04/20/2026
After over 10 years in music... I finally realized this:
You've probably heard it all. "Maybe music isn't for you." "You're not good enough." "You should've made it by now."
But those people are measuring the wrong thing.
Look at a lot of musicians who "made it," the ones with millions of streams, sold-out shows, record deals. A lot of them are burnt out and struggling with their mental health.
They became products of their labels, making what sells instead of what matters to them. Their relationships suffer because they're always on the road, always chasing the next milestone. And even when they get there, it's never enough.
Now look at yourself.
Maybe you chose to be present for your family instead of grinding at the studio every night.
Maybe you kept your friendships and showed up for the people who matter.
Maybe you chose your mental health over the pressure of making music pay your rent.
Maybe you chose stability so you could keep making music without it destroying you.
Ten years of making music on your own terms, without burning yourself out or sacrificing the people you love for it, that's its own kind of commitment.
Success in music is mostly about what you're willing to sacrifice. And choosing not to sacrifice everything is still a decision. It says more about your values than your stream count ever will.
I have been playing a different game the whole time. And that's something most people won't understand until much later.
And I'm okay with not becoming who I thought I’d be at 12. I’m happier now.
If this resonates, follow me and tell me in the comments what you've chosen to protect 👐🏻
