Published: Friday - August 22, 2008
Words by Donny Goines
Donny Goines (Photo: Don Michaels)
This week I have really been doing a lot of thinking. I feel that I am at the point in my career where I need to elevate and take things to another level ,but I know that this can't be done alone. At the end of the day I'm only one man and to take my career to the next plateau, I have to know my limitations.
There are many things that I want to do in the next couple of months, but due to whatever reason (lack of knowledge, finances, tools, etc.), I won't be able to do them by myself, if at all. I am not an engineer, a publicist, a cameraman, etc. and I can't do a million things at once (although at times I feel as if I'm doing just that, haha). It's funny though, because to some extent you have to be able to multi-task and really do several different things at once, but you also have to learn that sometimes you just can't. In order for me to make these DVDs I'm trying to do, I need the help of an editor and distributor to put it together and get it out there. For me to be able to complete this album, I need the help of my engineer and his studio and the producers involved. If I want to reach the masses properly, I will need my publicist, major entities to help me launch and promote, and a distributor to get it out in the world. These are things that I can't do alone and I realize that. My limitations prevent me from doing these things on my own and it's that realization that actually comforts me.
I think many up-and-coming artists just don't know their limitations and that really can make things difficult for you. To anyone reading this, I don't know you personally. There is no way I can tell you what you can or can't do, but I can tell you this: If you don't recognize your limitations and figure out solutions around them, you will have a hard time accomplishing your goals. Many times people don't know, or even worst, ignore their limitations and this is something that can be devastating to your career. Never let your ego or arrogance hinder your process. If you know that you need assistance, then ask for it. There is no shame in admitting that you can't do something or need help. How do you think I've made it this far? When I have problems or issues that can't be solved alone, I take heed and take the proper recourse. This blog is really cut and dry, you can't do everything. It's impossible. Once you realize that simple fact you will make your life much easier and less stressful.
There are many things that I can't do. I can't produce my own beats, engineer my sessions or edit my own DVD, but I'm fine with that. Simply because I know my limitations, as you should know yours.
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