Thank you for this. I'm new to Substack and figuring it all out. I really appreicate this post! I just added your Daily Non-Negotiable to my process. 🙏🏼
Oh cool — it makes me really happy to introduce you to @Justin Welsh ‘s work! I’ve followed him since 2023 and was him community (now over) called The Creator MBA. Learnt so much and was really helpful as I shaped the plan for the record. Now finally getting rolling on the solopreneur front, and feeling super pumped after a long gestation — and pivot from freelance life. Take care Simon, best wishes & stay in touch, Jim
Jeff, you're an absolute legend. Do you know @Justin Welsh ‘s work? He's been really inspiring for me as I've looked for different approaches to the stage of my musical life.
you are very good at what you do! reading this makes me feel discouraged. maybe it's the real answer to whether or not I want to build an audience or not. you've certainly lived it much more deeply than I have and it shows. thank you for sharing this with us.
Kevin, thank you for your answer. In some ways, it puts a weight into my heart that what I write or wrote has made you feel, in some way, discouraged. What I would say is that I have been walking through that discouragement, and I think that that discouragement is a type of valley. I think it's really challenging. I think there are many obstacles, and I think there are many questions that come up through it.
My sense is that the way that we've talked and conversed through these conversations shows you're looking for different ways, maybe even new ways. The way that you do choose doesn't have to be the way of someone else; in fact, it probably mustn't be, because it must be your way. I think one of the things that's really challenging for all of us, while it certainly was for me spiritually, is to arrive in one's life as it is, to find peace with this point whilst still aspiring towards the next point. I feel like you're figuring out some amazing questions and roots ever since your auditioning life. I would just encourage you to recognize your own courage simply by asking those questions, because I think it's moving and powerful and raw and honest. I probably say too much, but that's my take on it.
For the record, I think all of us know this sense of weight that comes with comparison. I've certainly struggled with it so very many times, and it's an area that I consciously lean into because I think the only way to get through comparison is to sort of walk into its dark heart. At the last, find that your life is your own, and to find the wonder with that in your own way and in your own right. Keep on, brother, keep on!
I appreciate everything that you are sharing and believe it's very valuable. For you and those that you share it with.
It's totally not your fault that I was feeling that way. I've just never been good at selling or marketing myself, and to me it feels overwhelming. To know that someone like you, who has so much talent, and who has as much experience as you do, still struggles with it, makes me feel as if it really is impossible. I think it depends on your personality whether you are naturally good at it or not.
But in a very real way it is also a blessing and a weight off of my shoulders. If I can just be honest that yes I love to make music, yes I will continue making music, and no I won't try so hard to build an audience, then that's the answer for me. It's perfectly valid I feel.
Part of it could also be that I have a full time job. It's so hard to find time to do things, and I do have other hobbies and activities that already take my time. I'm not willing to give up my financial security to do art full time. So that's what it is. If I choose it, I have to accept it.
I have close friends in my life that have committed themselves to doing art, no matter what the cost. I respect and admire them for it. I have never been able to take that plunge. I can imagine that when making art is your full time job, it becomes a lot easier, not only because of the time factor, but also because of the motivation that comes from not having another option. Maybe that's not true at all and maybe the promotional side of it is just as hard.
I'm not closing any doors, but at the same time I feel like I don't want to do so much work to learn / do promotion. Whatever. It is what it is.
Thanks for sharing your ideas on comparison. I think it's time that I stopped running from it as well. I can definitely get caught in a cycle of judging myself for wanting to sound like someone and then comparing. It's time to just lean in to it like you said and whatever comes out is what comes out. I shouldn't be ashamed of the inspirations that shaped me.
Thank you so much for listening my friend. I'm extremely grateful. that we've had a chance to connect, and that we have the opportunity to share with honesty.
Kevin, I really appreciate the candour and honesty in your reply.
For the record, I sometimes wonder how anyone does anything at all when working full-time. Life, responsibility, tax, groceries, cars — all the different factors. I came to the arts right from the start and was always able to build it up step by step, through lots of slow dead ends but also little professional breaks that really helped. And even now, with more time than I've had in years, it's still so much to keep up with — just moving something forward at all is a feat.
