Detailed dreams blind you to new means

We can develop 'robotic' behavior patterns in our lives. I look-out for this in myself. Drop them when I find I am being robotic around elements of my behavior.

I used to read at least a Science Fiction book every week as I grew up so I'm pretty well schooled in future possible realities. There are a few I still expect to appear before I'm not here anymore.

Anti-gravity. Teleporting - we can already do it on a micro-level - and widespread understanding and development of our birthright psi-powers. Fast inter-stellar travel. Why not?

However the real deal will not be any of these modern miracles, it will be going from where we are now, humanity's difficult, often self-destructive teenage years, to adulthood, where we genuinely live in balanced ways, in peace and fairness, not just paying lip service to those ideals while punishing those who think differently to us, or happen to look different - the old prejedices and thought patterns that demoralise us as a species.

Now that would be improvement!

Ever since I got an iphone I think I =am= a cyborg, such is the extent to which it's permanently in my hand.

Last week I audioboo'd a new tune in the basement of the club I was about to play and had it online, getting listens, in three minutes flat. Didn't even have to use a computer. How cool is that?

We really are living in the future.

The first mention I heard of what eventually became the Internet we know today was in HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (sub-etha net) and STAR WARS (holonet). Douglas Adams, an early Mac fan, predicted the Digital Village where people would group together based on common interests and ideas. An amateur guitarist, he also predicted that how we record and distribute music would be revolutionized by technology and de-monopolize the industry. He died in 2001.

Hologram video is already here and our cell phones, with all those extra bells and whistles (digital Swiss Army knife), bear a very strong resemblance to the com-links from the original STAR TREK episodes. That was the fist TV show to feature a black woman in a prominent position (Lt. Uhura), another groundbreaker. The only thing I can disagree with is inter-stellar travel and that's because of the curvature of space/time. But who knows? Nothing is impossible, just very very improbable.

Many Sci-Fi and Fantasy writers have written that by merely turning our head a slight angle we can perceive an entirely different reality. Good metaphor! And good article.

Thanks again Derek. I've known for a while that I need to create a performance for YouTube and now I have another nudge. And thanks for the link back to "we can't predict the future."

This quote from there is pertinent to what I can do this week:

"If you’re a performer, make weekly improvements on your ability to captivate an audience, and make a goal of really connecting with 10 new people every week."

For me it is best to focus on what I can do.

Keep writing!

Nicely said!

I refer to this as the "cyberbellum."

http://xrl.us/betzib

Amazing times we live in!!!

- Noel

I'm glad that the musical industrial wheel has turned; it's exiting to have complete independence in a sea of artistic dreams with the means to be heard. This is an age of creation, of performance, of excess, where struggle brings forth innovative art, spit on Buddha and god save the queen.

Some years ago I had a dream - if I could make enough money, I might be able to buy a beautiful house in the countryside. With a little more money, there would even be a lake. Then I would get up in the morning and swim before breakfeast.

This morning, I just returned from swimming in the beautiful natural lake that is within walkin distance from my beautiful house and studio in the countryside.

The lake is not mine, and the house is rented, not owned.

But everything I envisioned a decade ago has become reality - letting go of the details can make one`s dreams come true

Unfortunatly, or may be fortunatly I may have to go that rout for real with my cronic ulcerated foot proplems. No biggie, I'll adjust, when it's time of 'course.

I think it's great that people can get music so easily these days via the internet. But nothing beats listening to vinyl on a sweet system. Hopefully younger generations will be exposed to the joys of that experience. Otherwise, they're being cheated out of the best way to listen to recorded music in one's home. Long live vinyl and record shops!

BTW. I'm under 30 ;)

Just wanted to thank you for this post.

Thank you!!

Hi guys,

I see the comments so far have been of the hands-on sort, focusing on concrete technology. Yes, that's good, very good.
And also... our host is big on looking at the metaphor, not just the specific concrete example.

I saw a PBS TV show where a lady played the drums. If her dream was to be an instrumentalist, then she might have changed to new improved electronic drums. And put in lots of man-hours along that path. But if her dream was to use art to express herself, then her means might have changed to singing. Which is just what that drummer, Karen Carpenter, did.

Business guru Peter Drucker said the mistake of the railroads was they saw themselves as being in the railroad business, instead of being in the transportation business. They missed a lot of opportunities.

