Systems are Better Than Goals

It's super easy to make musical goals. But goals are different from dreams. I think of goals like an Instagram post. Great motivation, but not the thing. So if you set a goal of playing your first solo show, that's great. But then you have to build systems to get you there. I'm thinking about this this morning because I've mildly, through fits of dangerous over-motivation, said "yes" in the past from probably something just like an Instagram post. It's like, Just say yes and watch the magic happen, or whatever the hell it said. That's great. But then you have to organize and do the work. You're now obligated. If you say yes you'll play bass then someone sends you the songs. To learn. In Austin, rehearsing isn't really a thing for a lot of gigs. (I learned this in the worship space too. I was surprised that was the case, but whatever.) You said yes, so you're obligated to come prepared. Now you kind of have to build (then follow) a system to learn then practice. (That's what I'm…