So I reflect that back, because I think you should feel incredibly proud for getting this far. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It's a magnificent achievement to be on that road. So many people lose touch with what they love most, and you haven't. For me, you are the definition of an artistic spirit — and that has nothing to do with whether someone is in a full-time job or not. The artistic spirit is about the voice, the connection you have with yourself, and how you choose to be in the world.
I look at this honesty and reflection and I see something exciting. Rather than seeing difficulty and limitation, I wonder whether it might help to flip it — and actually make some of this stuff the thing you talk about. The experience of making art while holding down a full-time job. The challenge, the cost, the why. That's a bridge between what you've created and what it took to create it. Personally, I think that's a really exciting angle.
And it doesn't have to mean finding an extra hour you don't have. I'd just gently prod you to think about it like this: what if you write one thought per day as a note on one chosen platform, and make that the promotion? No pressure to do 15 notes a day. No pressure to be across 400 different platforms. One thing. One platform.
I look at what you've just written here and I see three months of content. Maybe it's just a question of going back through it, pulling out some things in bite size, and putting them out.
My sense is that you haven't landed where you thought you had — at "maybe this marketing thing just isn't for me." I think you might actually be smashing through a wall. And what's on the other side could be exactly what was missing: what's the experience you're having, how does it feel, do you have ten minutes to write about it and put it out as a supplement for your album?
If that fills you with dread, don't do it. But if there's something interesting there — maybe even enjoyable — it might be worth exploring. No shoulds. Just try to have fun with it. And look at the online stuff as a vehicle for who you are and your own capacity to communicate.
____
p.s dictated then ordered the thoughts! Hope it makes sense! Jim
Thank you Jim for your thoughtful reply as always. I appreciate you!
I don't know how you see things that way, all I saw was me complaining. You have a gift!
Thanks to you I wrote my first Note today. That can't be a marketing strategy, there must be more to it than that? In either case it was fun. So thank you!
I originally came to Substack to post an essay that explained my album. I've encountered so many great people like yourself and it's growing on me.
I was going to say I don't know how to express my gratitude then I realized that I did know how!
The reason you can't believe that people make art while holding down a full time job is because it's impossible. Especially when you get to be an old fart like me. Us wimps will never have a chance against you and the many others who are actually courageous! It's hard to walk away from music when you truly love it. I managed to do it for 20+ years but I guess that was my breaking point.
Oh wait I just realized you advised me to take 10 minute and actually write something good. That's not what I did. I guess the good one will have to wait until tomorrow. ;-)
Thank you for the kind words and for being a friend.
For others wondering I can confirm the your first digital product is worth a subscribe 😉 you always do a good job packing a lot of value in one article and this one is no exception. I'm in awe reading about what you've achieved so far!
Sophie, that's so lovely. I haven't really been pushing the tracker very much, just occasionally dropping it into my longer post, so it really means a lot to me when I do hear some feedback about it.
What really matters to me is that the people that are using it are actually getting some value from it. Personally, I just find it really helpful because I just don't want to sit down at my computer and not know what to do, especially when it comes to stuff like content or how I want to spend my time on a digital platform. There are some things where I literally just want to know what to do, so it's kind of for me about trying to work out how to be my own boss - so that the future version of myself, if he's feeling a bit unmotivated or unsure or resistant, can just kind of go onto auto-pilot and knock out the tasks. Thank you for the feedback!
I’m very easily distracted, especially when there’s no real deadline and I open something like “the internet” - so having some timers and constraints really helps to focus. Otherwise I can easily scroll my life away thinking I’m doing something productive.
"To adapt does not mean to lose your artistic integrity. It means giving yourself a foundation from which to give your gift — not over a sprint, but over a lifetime."
Too good!
Justin has changed my life too. He helped me think differently. He is one of the few people I found at the lowest times in my life back in 2020..not much has changed in my life ever since but something massively changed and that's the person Me.
We cannot control everything and what we can control..we truly need to make the most of it. That's what decides our success and feeling of fulfillment.
Hey Saima, thank you so much for sharing. I think what Justin manages to do so well is to, on the one hand, clarify the mechanics of things in such a clear and communicable way, but also, as time's gone on, I really enjoy his takes on society and the psychological side of not just having a one-person business but just being a human. I think that's a really brave pivot, and I think there's great power in this combination, so it's exciting to watch his journey on that front.
How wonderful that you've been influenced by him as well. What a lovely connection to share. I hope you have a lovely weekend, Jim.
