If your social media feed/inbox is anything like mine, taking it easy at what is considered the 'beginning' of all things new, might seem counterintuitive. Especially for independent musicians trying to figure out their touring plan, new music releases, and general modus operandi to gain and/or maintain momentum in their career.
However, a little bit of contemplation might bring some of us to other conclusions. The kind that considers stepping away from the noise and making more space within, to be a more strategic move to set the tone for a successful year ahead.
Here are some quick thoughts on this.
The Psychology Behind Rest
1. Rest and Creativity:
Allowing your mind to wander and relax is one of the most underrated creative tools out there. I could quote a bunch of academic material on psychology to back this claim up. But I'm guessing if you're a creative, you are no stranger to those quieter phases that have played the unassuming source to significantly boost your creative thinking, fostering new ideas and approaches to your music, at some point.
2. Avoiding Burnout:
Burnout remains a prevalent issue. I say this as a coach and educator with over 20 years of experience who keeps dealing with this both actively and passively. And has learned the hard way that some experiments are simply not worth it in the long run. The constant hustle for career opportunities and nailing new goals is a major contender on that list. The continued onslaught of FOMO-inducing information on our nervous systems is not helping either.
Increasing studies are researching how independent musicians (who are kinda entrepreneurs by default), are particularly prone to burnout due to the high-pressure nature of their work. It's imperative we know where the lines are and understand that even if we don't want to take a month off, we don't have to do a month constantly switched on.
3. Mental Health and the Musician:
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health highlights the importance of rest in maintaining good mental health. Music creation, is a fulfilling practice when done right. But we forget how mentally taxing it can be. Endless hours of physical practice. Digesting new information. Hours on screen recording, editing, and/or arranging inside our DAW's. Taking a break in January can contribute to better mental well-being and overall productivity.
4. Strategic Planning:
Here's a Harvard Business Review article that emphasizes the importance of rest in strategic planning. How's that for business talk? Taking time to reflect on your music career, set realistic goals, and plan strategies for the upcoming year not just can, but will most possibly lead to more focused and successful efforts.
5. Productivity and Efficiency:
Studies cited in the Journal of Applied Psychology indicate that individuals who take regular breaks are more productive and efficient in their work. By allowing yourself time to recharge in January, you might actually just set the stage for a more productive year in terms of music production and promotion.
Now that we've established that all of the above are reasons to consider, how do we go about actually implementing it?
Here are some suggestions:
1. Reflect and Set Goals:
Take time to reflect on your musical journey in the past year. What worked well? What could be improved? Set achievable and measurable goals for the upcoming year.
Also, consider making a weekly plan where you assign a daily slot of time to each project or business you run. Keep these slots short (my favourite is 45 minutes) but regular. And show up for those appointments with yourself. This not just gives you overview, but helps you be aware when to stop.
2. Engage in Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is one of those buzzwords now. I won't sell this as a 'suggestion' with a yoga quote and claim it as mine.
Truth be told I think practicing mindfulness is a lot simpler than many a guru might imply. Sometimes it's as easy as watching yourself breathe for 30 seconds with no expectations or judgment (credit for that one goes to my teacher Kenny Werner - I can confirm though, that it works).
Other alternatives can be something as simple as taking a walk on your own. Or if you're into movement like me, do a quick workout (whatever qualifies as one in your books). If meditation or yoga is already part of your repertoire though, you don't need me to preach to the choir.
But it helps to remind ourselves how much all of the above can enhance our overall well-being. And hence creativity. Sounds really banal I know, but it's the kind of thing that's REALLY easy to forget in the thick of it, in my experience.
3. Explore New Inspirations:
Consider starting a new reading habit. Or catching a classic movie. Those books, the right movies, or exploring newer forms of art (my go-to is art galleries), almost always spark fresh ideas and perspectives. Even if you're not writing songs about them, they're leaving a mark on your subconscious mind. A much better one than the doom-scrolling.
Conclusion:
It's the simplest tools that are the most effective and time-tested.
The temptation to dive headfirst into the new year might be strong. But embracing a more restful and contemplative approach to work in January might just be an alternative you're looking for. It holds the potential to set the groundwork for a more successful and sustainable road ahead of us in the long run.
