The Energy of Belief

I’ve been thinking a lot about the nature of belief as a result of the class that we did for the Artist’s EDGE Membership called Build Your Belief Muscle. So forgive me, but I may get a little woo-woo in this post.

It seems to me that the law according to physics is that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, right? But when we think about the things we do, the actions we take, the interactions with others, why is it that the reaction doesn’t always seem to match the action? Why do we sometimes get a response that is out of proportion to the action we took, either in positive or negative ways?

Well, I have a theory. (You knew I would, didn’t you?) Our actions are taken not just on the physical plane but also on the energetic plane, as we are spiritual beings as well as physical beings. Unfortunately we are not always conscious of the tenor of the actions we take on the energetic plane. We just aren’t always aware of the energy we put out along with the actions we take.

So here’s my theory: When you take an action, your action is accompanied by energy that is completely colored by your beliefs. Since those beliefs are often unconscious, multi-layered and even contradictory to each other, so is the energy that you are creating.

So, if the results you are getting don’t match your intentions. Ask yourself – what am I believing about this?

If you feel like you are always pushing uphill against resistance when you try to accomplish anything. What you are pushing against just might be the energy that your beliefs are creating. So ask yourself – what am I believing about this?

Trade Shows and Business Conferences

Conference season is fast approaching. Frankly, I love going to Trade Shows and Business Conferences for the music industry and film industry. So much of my work is on the telephone, working with Artists. It’s a real treat to see people face to face, to hang out, listen to amazing music, see new films, and really create connections.

And isn’t that the point of these industry business conferences and trade shows? Whatever our technological advances, we are, at heart, a community. And your ability to succeed in your community – the Arts and Entertainment community – is based on your relationships and your connections.

One venue operator told me that he will often see an artist at a conference two or three years in a row, watching that artist’s growth, before choosing to book them into his venue. This is partly because he only books so many acts per year, but also because he wants to have a sense of the artist’s long term commitment to his craft and his career.

So, I recommend that you plan to go to conferences every year. And that you budget it into your time and your finances, with the intention of creating long term relationships.

Don’t look for the quick fix. Don’t be a flash in the pan. Commit to your long term success and take action accordingly.

On that note, one of my favorite conferences – FARWest – has extended their deadline for showcase submissions for one more week – until July 14th. Don't miss it!

You're Hired TV Interview

A few weeks ago I was interviewed by Steve Piazzale, Ph.D., star of You're Hired! for local cable channels in the San Francisco Bay Area (and possibly beyond). This is a show that's about being successful in different careers. So, of course I spoke about being successful as an Artist and making a prosperous living doing what you love. It will be airing this month on various stations around the Bay Area.

The question of whether you have to suffer or sacrifice for your art came up. I enjoyed shooting down that misconception. We here at Artist's EDGE, pride ourselves on helping artists make a prosperous living doing what you love, on your own terms and according to your own values.

The real truth is there is a price to pay for success in any arena. And that price is not necessarily selling-out. But it is the price of commitment, time, energy, consistency and investing in your own learning and growth. The misconception of having to sell your soul to the man for success seems deeply routed in the artistic mind-set. But I have found that the truer you are to yourself, the more real success you experience.

It is a bit of a soap box issue for me. The starving artist mythos. I expect you'll be hearing more about this topic in blogs to come.

Following are the Local Northern California Television stations that will be carrying the show. Check out their websites for show times:

Community Media Access Center in Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan Batista, and other nearby areas

KSAR15 In Saratoga

Pacifica TV in Pacifica

KCAT15 in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno