Hunger and Drive

I had the opportunity to be a panellist at the 6th Annual World Universities Fighting World Hunger Summit. Now that is a title. It is a student driven, university supported movement trying to energize, educate and motivate students who are interested in making a difference in this vital area of world need. In the session in which I was a panellist, a young lady asked the question, how does one do everything and fit in the time to fight hunger?

 

In fairness to her, I think she saw a panel of people at various stages of life. One in particular who is very successful in both business and philanthropic endeavors, Joey Adler. All of us look at people like Joey and say, how can you do it all?

 

My response to the question was simple, you don't do everything. You can't. You make decisions to do what you deem most important. If ending hunger is important, than you make time to end hunger.

 

One of the thoughts I included is one I am trying to practice and recently had named for me in the book by Peter Arnell, "Shift". In it he talks about how he learned to have "one life". I think having one life allows you to be driven. It allows you to integrate and use all of your  skills talents and passions to make a change, make a living, be a spouse, a parent, a friend, a musician (in my case) and executive amongst other things. For me it has been freeing as I allow myself to do the things I love and the things that are important to me. I love fighting hunger (Day Job). I love writing songs (Night job). I have not married those two things together as a career or anything, but I am increasingly allowing both to inform and inspire each other.

 

If I am honest, I had a dream of "making it" in music, of having buckets of money, and being able to help those in need with those resources. It hasn't happened. But something interesting has. I realized I was passionate about helping people. I also realized I didn't want to stop creating music, even if I don't make a living at it. So I do both. I think I will always find a way to do both. It looks way different than I thought it would, but it is happening.

 

I, like you, do not know how life and occupation will change for me. We live in a different world now than just a few decades ago. I am convinced that with focus and drive, we can all make space to help our fellow man and pursue our passions, even when at times they seem unrelated.

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History is a Powerful Thing

Never underestimate the power of the art you create. Great art has a habit of lasting, and of trying to find ways to come out into the light. The only cautionary tale there is to be responsible. Make sure it is something that you believe you can be proud of forever.

Incremental creation builds into a substantial body of work, and you may be surprised what rises to the top.

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Bringing Clarity to Your Passion

One of the things that I enjoy doing, both for myself, and others, is bringing clarity to passion. For me, learning how to do that has taken years of learning in different settings and situations. One of the biggest challenges in the process is distilling vision-compatible ideas from on-vision ideas. Why?

If I want to be a songwriter, one would think that anything that contributes to that should be done. So I write a song, then another. I attend songwriting conferences. I co-write songs. I teach seminars on songwriting at the local music store...etc. Of course in the process I never publish a song. Somewhere we think that doing closely related activity should help us achieve our goals. Maybe we will meet someone who likes a song and wants to use it, publish it, fund our CD, but it rarely happens.

No, I have to write the song, produce the song, publish the song, market the song, sell the song, either to the public or other artists, and I have to keep doing that until I win. Some people are very fortunate and arrive at a place where all of the things that happen after they use their skill, all of the business "stuff", is handled by someone else (for a fee of course). For the rest of us, we have to realize, that the way to fulfill our dreams and passions is to both practice our passion, and do all of the business things that allow us to share and benefit from sharing our passion with the world.

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February Story Behind the Song "I Want To Tell You"

A love song for February seemed appropriate. I Want To Tell You is very simply a few highlights about the journey my wife and I have been on for the last 13 plus years! There is a mention of Benny's Bagels in Kitsilano for all of my Vancouver friends!! How is that for s simple story behind the song.

I have to tell you, I am really please with this song from a production standpoint. One of the goals for this year is to challenge myself with the monthly deadline to increase my creativity and chops as it pertains to writing and producing. I am definitely growing.

Hey if you like it, check out "I'm Right Here" on my Buried Thoughts CD from a year ago. Jazzy love song, again for 'me bride!

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How's Your Year Shaping Up?

Maybe you have made plans, maybe you haven't, but whether you have or not, the days are passing by.

