5 Elements Every Musician Must Consider When Creating Their Goals

August 24, 2024 World of Music
elements every musician must consider when creating their goals

A singer’s life is not as easy as it seems to be. There comes a point in every singer’s life where he/she feels completely blank. Even after doing a host of shows, they find themselves getting nowhere. If you are a singer, we are sure you can relate to it! Setting clear and achievable goals is crucial for progress and success. This blog will help you understand the elements every musician must consider when creating their goals.

Now, let us ask you a question, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Well, if you struggle to answer this question, this blog is just meant for you. In this blog, we will help you to efficiently plan and secure your future as an artist.

Importance of Setting Right Goals

Every artist knows the importance of planning but not many realize that only the right goals give meaning to a plan. At the same time, not every goal gives the desired result as well. Most times, people think they have set some exceptional goals but little do they understand that those goals are super vague or of no use.

All that said, if you, as an artist, wish to acquire success in your music career, the first thing you need to do is set the right goals. This is when S.M.A.R.T. Goals come into the picture!

Let’s dive in and learn everything about S.M.A.R.T. Goals!

Talking about independent singers, they usually have very limited time to manage a host of things, from the creative to the business-related tasks. Truth be told, this happens because most of them start without setting clear goals. If artists set their priorities on time, nothing can ever stop them from focusing on what’s important for them. On the contrary, they will end up accomplishing nothing in their whole music career.

When it comes to S.M.A.R.T. Goals, it helps artists to slow down things for them, thereby allowing them to effortlessly concentrate on every vital aspect.

S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Timely. When deciding your goals, you just need to make sure each of these elements is taken into account.

How Can You Create Your S.M.A.R.T. Goals?

1. Specific

As the name suggests, you should be specific while setting your goals. Normally, artists set goals that they themselves do not understand. Say, for example, “I want to be the most famous singer” does not come under specific goals.

The simplest way to set a specific goal is by answering the 5W’s: who, what, when, where, and why. If you answer each of them, you can tick the S-Specific of S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Example of Specific Goals:

  • “I want to release a new single every three months.”
  • “I aim to perform at five local venues by the end of the year.”

2. Measurable

This is one of the most vital parts of a goal. Here, you will have to apply numbers to your goals that in turn will help you to be more accountable in the long run. When you set a measurable goal, you will be forced to ask questions such as how much? How many? at every step. For instance, “I want to sell 500 CDs by November” is a measurable goal.

Example of Measurable Goals:

  • “Gain 1,000 new followers on Instagram in the next six months.”
  • “Increase my YouTube subscribers by 500 by the end of the year.”

3. Achievable

If you want to make your goals achievable, all you need to do is figure out where you are presently at with your music career and ask yourself where you wish to go. In simpler words, you have to answer two questions:

  • How will I achieve my goals?
  • What resources do I require to achieve my goals?

Example of Achievable Goals:

  • “Collaborate with at least two other musicians this year.”
  • “Complete a music production course within the next three months.”

4. Relevant

This part can be a bit tricky for you but if followed, it can reap ample benefits in your career. You should make sure that your goals add relevance to your music career. For example, “Going on a world tour” just because every artist does the same cannot be considered a relevant goal for you. That being said, it is your responsibility to set goals that are your own and relevant to you.

Example of Relevant Goals:

  • “Record an EP that reflects my musical style and personal experiences.”
  • “Develop a marketing strategy to promote my music online.”

5. Timely

Let’s face it, a goal without a deadline does no good. Setting a deadline will help you to keep working hard to achieve your goals before that particular day/time. Again, do not end up setting an unrealistic timeline. Fix a deadline that will allow you to execute and fulfill your goals without a rush.

Example of Timely Goals:

  • “Release a new music video by the end of next month.”
  • “Organize a virtual concert within the next two months.”

Latest Information and Stats (2024)

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the elements every musician must consider when creating their goals, let’s look at some of the latest trends and statistics for 2024:

  1. Streaming Dominance: As of 2024, streaming platforms continue to dominate the music industry, with 80% of music revenue coming from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
  2. Social Media Influence: Social media remains a critical tool for musicians, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram driving music discovery and fan engagement.
  3. Virtual Concerts: Virtual concerts have become a staple, with many artists supplementing live shows with virtual performances to reach a global audience.
  4. DIY Artists: More musicians are opting for a DIY approach, leveraging digital tools and platforms to produce, distribute, and promote their music independently.

Best Practices for Musicians When Setting Goals

  1. Regularly Review and Adjust Goals: Continuously evaluate your progress and adjust your goals as needed to stay on track.
  2. Break Down Larger Goals: Divide big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Seek Feedback and Support: Get input from mentors, peers, and fans to refine your goals and strategies.
  4. Stay Motivated and Persistent: Keep your passion for music alive and stay committed to your goals, even in the face of challenges.

Conclusion

Setting clear and achievable goals is essential for every musician to succeed. By using the S.M.A.R.T. framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely—you can create goals that provide direction and motivation. Regularly review your goals, stay adaptable, and keep pushing forward to achieve your dreams in the music industry.

For more in-depth articles and guides on the elements every musician must consider when creating their goals, stay tuned to our blog. We cover everything you need to know about building a successful music career, from goal setting to performance strategies.

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