We’ve all done it. We’ve taken that gig that seemed like a great idea six months ago. Now, we find ourselves sitting in traffic much like the photo above, wondering why we made the decision in the first place. Yesterday, I wrote this post about how artists could find balance using Pareto’s Principle, also known as the 80-20 rule. In it’s purest form, the 80-20 rule makes good sense. Unfortunately, when it comes to gigs, we often toss in other variables, like the desire to make great art and the fear that your phone may not ring the next time around if you turn something down. Too many of us are blindly taking gigs and not thinking about balance. Here are some thoughts as you consider your work: All gigs are not created equal. Don’t take every gig that comes your way. I often hear from people that the most frustrating gigs are the engagements that are artistically compromising.Action: Stop participating in gigs that are artistically compromising and spend that time practicing, reading, learning, or...