There's so much here! I'm not sure if you have awareness to this, although you probably do... all of the value you add in these articles make me come back to it more than once. If I'm doing it, others MUST be doing it too. I didn't realize you have such an accomplished background - with some major street cred too, it adds to your credibility. For the record, many of us are getting to know you through your 'current' self, via your documentation and interacting here on Sub. You've built trust and credibility authentically without standing on your previous accomplishments (which are huge) - that's pretty amazing. Of course, you couldn't be who you are without the character development you've built before... so there's that. All that to say - Cheers to you and thank you for sharing your Justin Welsh take-aways. Super strong.
Heidi, I really appreciate the lovely words. Crazy, right? Isn't it how we all have this history behind us? It's something I think about: the extent to which we can offer aspects of that along the way during our journey.
In my newsletter, I sometimes just drop something in from the past because, on a personal level, it connects me to my own life. I also think that, if people are following you, it gives a sense of who you are, where you've been, where your expertise is, but also where you've hit some dead ends and obstacles. That's all part of the path as well, right?
Thank you for the feedback; it makes it worthwhile to me.
Did you do a bunch of your collages on Pizza cartons? KING! And also - thanks for sharing about your journey from unwilling content creator to artist solopreneur!
Standing from head over heart to toe into the middle of a creation, there’s good to have the voice of a Big J piercing the bubble with clarity. Chapter five is waiting!
The thing I enjoy most about following you is your ability to distill so much into the perfect sized bite.
I too have been a fan and follower of Justin for many years and have read and studied his work, in this one post, you managed to boil down so much into something I can take away and USE!
Thank you for this, Jim! Of course, thank you too, Justin! You two fly in different lanes but it's wonderful to see how your insights blend so nicely together.
Thank you for this. I'm new to Substack and figuring it all out. I really appreicate this post! I just added your Daily Non-Negotiable to my process. 🙏🏼
It means so very much to read this Leah. Thank you!
Thank you. Well written and helpful. Triggering me to find your subscribe button.
Hey Simon - I really appreciate you words — and lovely to connect too. Do follow Justin’s work too?
Hope you’re having a great start to the week, Jim
Not so far but I’m inspired to have a read now.
Oh cool — it makes me really happy to introduce you to @Justin Welsh ‘s work! I’ve followed him since 2023 and was him community (now over) called The Creator MBA. Learnt so much and was really helpful as I shaped the plan for the record. Now finally getting rolling on the solopreneur front, and feeling super pumped after a long gestation — and pivot from freelance life. Take care Simon, best wishes & stay in touch, Jim
GREAT post, Jim! “Saved”
Jeff, you're an absolute legend. Do you know @Justin Welsh ‘s work? He's been really inspiring for me as I've looked for different approaches to the stage of my musical life.
I wasn’t aware, but I’m definitely going to look into him, thanks!
Nice post. And super helpful tips and perspective — thanks for sharing.
Means a lot to me you dropped in and supported Allan - following along! Jim
you are very good at what you do! reading this makes me feel discouraged. maybe it's the real answer to whether or not I want to build an audience or not. you've certainly lived it much more deeply than I have and it shows. thank you for sharing this with us.
Kevin, thank you for your answer. In some ways, it puts a weight into my heart that what I write or wrote has made you feel, in some way, discouraged. What I would say is that I have been walking through that discouragement, and I think that that discouragement is a type of valley. I think it's really challenging. I think there are many obstacles, and I think there are many questions that come up through it.
My sense is that the way that we've talked and conversed through these conversations shows you're looking for different ways, maybe even new ways. The way that you do choose doesn't have to be the way of someone else; in fact, it probably mustn't be, because it must be your way. I think one of the things that's really challenging for all of us, while it certainly was for me spiritually, is to arrive in one's life as it is, to find peace with this point whilst still aspiring towards the next point. I feel like you're figuring out some amazing questions and roots ever since your auditioning life. I would just encourage you to recognize your own courage simply by asking those questions, because I think it's moving and powerful and raw and honest. I probably say too much, but that's my take on it.
For the record, I think all of us know this sense of weight that comes with comparison. I've certainly struggled with it so very many times, and it's an area that I consciously lean into because I think the only way to get through comparison is to sort of walk into its dark heart. At the last, find that your life is your own, and to find the wonder with that in your own way and in your own right. Keep on, brother, keep on!
