Don't Use Work to Avoid What You Fear

A musical entrepreneur should be careful with the reasons why he or she works so much.  Hopefully, it’s to bring about a better version of the world or the self. So many, however, work in order to avoid what they most need to confront.  It could be a sexual identity long repressed (my reason for ‘focusing on grades’ for so much of my life), pain caused by family members or previously significant others, or possibly whatever it is we fear most.  Here’s an invitation to notice what you’re avoiding by working so much. It’s important for you to deal with these personal issues in healthy ways--through therapy, courageous conversations with specific individuals, art.  Forming an ensemble or performing allows you to express something, as long as it doesn’t become a reason to avoid something. You can only do your best work when you are mentally and physically healthy--and the world needs your best work.