Life with the Muse©

I’ve Got The Power!

7 Tips for Writing Your Goals

You’ve decided to become a full-time artist.  You’ve spent time developing your artistic strengths.  You know you have something to say, and you have an idea how to say it.  You are driven by passion, curiosity and hunger.  Now what?

The power of putting your dreams into writing has been so often described and advised that it is no longer earthshaking news.  The actual practice of doing it, however, can shake your world. Developing a feasible work plan from a list of goals provides the framework for making your dreams a daily reality.  If you are one of those who has never put pencil to paper to try it, why not give it a shot? 

Chris Lawhead, Denver composer, performing artist and teacher, has a lot to say about the influence of goal-setting.  Through a conscious process of determining his aspirations, defining the steps he needs to attain success, and following his Muse, he’s found the power to imagine his own destiny and live the life of his dreams.

“I used to drink and smoke.  But now that I have my goals programmed, things just changed.  That’s not a part of my life anymore, because it doesn’t move me toward what I want.  I didn’t consciously try to stop; it just fell off my radar screen because I’m focused on other things.  So it’s a side benefit while I’m living the life I want.”

Lawhead’s 7 Tips

1. Set realistic goals that work.
2. Don’t shoot down dreams and aspirations.
3. State specific goals in clear ways.
4. Use positive language: say “I have” and “I want” instead of saying what you don’t want and don’t have.
5. Place your goals in your life time-line: set general, yearly and daily goals (long-range, medium and short-term).
6. Write down your goals, carry them with you (in your wallet or purse) and read them during the day.
7. Go ‘poco a poco’ (music-speak for ‘little by little’) every day.

Following this approach has enabled Lawhead to develop a successful career as a recording artist (just released his second album, Close), performer (regional and international venues from Red Rocks to Costa Rica), and teacher (over 50 private music students). 

“You affect the quantum field with your thoughts,” he explains.  “How you speak for yourself, how you do things.  If you are quiet enough and listen, the Universe will talk to you, help you and give you little signs.”

Close, a modern jazz roots album, is the newest CD release by Chris and his band, LAWHEAD.  All tracks were recorded live on the first or second take.

LAWHEAD features Christopher Lawhead (Flute, Theremin, Vocals, Sax, Guitar), Matt Skellenger (Bass), Rudy Royston (Drums), and Ryan Conway (Keys).

For more information, go to www.lawheadmusic.com

Monthly Muses

Books:  The Secret Life of Bees.Sue Monk Kidd. 2004 Viking Books.

Music:  Madeleine Peyroux. Careless Love. 2004 Rounder Records Corp.

Art:        Santa Fe Contemporary Galleries

Work:    “Try not.  Do or do not.  There is no try.”  ~Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back

Travel:  The Southwest.

Thought: Taking a vacation.  Don’t think.