033: Map or Compass

Do you need a map or a compass to get where you are going? 

A map can provide you with a detailed path, with all the information you will need to get where you are heading. You can map out your trip, turn by turn, optimize your route before you set out. You’ll know the landmarks before you leave, and the stops you want to make along the way. 

A compass will confirm the direction you are going, and help guide you forward. You decide where you are heading, set-out, and continually refer back to the compass to make sure you are still moving in the direction you intended. 

All too often we think we want a map, when what we really need is a compass.

A map gives us a sense of certainty, we can see the terrain ahead - anticipate any major obstacles and then decide on the best route. The problem though is that things are unpredictable - you never know what roadblock you may run into. 

Now, you can make plans for every potential obstacle along the way by deciding on alternate routes in advance. Based on various situations that may arise, you could create an entire itinerary around the likely outcomes. A ‘choose your own adventure’ of possible scenarios. This could help provide more certainty - I’ve covered all my bases - nothing can stop me.

But then something does. That map you laid out, all the routing and contingency planning has gone to waste. And you’re left to improvise; to react in the moment based on what you ‘think’ might be the best course.

We can spend a lot of time planning - I’m a planner by nature. There is value in this, but the trouble arises when we overvalue the planning stage and even worse, never leave it, because we aren’t ‘sure’ if we’ve picked the best way forward.

A compass requires us to determine our direction, decide where we want to go - and then take action. Move forward.

I see so many musicians get stuck in the planning stage, spreadsheets and timelines, social media calendars and budgets. All too often much of this is thrown out the window once they start the project. Or worse, they plan themselves out of starting in the first place.

Sure there are places for planning, there are times for all of these things. But if it takes more work to come up with the plan than to execute it - it’s time to reevaluate our priorities.

I know when it comes to grants, there can be a lot of these types of ‘plans’ required. Maybe it’s time the industry starts to rethink that. Some planning, yes. More focus on intentions, value of the outcome, and a history of results.* There is more value there. How many big, ambitious projects that could drastically improve this industry never get off the ground because the ‘plan’ doesn’t seem feasible? How many projects get funded because the plan is derivative of everything that has come before it?

For myself I’ve really started to focus on using a compass instead of a map. Anytime I have, I’ve found better success and enjoyed the process more. 

I think when we have a map - we’re only loosely aware of our destination, we don’t actually take the time to make sure we are going where we want to, but we have a plan! So we’re comfortable.

You can ask for a map to somewhere bright and sunny - and get the directions on how to get there. But is Northern Alaska in July what you were hoping for? Or were you thinking somewhere tropical?

I can create a plan to grow your social media following. Did you arrive at the destination when it grew by 10 people or 10 thousand? Too many people ask for the directions, but aren’t clear on the destination. They are then disappointed when they get there, or worse, never realize they already made it.

So, get really clear on where you are heading. Pick your destination and get really specific. Then stop mapping it out, get out your compass, point yourself in the right direction and start moving forward. 


~ Steve

Footnotes:

* This history of results should extend beyond just your ‘music industry’ experience. Developing artists may not have this type of experience, but others that are valuable. What other projects have you pulled off? There should be value in that.