One of the things that can help you assess things is a picture. A graph, a shape or something that represents what you were trying to accomplish against what you actually have. Shapes are great and less scary than numbers (although numbers feed them in the case of graphs).

You don't need to use excel, you can freehand it. On the x axis right down several points that you are trying to achieve. Going on dates with your spouse, learning guitar, making a move in your career etc. On the y axis, simply write from the bottom to the top, 1 to 10. Spend some time evaluating your activities and rate yourself on how you are doing. The 1 to 10 might represent progress rather than "a mark". Maybe realistically you should only be 10% into one of those goals so 1 is on target. Then join the lines to create a curve.

Although this sounds terribly rudimentary, you now have a shape. Mentally, you can easily see the lows and highs of your goals and re-shift efforts to shore up some of the low lying areas.

Why? Because it is early, and you will probably be encouraged by one of two things: You have accomplished more than you thought; or that although you are not far yet, you are sure glad you checked with over 10 months left in the year to re-commit to the goals.

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February Song of the Month Released

I am excited to share that the February Song of the Month, "I Want To Tell You" is now available for download on iTunes and CDBaby. It is a love song in keeping with both the Family Day holiday and Valentine's holiday this month!! At least around these parts. Enjoy!

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Be Happy - Be Social

I happen to be an odd fellow. Years ago I took a leadership evaluation. It dealt with both skills and personality factors. One of the personality things that came out was that I am both highly introverted and extroverted. Usually, of course, a person is weighted towards one or the other. In my case I can get re-energized by either situation, and to some degree I naturally seek out the method that I need at the moment.

There is some discernment needed though. For instance, sometimes I am in a writing mood, and getting alone in the studio is productive and energizing. Sometimes though, a retreat when I am feeling low, which actually amounts to navel gazing and is not helpful.

In the book that I have referenced a few times here, "The Happiness Advantage", I was reminded of the fact that those with a healthy social circle are happiest. In fact, those who rely on their social circle in tough times fair much better and bounce back faster than those who do not.

So if you are having a tough time, don't retreat, engage.

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Be Brave - Keep Growing

I remember reading a motivational piece years ago that talked about learning new things, and in a sense, taking risks to do so. The example the story gave was a fellow who mused to a piano-teacher friend how he would like to learn to play piano. His friend mentioned that it takes 10 years to become proficient in piano, but it starts to become enjoyable fairly early on in that journey. Ten years later, the two were chatting again and the conversation came to that same point. You know what the teacher said. If his friend had started when they had their last conversation on the matter, he would be playing well today.

I have always wanted to produce, over the last several years I have purchased the equipment and learned and produced several things including a full CD, Buried Thoughts. Since I was a teenager I wanted to play guitar. About 10 years ago I traded in my trumpet and bought an acoustic guitar. I lead worship, perform and record on guitar now. Last week, after years of wanting to try electric guitar, I purchased a very inexpensive electric guitar. Time to learn a new style and technique.

Here is the thing. All the way a long there have been many people who have discouraged me from trying. People better at producing, or playing etc, and you know what, they are still better than me. Two things though, I have learned to do several things that I couldn't do before, and it makes me incredibly happy!!

What things do you want to try in life? The fact that U2 exists, that Chris Tomlin is out there etc., didn't stop me from growing. I don't need anyone to tell me they are amazing and better than me. On the other hand, I also don't have to accept that because I am not at that level, I should not try at all. Not everything we want to try needs to be about reaching the top. In fact, most of us will not reach the top at anything. But happiness and success can be defined many different ways. I set goals to become proficient, to grow, and to enjoy. I have achieved those goals and want to continue to improve.

What new thing do you want to try? Make a plan to start. Don't let others discourage you, after all, it is not about them.

For the record, I am not talking about major life change here either, although it might be valid to take steps on big picture things, that does take more buy-in from spouses etc. But little things can become significant. So write that book, blog, paint that picture, take that course, take up golf....to Nike-i-FY....just do it!

