave My Music An Unfair Advantage

Producers think because they haven't put in their 10,000 hours yet that they can't put their work out into the world.

Newsflash: You don't need to be an expert to publish online anymore.

There are other forms of content that are just as amusing and don't involve you having advanced knowledge of any kind. Also their is a lot more to it than just knowledge. Each creative has their specific unfair advantage, whether they know it or not. Here are a few examples:

Grit Your Way To Growth

Grit, as defined by Angela Ducksworth, is having passion and perseverance towards a long term goal. I like to think about it simply as pushing through the things you don't like to be able to get to the things you do like.

When first starting any new creative habit it can be tough to stick through the phase where you suck so this is where grit comes in handy.

In particular, having grit leads to ability to endure longer deliberate practice. More deliberate practice leads to mastery of your craft. Mastery of your craft leads to more creativity. And then, the cycle repeats.

You are always on the cusp of the next cycle, and through the process, always thickening your skin to become tougher for the next round.

Stealing Like An Artist

This ones a quote from Picasso.

"Good artists copy, great artist steal"

What he is saying in this line is that good artists just take things for face value. While on the other hand great artists can manifest the meaning of unique ideas and information to create connections only they can understand. Then to show them in creative ways using references the audience will understand

Make sure that if you decide to steal from anyone, you do it from first principles.

Since we are in a day an age where anyone can publish be wary of unearned wisdom. Look to find the top of the idea chain and work your way down. By standing on the shoulders of giants you will see further than others.

The Lens Only You Can Look Through

What are the experiences and relations to the creation only you can express?

You'd be surprised at how many other creatives just like you would love to hear about and learn from those experiences. Whether they were successes or failures there is always a lesson that can be passed on.

A few things to think about related to the lens only you have is:

• Insights from what you have accomplished

• The location your from/luck you've had

• Your work experience

• Contrarian beliefs you have on topics

Now, these aren't excuses for you to avoid putting in your 10,000 hours or iterations or whatever. But it is saying you have no excuse not to start.

These numbers are more like badges of honor for when you reach a certain milestones, or get to a certain position in your career.

However, what they don't tell you is that those who have put in 10,000 hours still don't always think they are experts and will look up to those with 20,000 or 30,000. I think you get the idea.

Don't let your level of knowledge hold you back from publishing. Just know that you have to use a different voice, an authentic voice.

One that coincides with where you are currently at.

One that uses your unfair advantage.