2025.. a year that hasn't gone as planned!


A whole year of goals can be daunting to tackle. If you answered "unexpected turbulence" in today's IG poll...

...take a breath. 2025 for many of us, and maybe you too, hasn't started out exactly stellar. As we move through the world, doing our work, caring for others, and tending to ourselves, I find I keep asking myself: what's the balance between those things?

While I resolved to focus on small ways to support health, taking s-p-a-c-e and allowing little everyday joys, I'm finding that my health and simple joys are inextricably tied to my famly, all of you in my community, my work colleagues, and the world.

I stopped notifications recently from my news apps, in an effort to keep the noise down. It's a conundrum because I DO want to follow the fires, learn about the ceasefire, and see wth Zuckerberg is up to.

How can we do our best, most inspired work and let ourselves be immersed in that whole moment, while making sense of what seems incomprehensible? or so urgently "now"? What do we owe ourselves, and others?

The message to you today is - it's okay not to make sense of things. It's okay not to fully understand and read everything you can get your hands on to understand. It's okay to reach for what your heart loves most. Take comfort that there are good people doing good things, and allow yourself to put your 100% into your art, music, work, family and business.

When I think back (oh so long ago, all of 2 weeks!) on my intentions for 2025, I decided I wanted space. This is the type of "space" that a busy, ambitious, productive me imagined, full of lists and things to get done, places to go, results to see. Now I'm realizing I don't have to address or solve everything. I can sit in a mess, the less-than-ideal version of things, and take the space that feels like *gasp* a waste of time.

As a friend reminded me recently, you're a human being, not a human doing.

If you're nodding and know just what I'm saying, here's a fantastic tool our very own Zoe Shiu created just for you. For today, or a day soon when you might like to reconsider who you are in 2025. Get the free workbook by clicking below!

Sending much love!

Ixi

& Team 360

EXPLORE MORE:

Who's Zoe?
E-School (it's not just entrepreneurship)
Ideas for balance outside the practice room

L E A R N M O R E

E-School | Young Artist Workshops | Spark Your Career Workbook | Thrive Membership for Musicians | The Portfolio Challenge | The Goal Setting Workshop | The Audition Lab | The Musicians Practice Planner


Liked this email? Forward it along!

Forwarded this email? Join our list. :)

ABOUT US

Music 360 is a career hub for musicians. All of our resources, programs, and work with you are centered on our belief that in order to grow sustainably and intentionally, you must address the many layers of who you are: an artist, human, entrepreneur, creative and so much more.

OUR EMAIL RELATIONSHIP

Hey- you're awesome. Directed by Ixi Chen, Ted Nelson & Nick Photinos, we are professional musicians, administrators, coaches, and entrepreneurs who love creating training for you that will amplify your growth. Of course, you can unsubscribe, but be careful, that we can't deliver your emails anymore, including things you asked or paid for. Our services are tied to your email addres. Want fewer emails or to hear about specific topics? Instead of opting out, give us your preferences

Really never want to hear from us again? Opt Out. You can always reach us at hello@music-threesixty.com

6311 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243

Hi, I’m a musician, teacher, mentor and coach

I'm a educator, musician, and coach who lives to help you integrate all of who YOU are, through business & entrepreneurship, stage & digital presence, and professional & personal development. Subscribe and join over 5,000+ newsletter readers every week!

Read more from Hi, I’m a musician, teacher, mentor and coach

In this letter What the Nutcracker taught me about goals(and it's not "do fewer Nutcrackers"!) Just a few days ago I wasn't getting through the first act of Nutcracker without wincing. Tis' the season of holiday doubles with the Cincinnati Symphony: 6 rousing pops, 10 Nutcrackers in five days, 2 nerve impingements and 1... clarinetist down! Some of you are in the thick of 'gigmas' as it's called! My body, which generally has a pretty good amount of tightness from everyday playing, started...

In this letter Your inner voice is the key I'm giving you homework. Before you close this email in protest, read to the end! I promise it won't hurt too much. First of all, it's the kind of homework you do in fuzzy socks with a mug of something warm. It'll actually feel less like work and more like getting to breathe and feel. (Aka your nervous system gets a good rest)! Here's the assignment: Spend 30 minutes between now and the new year asking yourself what you actually want—not as a...

In this letter okay we kid, it's an articulation warm-up from Tad Calcara ...in honor of Thanksgiving. And probably a good one to do in between plans. Since ours is a quiet, low-key holiday, with concerts of Dvorak's 7th Symphony this weekend, I will definitely be trying this warm-up in between making the blueberry galette and sitting by the first fire of the season! Our featured clarinet guest of the month often shares their favorite go-to warm-up - and we are extra delighted that Tad, the...