Hi Jim!
I appreciate everything that you are sharing and believe it's very valuable. For you and those that you share it with.
It's totally not your fault that I was feeling that way. I've just never been good at selling or marketing myself, and to me it feels overwhelming. To know that someone like you, who has so much talent, and who has as much experience as you do, still struggles with it, makes me feel as if it really is impossible. I think it depends on your personality whether you are naturally good at it or not.
But in a very real way it is also a blessing and a weight off of my shoulders. If I can just be honest that yes I love to make music, yes I will continue making music, and no I won't try so hard to build an audience, then that's the answer for me. It's perfectly valid I feel.
Part of it could also be that I have a full time job. It's so hard to find time to do things, and I do have other hobbies and activities that already take my time. I'm not willing to give up my financial security to do art full time. So that's what it is. If I choose it, I have to accept it.
I have close friends in my life that have committed themselves to doing art, no matter what the cost. I respect and admire them for it. I have never been able to take that plunge. I can imagine that when making art is your full time job, it becomes a lot easier, not only because of the time factor, but also because of the motivation that comes from not having another option. Maybe that's not true at all and maybe the promotional side of it is just as hard.
I'm not closing any doors, but at the same time I feel like I don't want to do so much work to learn / do promotion. Whatever. It is what it is.
Thanks for sharing your ideas on comparison. I think it's time that I stopped running from it as well. I can definitely get caught in a cycle of judging myself for wanting to sound like someone and then comparing. It's time to just lean in to it like you said and whatever comes out is what comes out. I shouldn't be ashamed of the inspirations that shaped me.
Thank you so much for listening my friend. I'm extremely grateful. that we've had a chance to connect, and that we have the opportunity to share with honesty.
Take care and keep being awesome!
Kevin, I really appreciate the candour and honesty in your reply.
For the record, I sometimes wonder how anyone does anything at all when working full-time. Life, responsibility, tax, groceries, cars — all the different factors. I came to the arts right from the start and was always able to build it up step by step, through lots of slow dead ends but also little professional breaks that really helped. And even now, with more time than I've had in years, it's still so much to keep up with — just moving something forward at all is a feat.
So I reflect that back, because I think you should feel incredibly proud for getting this far. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It's a magnificent achievement to be on that road. So many people lose touch with what they love most, and you haven't. For me, you are the definition of an artistic spirit — and that has nothing to do with whether someone is in a full-time job or not. The artistic spirit is about the voice, the connection you have with yourself, and how you choose to be in the world.
I look at this honesty and reflection and I see something exciting. Rather than seeing difficulty and limitation, I wonder whether it might help to flip it — and actually make some of this stuff the thing you talk about. The experience of making art while holding down a full-time job. The challenge, the cost, the why. That's a bridge between what you've created and what it took to create it. Personally, I think that's a really exciting angle.
And it doesn't have to mean finding an extra hour you don't have. I'd just gently prod you to think about it like this: what if you write one thought per day as a note on one chosen platform, and make that the promotion? No pressure to do 15 notes a day. No pressure to be across 400 different platforms. One thing. One platform.
I look at what you've just written here and I see three months of content. Maybe it's just a question of going back through it, pulling out some things in bite size, and putting them out.
My sense is that you haven't landed where you thought you had — at "maybe this marketing thing just isn't for me." I think you might actually be smashing through a wall. And what's on the other side could be exactly what was missing: what's the experience you're having, how does it feel, do you have ten minutes to write about it and put it out as a supplement for your album?
If that fills you with dread, don't do it. But if there's something interesting there — maybe even enjoyable — it might be worth exploring. No shoulds. Just try to have fun with it. And look at the online stuff as a vehicle for who you are and your own capacity to communicate.
____
p.s dictated then ordered the thoughts! Hope it makes sense! Jim
Thank you Jim for your thoughtful reply as always. I appreciate you!
I don't know how you see things that way, all I saw was me complaining. You have a gift!
Thanks to you I wrote my first Note today. That can't be a marketing strategy, there must be more to it than that? In either case it was fun. So thank you!
I originally came to Substack to post an essay that explained my album. I've encountered so many great people like yourself and it's growing on me.
I was going to say I don't know how to express my gratitude then I realized that I did know how!
