The number of times I’ve watched artists drop out or back away from their careers is crazy. Not because they weren’t talented or because they didn’t have stuff happening, more times than not it was because they became burnt out. It is true that this is not a path for the faint of heart. It can take a lot of time and effort to build your brand and yourself as an artist and there will be good and bad times. So, what is one of the biggest problems that I have seen that leads to burnout? It is the comparison game. People holding themselves to a standard and trying to be at the same level as someone who has been at the game for 5, 10, 15 years or more. They have hundreds of more hours of experience and content simply because they have had more time to do this. So, use them as motivation and learning tools but please stop beating yourself up because you are not where they are. Stop being so hard on yourself or trying to work overtime to get there tomorrow. It will come with time and effort.
When people start the comparison game it tends to take away the joy a lot of times and puts unnecessary stress on oneself. So, what can one do? Well like just mentioned, you can use that individual as motivation and inspiration knowing that they have reached a certain level and if they have done it so can YOU! Secondly, you can set realistic goals for the future that will help keep you focused and progressing. Lastly, know that no one wants to see another Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood, they want to see YOU. You trying to be someone else only takes away from you being your true self which is what everyone really loves about their favorite artist. So, stop comparing and start shining!