Did you make your resolution yet? Did you swear that you were going to try to quit smoking, stop drinking or vocalize more this year? Didn’t we all make those resolutions last year? What do you say we try something completely different? From now on, let’s stop trying. I don’t mean give up – I mean stop kidding ourselves with deadlines. While saying that you’re going to “try” may sound noble, there is, however, a hopeless component attached. You’re also saying that it’s hard. And, announcing that your struggle will begin on the first of the year (even if just to yourself) makes it too easy to measure how long you’ve been unsuccessful. If you know the changes needed are for the better, why make it so easy to fail?
A calendar year is meaningless to a singer. Come to think of it, so are school years, biological years and the number of years you’ve been singing. It is unrealistic to expect your abilities to rise in a steady, linear, path. There’s bound to be setbacks and detours along the way. In the grand scheme of things, we are always rewarded by these experiences. It’s easy, though, to get sucked into counting years. We are constantly barraged with stories about super-young talents who get massive views on YouTube or turn four chairs on The Voice. Trying to follow their path will only make you feel like a slug. Their promo suggests that these artists will become even more remarkable in time, which is usually not the case. It’s not that these people are undeserving of the spotlight, it’s just that they have no relevance to your life.
The truth is, many of us find it difficult to change because we fear success. We’ve become so used to the struggle, we can’t imagine our lives any differently. Who would we be without excuses like cigarettes, booze and lousy social media numbers to complain about? It’s frightening to think that what’s holding us back is our thinking. Instead, we prefer to blame external issues and try to overcome them the best we can. Ironically, the best way to break this fear is to reduce expectations. If you smoke you should quit just because it’s stupid, not because it will dramatically improve your voice. If you’re not feeling respected at your usual karaoke venue then check out some new bars. Speaking of bars, if you always need a drink to sing, an important question awaits: Can you sing sober? If you don’t know, then now is a good time to find out.
It takes courage to break up the status quo. Not the chest pumping super-hero antics we see in movies but real courage to face hard choices and take responsibility for your behavior. This doesn’t take effort; it takes a shift in mentality. Right now, you can unceremoniously quit smoking and forgo the usual pre-song drink and no one will ride you should you occasionally regress. The same goes for working on your voice. Vocalizing is most effective when there is no hidden agenda. I always sing better when I practice for no reason, as opposed to when I’m trying to sound better.
And so, before the corks fly, I would like to propose one more toast to all my vocal brothers and sisters. I propose that from now on we feed off each other for inspiration -- not imitation. That we view our inabilities and shortcomings as identity rather than weakness. That we find the strength to sing every day despite internal and external critics. That, starting today, we tap the courage to be successful, to live at our full potential and recognize that we all have the power to move hearts and souls. And, we do all this – without even trying. Happy new you!
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