As an aspiring musical artist it’s imperative to not let your persona define you, you have to go within yourself and allow your passion not your image to drive you to succeed. Don’t be afraid of humility, for that is what we learn from; constructive criticism and our mistakes. Once you are able to accept constructive criticism then you allow yourself to grow as a creative artist; for if you allow your ego to get in the way, your skills are then stifled and/or diminished. Be cognizant of the difference between self-respect (which is having moral and ethical standards about you) and egotism.
Pride:
The state or feeling of being proud. A feeling of honor and self-respect; a sense of personal worth. Self-respect, Self-esteem, Dignity
Ego:
The “I” or self of any person; a person as thinking, feeling, and willing, and distinguishing itself from the selves of others and from objects of its thought. The self of an individual person; the conscious subject one’s image of oneself. Psychoanalysis. The part of the psychic apparatus that experiences and reacts to the outside world and thus mediates between the primitive drives of the id and the demands of the social and physical environment. egotism; conceit; self-importance, self-esteem or self-image.
In regards to one’s “Ego”: it’s the state of being “self-absorbed.”- The “I” and “me” of one’s image. One’s ego is boosted by the approval of society, if society says you’re “cool” or “important” than it must mean you’re cool and important. In entertainment it is important to have a good image and brand in order for your fan base to identify with you. However don’t get so caught up in the habit of needing your image approved by others in order to feel any self-worth. It’s important to keep in mind that your image doesn’t define YOU. The opinions of others don’t define YOU . . . unless you let them. Be yourself and stand for your convictions and know that the true you should be defined in your work.
Focus on character and how to carry yourself. The most important element in character makeup of a person who is successful is mental toughness. Display moral excellence and consistency. Be impeccably honest, faithful and loyal, keep promises, and act in all matters with integrity. Know the difference between truth and lies and cherish the truth. Trust is built one block at a time and is a function of integrity and competence.
Mike Downey
CEO, Lead Alliance
