In this letter
Your depth is your strength (here's how to use it)
Ever have one of those days where you feel like you're being pulled in 19 different directions? You're teaching in the morning, rehearsing in the afternoon, answering admin emails during lunch, and somehow supposed to practice your own repertoire before dinner. Oh, and maybe squeeze in some actual family and life stuff too?
Yeah, me too.
Earlier in life, before all the adulting started (ok who am I kidding, I'm still this way), I wanted to own a flower shop, open a school, design houses, be a travel photographer. My mom would listen to all my dreams and shake her head, saying: "If you're a jack of all trades, you're a master of none. Pick one thing to do well."
If you know me these days, you know I still embrace a multi-faceted life. As a result, I've fallen in love with productivity and time management strategies. And while it used to be that musicians could pick a specialty, the landscape of our industry as shifted drastically. We don't GET to be just one thing, we often have to build a portfolio of various activities.
And honestly, it's all of these things you love to do (and that you're privileged enough to choose) that makes you so dang GREAT.
Let's take a closer look at YOU. Answer this: How many hats did you wear yesterday?
If you're like many musicians, you probably juggled at least 3-5 different roles before lunch. Performer. Teacher. Student. Admin assistant (answering those emails counts!). Maybe entrepreneur, collaborator, parent, or all of the above.
All those roles? They're not pulling you in different directions—they're actually different vehicles on the same journey. The problem isn't that you wear multiple hats. The problem is when you're not intentional about why each one matters and where it's taking you.
These roles often serve the departments of your life: relationships, well-being, work and contribution, personal growth, spiritual meaning, financial security, community, creativity... and more. What do these seemingly myriad roles distill into? Often it's your values,
This week's challenge:
Grab a piece of paper (or your phone notes) and list out 5-8 roles you currently play. Be specific! Not just "musician," but "freelance violinist," "Suzuki teacher," "section player," "chamber music coach."
Then pick ONE role and ask yourself:
- Why does this role actually matter to me?
- What's one goal I have for this role?
- What's ONE small action I could take this week to move toward that goal?
That's it. One role, one action. Watch what happens.
The takeaway: It's so good to get clear on your roles and give each one purpose. Because suddenly you don't feel so scattered— instead you're getting strategic. This truly changes everything!
What're the roles you're starring in? Hit reply and tell me!
Those of you feeling stuck with even defining your roles? Roles like parent, director, or volunteer are pretty easy to identify, but if you're having trouble identifying exactly what roles you play, try this exercise. It hones in on the sometimes murkier roles you own in your professional life!
The 1-3-5 Pyramid
Now go forth and conquer (one role at a time),
Ixi
p.s. Get all the above in a beautiful place: The Musician's Purpose planner. Where every 6 months you can revisit your roles and goals -- and align more powerfully with purpose. We can't wait to share it with you! Keep an eye out here for more info :D
p.p.s. Totally unrelated: What actually is the Bearista, and why do people love it? I'd love to know. Does the $29.99 cup really bring "instant joy to every sip"?
Thrive is a career hub for musicians who want a holistic approach to building health and wealth in a music career. Inside you'll find:
✓ 6 experienced host/coaches ready to answer your questions about performance, career building, health, and wealth
✓ Practical tools and strategies for managing anxiety, building financial stability, and growing artistically
✓ A supportive community of musicians who understand the unique challenges you face
✓ Monthly workshops, resources, and challenges designed to help you build both health and wealth in your career
👉 Join Thrive at Music360 Today ($49/mo or pay in full/partial lifetime access)
