Mindset Archives - Page 2 of 4 - DJ Chimney Sparrow

Impressions on the Dj Road

Of the various directions in the industry I’m playing around with these days, mixing progressive house definitely makes the time go fastest. It’s d*mn exciting, twisting knobs and planning ahead, racing against the clock while hearing songs I love.

Over time, I’ve started to notice some ways it’s changing how I approach music too, and all for the better.

Laziness Doesn’t Exist

That’s right, I said it.

Procrastination, or Needed Rest?

The inspiration for this article can be best described with a (short) story:

The Dictatorship of the Brain

Our brains and bodies are largely at war with each other. And it’s not an even fight.

We’re used to identifying with ourselves as rational creatures; we use our minds to solve problems, conquer obstacles, and so on. The less-predictable emotions by contrast, are as likely to help as get in the way.

Some even consider emotions, especially negative ones, largely unnecessary. Others just learn to push those unhelpful feelings down, so they can “get on with their lives”.

But that’s a mistake, and not just because we won’t actually live more happily or productively. For despite the illusion of control the brain gives us, it’s on the losing side of this boxing match.

It’s Not the Craft, It’s the Mastery

Hold onto your hats, ’cause I’mma feeling philosophical today.

Why did you choose to make music your career? (Or whatever it is you do.) Was it something you always knew you wanted to crush at? Did it seem like the right balance between your passions and your talents? Maybe you just fell into it, because your friends and family are all enthusiasts.

Regardless, you’re here for one, over-arching reason: To find happiness in what you do. But the funny thing is, it doesn’t actually matter what you choose to do, because all skills eventually lead to the same place.

Be Not Afraid of Failure

Like most artists, I worry about finances a lot. One of my worst fears is of running out of money, not being able to support my wife, and us ultimately having to return home to Toronto. In my mind, that would make me a “failure”.

But what does it mean to fail anyway? Is it the same for each person? Does it mean we don’t succeed at one endeavour, or ALL endeavours? Is that even possible? What’s the difference between failing and being a “failure”?

I won’t pretend to have the answers to these questions. BUT I gots plenty of opinions! Let’s dive in!

My Daily Routine

I’ve often struggled with finding a consistent pattern of starting my day. It bothered me, because I’ve heard of how many successful people use it as a way to jumpstart their day. And it makes intuitive sense: To create a consistently focused mind space, prep it for the day in a consistent way.

Recently however, I think I’ve hit on something that works. Here’s how it goes.

Smoke and Mirrors

This morning, I woke up around 6:30am. Anxiety levels were high, and I found worries of the future drifting through my brain. My sleep, as far as the morning was concerned anyway, was finished.

Fears like this can be the worst, because they can paralyze you, while screaming that you have to act, to do something to save yourself.

That may sound dramatic, but as someone who suffers from chronic anxiety, I can tell you, it’s quite appropriate.

If You Think You Hear It, It’s Enough

Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods.
Robert H. Schuller

I try to get my most creative work done first.

Later in the day, when I start getting tired, and/or my mood tips towards the melancholy, I tend to focus on broader strokes – making small arrangement changes, a fader here, a riser there.

But the process of making something new, or of fine-tuning a sound at the edge of my ability, is something I think we can only do when we are in a state of positivity and mental clarity. You might say it’s mood-dependent.

Have fun, that’s an order!

I am writing this for the people who would naturally like their work, were it not for pressing deadlines, frustrations over audio quality, and the million other things that get in the way of enjoying the process as an artist.

Years ago, I created an online dance instructional website, with the aim to sell subscriptions and supplement my meagre income. I had a good idea, a partner who was willing to help me film the lessons (my wife), a good camera, and a dream.

It was helluva fun.