For my part, I have spend years practising left-ish brain nonfiction, but now I am willing to try out right-brain fiction. What keeps things meaningful is my umbrella goal is unchanged. Who knows what's next for me? I sure don't.

"Bear in a cage". Remove the cage after a number of years and the bear still walks in circles. We become so programmed over the years. In many ways without even realizing it. We need reminders like this from time to time to "unblind" us from what we are oblivious to regarding our day to day. Forces us to take a step back and review the "real point" of it all. Yet, another great perspective to ponder.

Hi Derek,

Here's the link to a song I recently wrote and recorded about some tough things that happened to me as a young child. I hope you like it.
http://dalezola.bandcamp.com/track/boom
With love,
Dale Zola

Great perspective

Precisely.. 'occasionally ask yourself what was the real point'. Or even:
"What do I actually want?" (which can occasionally become the slightly more complex: "..and why?" ;>

This is so true. I find that a lot of musicians only know the "Old Way" and sometimes use it to keep one in their old mindset. Phrases like "You haven't paid your dues" or "you have to earn respect" are just ways to keep you in check.
It is so silly that even the young ones are buying into this BS. There are so many ways to get where you need to go without buying into the "Old Ways"

I simply knew something wickedly good was coming this way at this wee hour of the night. Thank you, Mr. D!

I wrote a long comment, then deleted it when I realized it was mostly for my benefit. I think I just needed to get it written down, then destroy it so that it is out of my head forever. Haha.

Brilliant!

Great advice. Having felt «down» for a while I’m starting to wonder if the dream I’m not working hard to fulfill could be part of the problem. I’ve commited time and effort, sure, but I’m not dedicated to succeed with music. Actually I’m ashamed of not working harder because «I’ve got this gift».

However: maybe I’m just delusional, like so many others pursuing music?

But I also have the income I need and don’t have any pressure to succeed with music to get away from a job I don’t like. This may be the real issue: I can treat music as a hobby just for myself because I dont have the drive to succeed. But this means I can also put in lots of time in music which I don’t.

Anyway... what I really want is to be a positive impact to other people, maybe just in a small way. This artistic side is there for sure but I honestly don’t want to put my name out there, don’t have a need (or want) of standing on a stage playing music. I honestly don’t want attention to myself through music. But it’s probably mostly fear speaking (high probability of having to accept the delusion).

But music is a great tool for people to connect and feel eachothers’ common issues. Music helps lots of people cope with their reality. Therefore I somehow feel obligated to continue pursuing (although slowly) this musical path. So am I frightened because of possible success, or lack of success (unwrapping the delusion), or just plain old lazy? Probably a combination.

Anyway: slightly shifting my perspective may be the way to go! Maybe your other post, the one about quitting Facebook, is what I need to do. I’m super scared of putting music online, but to be honest mostly using Facebook, probably because of some fear of old acuaintances judging what I put out.

The delusional-force is strong in me. And so is the fear. And now I’m babbling. I’m writing this because I tend to learn a lot from other people posting comments and maybe someone else could relate to this.

Excellent point!

Hi Derek,
Very interesting writing. Great positive advice and guide map to awareness and missed realizations. Thank you

Honing in on the "what" and letting go of the need to determine the "how." I find real peace in that second part, especially. Thanks for sharing!

Very thought provoking Derek. With quite a bit of time on my hands now, I often slip into thoughts of yesteryear. What if I had done that or should I do that. I then come back to reality and treasure living in Sunny Foxton with my small studio and cabin boat for fishing..Thanks again for your writings Derek.

I love all of the crazy new stuff that's been created. If I had known all this great stuff was coming, like CDs, Pro Tools, CD baby, Itunes, Spotify, Sibelius, Omnisphere, YouTube, resonate etc etc. (100s more) I would have died of depression back in the early 70s for not having access to it.

While the world is usually trying to thwart some of what you are doing with its myriad of out of the blue problems, its offering up whole worlds of new avenues you had not imagined could be. Life punches you in the gut, then offers you a movie and a meal!!

I agree. Don't get locked in without looking around!

Great thoughts Derek. It's been a while. Greetings to you and family. Have a great day! wwww.ammgospel.com

That was bad ass!!! Super guilty!

Thanks for this, Derek! What you’ve said is why I’vechosen to remain an independent artist and songwriter, make use of all outlets available via technology to share my music.

Thanks for all you’ve done to inspire and encourage indie artists. Peace!

