Vision is the one idea that’s uniquely yours.
As the retail world continually changes, you would be well-served to remember one important constant – the word “vision” – because vision is the unique differentiator.
Most developing musicians, entrepreneurs, and artists have some understanding about visualization and its power. The greats seem to come by it naturally, but it is a tool for all to use. Elvis Presley believed strongly in the power of will and honored it.
Let’s start by looking at the difference between the words “vision” and “visualization.” By definition, a vision is clearly seeing an idea in your mind. It seems easy in description, but in truth getting a strong enough clarity and belief behind an idea is what begins to separate the successful from the struggling musicians and entrepreneurs.
We never want to admit that there is any doubt in what we believe, but a creative person is always riddled with doubt. Anxiety is a natural byproduct of high-level creative achievers.
Step one has to be getting truly clear on what you intend your journey to be. Most young participants entering the music business don’t truly comprehend what that means. It means you have to be willing to risk everything for the success of your idea. It means that when everything is coming down around your ears, you are able to be unflappable.
It means living with no safety net and still being comfortable. It is no different for those in business. It means never giving away your dignity even when you can’t make rent. Because you understand that your vision is your capital, and you are so clear on that that you walk with a straight back and a head held high – no arrogance, you simply walk with dignity.
It means you need to strive to see with the same quality vision as a John Lennon, Yo-Yo Ma, Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan, or Joni Mitchell, to mention a very few. It makes no difference what specialty you pursue because vision pertains to all disciplines. It is the power to see your path clearly and with conviction – ahead of its physical manifestation. It is not the path of what you do, but your “True Path.” The path of expression, the path of who you are.
That is your vision.
You must understand your purpose first, seeing deeply into your vision, and you must be crystal clear on who you are. Then develop the mechanics necessary and, of course, your specialized knowledge.
If it is a quality vision you seek for your future it will manifest, because it is undeniable. You have set your intention to make it so.
Let’s not kid ourselves: If you see less you manifest less. And if you have a quality vision for a magnificent future, but a lousy work ethic, you got nothin’. Successful musicians have a great work ethic; mediocre musicians have a typical work ethic. There is nothing typical about success and certainly nothing typical about any form of mastery.
Let’s now examine the word “visualization.” Visualization is a practice. It is the act of energizing and focusing thought to aide manifestation of a belief. Practicing visualization techniques helps a musician, artist, or entrepreneur gain clarity and understand what they want their future to look like. It is believing to see – instead of seeing to believe.
The practice of visualization raises energy levels and helps align and focus purpose and therefore breathes life into your vision. It is a practice that adds intention to your inner beliefs.
The practice is simple: In your mind you clearly see the future you want to experience. The quality of our future really comes down to the quality of your vision and the level of conviction you have in it, and practicing that future though consistent visualization techniques gives you a better clarity on the outcome you seek. The rest is just executing the details consistently.
In business, before you can bring a successful model to life, you must understand the purpose behind your vision, and then maintain the quality that you understand and wish to express.
Vision is the one idea that is uniquely yours! Market conditions will vary, but successful entrepreneurs, musicians, and performing artists protect their vision and strive continually to find productive ways to express it. It simply becomes a way of life.
Menzie Pittman is the owner and director of education at Contemporary Music Center in Virginia (CMC). Following a performance and teaching career spanning more than 32 years, he founded CMC in 1989 and continues to perform, teach, and oversee daily operations. He has 50 years of musical experience as a drummer and drum instructor. Menzie is a frequent speaker at NAMM’s Idea Center, and a freelance writer for MMR’s “Small Business Matters” column.
