PAUSE...this is what to do when you find yourself comparing your progress as a DJ/producer
Comparison is the thief of joy. Repeat after me. Comparison is the thief of joy. However, if you have clicked onto this post in search of some advice on how not to compare your progress as a DJ/producer in dance music, then I’ll guess that you’re already very aware of that.
So, let’s assume that you’ve perhaps been on a scroll-athon through Instagram or Facebook and a fellow DJ friend has just announced that they’ll be headlining one of your favourite warehouse raves. Or, maybe a producer friend that you know from college has shared the news of two upcoming releases on a legendary drum and bass record label.
Suddenly, your mind is racing.
‘I’ve not released any new music in a couple months, I’m failing as an musician.’
‘I pitched to that label...why did they choose their track and not mine?’
‘I thought my upcoming appearance at that new club in town was cool, but their headline slot at that world famous warehouse rave is so much better.’
‘...what’s the point? No matter how much I try, someone else always seems to succeed more than me.’
Of course, you feel happy for your fellow electronic music producer or live DJ. Proud even. However, in that moment you couldn’t help but compare their success and progress to your own.
Let’s start by saying don’t beat yourself up! It’s totally normal to feel a little envy, or make a comparison. You’re only human after all and sometimes healthy competition can help to motivate you. However, if the comparison becomes constantly obsessive, unmotivating and draining on your mental wellbeing. Then, you need to take action and change how you view the success of others against your own achievements.
How do you stop comparing yourself and your work in music to other DJ/producer?
Curate a healthy space on social media that serves and inspires you. Be considerate of who you follow and why. If there are any accounts or people that have an intensely negative impact on how you feel and how you view yourself, simply unfollow or mute. Follow DJs, music producers and industry professionals that you admire and would like to build a genuine relationship with. Pages that share tips and advice on furthering your dance music career are also a great addition to your feed so that you can stay in control of your mental diet!
📞Incoming call from The Captain: “It’s my intention for @theunicornmothership to share super valuable tips and inspirational posts on cultivating wellness in dance music so that you can get confident about your next steps to move the needle and build your own success. From sober raving, to work/life balance, and the occasional cute cat pic!”
Practice gratitude regularly and reflect on your progress. This could be starting a gratitude journal or a having a regular dialogue with yourself. Take the time to reflect on your journey in dance music so far. Think about how far you have come already, previous goals that you’ve hit and the emotions that you felt when you reached them. A great question to ask yourself is ‘what would my younger self think of where I am now, and what we’ve achieved already in music?’ 10 years ago you might not have even been a DJ or even jumped behind the decks before. Now look at you!
Understand that everyone’s journey is different. Some DJs and producers will have their ‘big break’ after 2 years in the industry and some will hit theirs after 10 years. Don’t become obsessive over these. The idea of an overnight success in the music industry is totally glamorised and ask anyone who has experienced it...it’s overrated. In reality, success in dance music looks different to everyone but for most it’s not about the quick highs. It’s about integrating a long-term passion for music into their lives and sustaining a living from it. Ultimately, it won’t even matter how long it took you once you are there.
Get clear on your goals and your purpose as a DJ/producer. If you are crystal clear on the direction that you want to move the needle in your dance music career and solely focused on the goals that you have set to get you there. Then, you’re less likely to get caught up in the direction that fellow music producers are taking their career in. You are focused on your progress, and your progress alone so that you don’t let yourself be deceived by the pressure to always be “on”.
If you want to know a little more about goal setting AND actually actioning these goals, check out our blog post on Why you need to set goals in electronic music (+3 steps to achieving results).
Congratulate and support your music industry friend on doing well. Yeah, you might feel some envy towards them but put that aside and celebrate this special moment with them. Besides, they are proof that the life you think you could have in dance music IS actually possible! Shift your mindset from competition to collaboration. If they are in the place you’d like to be from now, then work on building an authentic relationship. Ask for advice and watch how they navigate the music industry to see if you can learn anything from them. Who knows, maybe in the future you could collaborate on a DJ mix or a club night!
Finally, in any moment of comparison, remember that there is only one YOU! You have your own unique sound and style as an electronic music producer and live DJ. You’re not meant to mirror anyone else so learn to uncover, embrace, and show up as your authentic self in your dance music career.
PSST!..
PSST!..
If you feel that the mental blocks in your music career are something that you’d like to work on more, then be sure to check out our 21-day wellness program ‘Move The Needle.’ Includes self-guided learning, peer support and coaching led by our holistic nightlife coach, avocado-lover and captain of the ship, Eline Van Audenaerde. Growth mindset, goal-setting, procrastination and productivity are just some of the topics covered in this interactive course. Find out more here!