Great!! Ive never asked God to fix my problems I ask for guidance so that I can figure out how to fix the issue at hand. I was in business for 41 years and witnessed many people just kicking back-waiting for God to solve their problems instead of making a valid attempt at solving their own ill issues!! One in particular, who I had financed a car for and who was in real danger of having that car repossessed, came by one day to tell me he had just quit his job I asked him what his plans were now to have the income to be able to pay me He said he had no idea but God always provided for him in the past Two weeks later I repossessed his vehicle! He had gone home , sat down and waited for God to fix his problem.

Fighting cancer is almost a full time job. In my case it practically IS a full time job. But I'm always looking for new little advantages to help make my life, artistic and personal, a little easier to deal with. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin (one of the most dream and goal oriented people I've ever heard of) Happiness is not attained by great strokes of fortune that seldom ever happen, but by little advantages that occur day by day. (I try to live the remainder of my life that way)

That’s good. My new job has kept me away from playing drums as much as I’d like to. Plus we have a sick stepson living here and his room is next to my drum room. Both of his kidneys don’t work and he has Asperger’s syndrome so there are many challenges that come with taking care of him. Feeling now like my dreams are very far away or gone but I do play drums at church and try to keep my chops up on pads. Can’t wait for your book to come out. Hopefully it’s an audio book as well. I’m on the road a lot so that makes it easier to get the info for me.

We have to let go of the ideal and allow ourselves to receive the path that serves the highest good for us.

It takes practice.

Letting go so that it can flow.

Reminding ourselves of this is key.

Stay in the game. Write, paint, create. Whatever it is, don't allow yourself to be stuck. Stay in motion and simply be open.

Thank you for this Derek.

Just what I needed today. Thank you!!!

I've heard a longer version of the fable of the man convinced that God is going to save him. The problem with the "punch line" is that the guy was convinced that *God* was going to save him, not some human in a canoe, boat or helicopter. It didn't matter to the man if God sent people to rescue him, he was convinced that God would save him. In reality, God did not (personally) save him as the man thought he would. I suppose if one is so convinced of one thing happening - in this fable, relying on God - and only rely on that option and it never happens, you're dead, end of story. So, if you do consider multiple options, do you jump on the canoe straight away (essentially abandoning your convictions) or hold out until there is no choice (or you've rationalized the copter as being god) and take the helicopter?

I like this - is selling your music to people actually what you want? Why? Looking at what's behind this dream may be quite revealing I am thinking.

A man was standing in line at an airport waiting to buy a plane ticket. The clerk asked Him where he was going; he said Around the world. He said his dream was to travel around the world. The clerk asked once again, I have to know where you are going 1st; So I can sell you a ticket for that 1st location, the man answered and said I don't know. The clerk asked him to step over to the side that there were 50 people behind him that know where they are going. He's a lamp unto my feet and a light into my path, but we must choose our path.
The word venture means risky. Familiar is boring / Risky is ADVENTUROUS! Familiar can be intertwined with Adventure. Details interrupt adventure. Put the balloon in the sky And let it go!
GREAT EXAMPLE!!! Thanks for that! — Derek

I forgot what i just read. My mind is thinking too much about other things right now.I like that picture of the bird walking on water though. Kind of reminds me of Jesus? :)

Hey Derek, I love this. So excited about your new book! Interesting that this post is like a follow up to the "Get Specific" chapter. It seems to me that all the advice you've offered is a step wise progression of refinement. Do this -- but not too much! -- and don't for get to break the rule sometimes to stay humble. No paths runs straight.

I'm gonna sum it up as teachings: "to orderly improvise your life toward consistent fulfillment and motivation".

Peace,
~DJ

I like this very much! I want to read your book when its out- how do I get a copy?

"Don't Let The Details Distract You From Your Goal" - thanks for that very succinct phrase! I've been discussing this concept with people for years and now I have the perfect catchphrase to nail home the message!
I'll tell people that it came from the "Hell Yeah or No" guy. I always tell people your name when I use that phrase but they remember the phrase; not your name.

Very timely thank you!

I love this! I think it applies to all our goals and dreams in life. I realized recently it also applies to relationships ... ;) we create these ideal situations and people in our heads, all the wile missing the good things that could actually be happening in real life.

"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."
-- Churchill (attributed)

Huh... Great food for thought... We get so fixated on which "door" will lead us to that place where we want to be, we don't notice all the other doors that are open to lead us in the same direction. I'm guilty of this. Perhaps all the exercises on imagining the life I want, combined with desire to know (read: control) Exactly how it will all happen and at what time. It hard to let go of these exact instructions to the Universe on how we want our life to be built (heck, it's hard to let go, period!). You are so right though. Things change, means change, we change. Know What, let the How.