The reason you can't believe that people make art while holding down a full time job is because it's impossible. Especially when you get to be an old fart like me. Us wimps will never have a chance against you and the many others who are actually courageous! It's hard to walk away from music when you truly love it. I managed to do it for 20+ years but I guess that was my breaking point.
Oh wait I just realized you advised me to take 10 minute and actually write something good. That's not what I did. I guess the good one will have to wait until tomorrow. ;-)
Thank you for the kind words and for being a friend.
SYSTEM (please and thank you)
sending!
Gold!
So appreciate Bob!
For others wondering I can confirm the your first digital product is worth a subscribe 😉 you always do a good job packing a lot of value in one article and this one is no exception. I'm in awe reading about what you've achieved so far!
Sophie, that's so lovely. I haven't really been pushing the tracker very much, just occasionally dropping it into my longer post, so it really means a lot to me when I do hear some feedback about it.
What really matters to me is that the people that are using it are actually getting some value from it. Personally, I just find it really helpful because I just don't want to sit down at my computer and not know what to do, especially when it comes to stuff like content or how I want to spend my time on a digital platform. There are some things where I literally just want to know what to do, so it's kind of for me about trying to work out how to be my own boss - so that the future version of myself, if he's feeling a bit unmotivated or unsure or resistant, can just kind of go onto auto-pilot and knock out the tasks. Thank you for the feedback!
I’m very easily distracted, especially when there’s no real deadline and I open something like “the internet” - so having some timers and constraints really helps to focus. Otherwise I can easily scroll my life away thinking I’m doing something productive.
"To adapt does not mean to lose your artistic integrity. It means giving yourself a foundation from which to give your gift — not over a sprint, but over a lifetime."
Too good!
Justin has changed my life too. He helped me think differently. He is one of the few people I found at the lowest times in my life back in 2020..not much has changed in my life ever since but something massively changed and that's the person Me.
We cannot control everything and what we can control..we truly need to make the most of it. That's what decides our success and feeling of fulfillment.
Great post, thank you for sharing.
Hey Saima, thank you so much for sharing. I think what Justin manages to do so well is to, on the one hand, clarify the mechanics of things in such a clear and communicable way, but also, as time's gone on, I really enjoy his takes on society and the psychological side of not just having a one-person business but just being a human. I think that's a really brave pivot, and I think there's great power in this combination, so it's exciting to watch his journey on that front.
How wonderful that you've been influenced by him as well. What a lovely connection to share. I hope you have a lovely weekend, Jim.
So true. Thank you Jim, wishing you a wonderful weekend too.
There's so much here! I'm not sure if you have awareness to this, although you probably do... all of the value you add in these articles make me come back to it more than once. If I'm doing it, others MUST be doing it too. I didn't realize you have such an accomplished background - with some major street cred too, it adds to your credibility. For the record, many of us are getting to know you through your 'current' self, via your documentation and interacting here on Sub. You've built trust and credibility authentically without standing on your previous accomplishments (which are huge) - that's pretty amazing. Of course, you couldn't be who you are without the character development you've built before... so there's that. All that to say - Cheers to you and thank you for sharing your Justin Welsh take-aways. Super strong.
Heidi, I really appreciate the lovely words. Crazy, right? Isn't it how we all have this history behind us? It's something I think about: the extent to which we can offer aspects of that along the way during our journey.
In my newsletter, I sometimes just drop something in from the past because, on a personal level, it connects me to my own life. I also think that, if people are following you, it gives a sense of who you are, where you've been, where your expertise is, but also where you've hit some dead ends and obstacles. That's all part of the path as well, right?
Thank you for the feedback; it makes it worthwhile to me.
My pleasure. Always fun to read your work!
Did you do a bunch of your collages on Pizza cartons? KING! And also - thanks for sharing about your journey from unwilling content creator to artist solopreneur!
Ha ha, great spot for a lovely weekend.
Would be fascinated to hear about your system. And whether it has to be first thing in the morning??
Standing from head over heart to toe into the middle of a creation, there’s good to have the voice of a Big J piercing the bubble with clarity. Chapter five is waiting!
The thing I enjoy most about following you is your ability to distill so much into the perfect sized bite.
I too have been a fan and follower of Justin for many years and have read and studied his work, in this one post, you managed to boil down so much into something I can take away and USE!
Thank you for this, Jim! Of course, thank you too, Justin! You two fly in different lanes but it's wonderful to see how your insights blend so nicely together.