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Big Plans

I read a lot of Seth Godin, especially his blog. I resonate with today's post on making big plans. Big plans do create pressure, and although I bragged about pushing through, I have ended up hitting some snags in the release process this week. Very draining.

I wrote before how obstacles are opportunities. I have an opportunity this week to keep pushing and win, and I will. More to come....

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The Marathon Wall

OK, I have never run a marathon, not even close, but I have read about the wall one hits late in a marathon. Learning how to break through the wall is essential to finishing the race. I am not sure if I should be concerned or not, but I feel like I have just broken through a wall with music production. For whatever reason, the February song of the month was a beast I could not tame until Sunday afternoon, almost a week behind when I wanted to release it (but still on time for February!!)

The upside is I have shipped the February Song of the Month to digital distribution. I will let you know when it hits iTunes as soon as I know!

I had mentioned that one of my goals this year is to "get bigger", to grow, intellectually, spiritually, in my body of work etc. I didn't think that I would hit a wall in month two, but I did , and I broke through. I must admit, it was very difficult. It took all of my physical and creative energy to finish the job, I pushed myself as hard as I can remember ever pushing, but I am over the moon, not only with the accomplishment, but the song itself.

So why do I share? Two reasons: I have committed to being as open and honest as I can on this journey this year, sharing the ups and downs; The other reason is I hope you can take something for yourself. What do you want to accomplish, really want to accomplish? Set a date, and push through all walls until you accomplish it. In the process, I think you too will grow bigger!!

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Lead Yourself

It has been noted many places, by many more notable than I, that a core characteristic of leaders is their ability to make quick decisions. The thing that makes them a leader is that they are far more often right than wrong. Those who are fighting change, or simply can't keep up will often criticize those who possess this skill. They may try to accuse the leader as making snap judgments, as seeming to be a know it all, even arrogant, but what can't be refuted in the end is the results that flow from the decisions that were made.

Process flow charts stop at the triangle that represents a decision. They start again once the decision has been reached. Everyday our decisions move us forward or stop us in our tracks.

If you feel like you are stuck, if you feel like you are being held back, then lead yourself. Make the decisions that will move you forward. I am not suggesting you do that vacuous of data, but I am suggesting you find a way to stop making excuses and find a way to make a decision.

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From the Studio

Another great night of recording, I think I have finished tracking for the February song of the month. It most likely won't be available until late next week. Completely different sound and feel from the January song (Beautiful For You) which is available for download and viral social networking!!

Have meetings about today so I will be listening to a rough mix in the car at times while driving. I hope you are enjoying the January song of the month, and I am getting really excited about releasing February. Did I mentioned it is a love song to go with the holiday.....

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Pushing Through

Does it feel like sometimes the world is against you? The circumstances are just not helping you get things done? I think it is all about perspective and having a longer view.

I just lost a night and a day to sickness, and in the process slept 18 hours straight. That hasn't happened since I got back from two weeks of camp as a kid (during which I am sure I didn't sleep but a wink!) The has really challenged my short term goals. I could feel like things are conspiring against me to prevent me from getting things done or, I could appreciate that my body is now on the upswing and do the little things - incrementally that it will take to ship.

Time to push through.

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A Social {Networking} Experiment

One of the sub-themes I am trying to be transparent about on this blog is my current musical journey. My goal this year to produce a song a month has wrapped in it two larger goals. The primary goal is of creation, forcing myself to get the many songs I have competed or nearly completed into final form. The second is monetization, which I suppose is most artists goal with their art.

My distribution network is iTunes (and all the major digital stores), but iTunes does not market for you, you must bring them the customers. So I am blogging, not simply about music, because I feel hearing that I recorded this part or that part day after day would be boring, but also about all the things I am learning that are speaking into some of my other goals this year.

I related that my goal was to sell 2000 downloads of Beautiful For You, but that I obviously needed your help in terms of networking to the greater sphere which is our social networks combined. It is true I need advocates and patrons, so I am simply continuing to share my vision and story and to ask for help.