Beautiful, just beautiful.

Dear Derek!
I have never been a FB player so I understand your "delete" move! As to your book title I love it because it is really the essence of why anyone would carry on sharing their art/music in such a cluttered enviornment. For people, and original music...
Motives blossom from the heart and so we see what kind of flower they become. ☺
Thank You Derek!
Great to share with you!
Have a beautiful day!
truly
Rachel ☺!

Hmmm - I'm not sure I agree with you, here, Derek. Though I think it might just be a matter of semantics. I think you need to get very specific in the What. It's in the How that you need to open up the box and look at all the ways to get there.

If you don't know where there is, though, looking at all the ways to get there can quickly become overwhelming. How do you choose which actions to take, where to spend your time, energy and money in the pursuit of your goal?

If you're specific in the what - what you want to have or be, what your vision of your life will be when you have/be that result, then you will be better able to choose the most efficient and efficacious actions to get there. If you are open to looking at all the different choices, strategies and tactics - then you won't get boxed into the black and white choices.

So I recommend being specific in the What and open and inquisitive in the How.

Love this ! Such a simple great read for music artists!

Fantastic reminder. Thanks.

you must be a mind reader. i needed to hear this, thanks Derek.

Well stated, Derek.

Jesus said , "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
That's the bottom line for all prudent transactions; what's my profit in this, and what am I willing to pay to 0btain this profit in terms of efforts and relationships.

Derek said, : "Don’t let the details distract you from your goal.

For each of your dreams, occasionally ask yourself what was the real point. Then look for a better way to get to that point."

That is excellent advice to practice every day on any trail you take.

Me I dig making the right noise at the right time with the hope that the picture I see will be made real with the sounds that I make. When it happens, man is it cool. Have for many years figured that I need to have a band or be making records and out performing in every dive that'll have me. Lately listening to feedback, remarks and observations from friends and fans I've come to believe that there is another way and have begun to unstick myself from those old models that I thought mattered and am exploring with keen excitement, a new path.

This post is everything. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Needed that reminder to get beyond the intellectual version of our goals and remain receptive to the limitless possibilities of the quantum field that emerges from and through us. It's a "ying/ yang" move. Keeping the balance between opposing forces. Just like everything in life. It's about the balance. Or the hidden meaning between the words. Or the space between the tree branches. Love and light to all the beautiful readers here. I love reading your thoughts and sharing in this creative space.

Hi Derek,

It's always a great pleasure and refreshing process for me reading your articles.

All the best for your writing career!

Gong Qian

haha very aposite. just wrote an email about just
this, i think !

Hi Derek,
Love to hear from you. Always makes me think. Looking forward to reading your new book. My gut reaction was how about" Music People" which I think is a catchier title. Doesn't make as much sense though, could be helped with a subtitle such as How to interconnect your music with people. or something. Best of luck with it,
Joe D

Dear Derek sir,

This is wonderful.
A personal note- I love to draw cartoons, and was a little annoyed to see that animation companies only use animation softwares these days instead of pen and paper. Only after using the software myself I realised how pointless my rigidity was because the pleasure of making still exists.
Thank you for sharing this!

Best,

I CANNOT wait to read your new book! Send me the link for pre-purchase or purchase when it's ready. I've followed your writings and learned from you since 1999 and it has only brough me success and also connected me with another fave teacher online, Bob Baker. God bless you Derek and I cant wait to hear more from you!

michelle gold
www.michellegold.com
music described as Celine Dion and Sarah Brightman meet God in jerusalem

This is a great message, I've been really been thinking on this idea lately thank you again Derek and congrats on your new book also.

Just what I love to read when I am starting my day. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. They always resonate.

In appreciation of what you do
Elizabeth

Can you share with me.... how is it that I align to your observations so clearly, when others input does not

So true. A timely reminder. Thank you!

Glance too at the reflection your life makes....

I want to commend Joe at #22 for sharing that he wrote. And to commend how he deleted it.

Just as sketching helps you to see, and a school assignment helps you to explain, writing helps you to think. Trying to do it in your head just is not the same. I can say that because I have tried both ways, in my head and pen on paper.

This afternoon, when I do Derek's "ask yourself what the real point is" I will do so on paper.