One of the risks I am taking is I am going to share the good the bad and the ugly. So when I get the first sales figures (not until the end of this month) I will share how we have done together. I am praying/hoping for good results!!

A good story I can share is that the traffic in terms of visitors to my site and blog has dramatically increased since my output on this blog has increased. Between my website and blogcast I estimate about 600 or 700 people are coming to the site over the course of a month. That is up many times over last year, so a good start there!!

Thanks to the many who keep coming here, I hope to keep you amused by this story, entertained with my music and add value through some of my other thoughts. 'Til the morrow.

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How Do You Relax?

The last several months have been a lead up to this year for me. Long hours when combining all things together, day job, music, church activity etc. The reality is that there is no end in sight. I see this pace for the next 10 years at least. That's a marathon. In the meantime, there are sprints. I have my second song of the month to release by next week. Massive projects at work, family commitments and additional goals on top of that.

One of the things that I am finding is that if I am diligent about creating space to relax well, it energizes the rest. I work weekends and evenings, that is my reality. But I get great family time, church time and time for myself as well. How is a long story, and it is tailored to me. The question is, if you are looking to do more, are you working at creating space for learning, growing, and yes rejuvenating so you can be more?

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Point - Counterfact

As I continue to grow and learn on the subject of how to be happier (one of my goals for this year) I thought I would pass on a practical highlight again from the book I am working through by Shawn Anchor (The Happiness Advantage).

A counterfact is an imaginary scenario that our mind creates to help us analyze a situation. The example Shawn uses in his book is as follows: You walk into a bank full of 50 people, men, women and children to do a deposit. Several minutes into your wait a gunman comes in to rob it and shoots you in the arm. No one else was injured. Is that a fortunate or unfortunate circumstance?

To answer the question your mind forms up other scenarios to decide. One who considers it unfortunate might say, "of all the banks in all the world with the statistical probability that I would be the one person shot, very unfortunate".  One who considers it fortunate might say, "no one including children were even hurt or killed and I simply got a "flesh wound", how fortunate for all".

His point here is that one of the practical ways we can own a more positive happy life is to choose, even train ourselves, to find a positive counterfact in difficult times. It will radically affect the way we see and live life.

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Snow Day Reflection

So it is February...how did January go? Did you start working out? Are you still working out? Did you ship anything? Did you start your way to your goals for this year? If you haven't done anything or much, do not give in to discouragement. Today is the day to analyze what is keeping you from one of your goals. When you discover it, you have not discovered an obstacle, you have found your key to success. Develop a plan to go around or through it, and get something done on that front this next week.

 

If you have started down the road and are succeeding, celebrate, enjoy! Then do the same analysis, except if you have broken down an obstacle, make sure you know how. Don't let the old way creep back in because you have succeeded. Stay firm, build good on good, and re-commit to doing more this month. The process is to create right actions incrementally towards the greater idea or goal.

 

The next 11 months are going to be brilliant, own what you want to accomplish.

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Shipping - By Doing The Little Things - Incrementally

How to get from our starting point to our end point? When I worked in the financial services field as a salesman, I remember so many of the most successful people recounting their way to "the top". The grinding it out in the trenches as it were. There were very few rocket ship stories. It took them all a few years, or the equivalent in hours worked, to get there.

What struck me the most is that it was the little things they all did. Emails, returning phone calls, making cold calls, keeping things ordered and never letting up. It really did not seem like rocket science. So how do you stay motivated to do the mundane, because it is the hard work of creating and building that leads to success, and frankly, it never changes. A trick is to break the little things down into increments.

You want to send 50 emails today - just do 5 right now. You want to redecorate your house on a dime, spend 15 minutes tonight surfing the web for sites that give tips on that, gather ideas for your next step - tomorrow. Progress is not only encouraging, each little increment builds until you have shipped one little thing, one goal, you win!

If you are having trouble getting started, break your goal down and do something...just a part of a little thing, and keep "shipping" those increments. Write down your progress in a notebook. In a week, you will be smiling!

Posted via email from Cliff Cline