Never Too Old

If you're at a certain age where you are starting to feel like you are "too old" for what you want to do, think again: perhaps you're just looking at it the wrong way.

Being in the music business, I have heard countless times from artists how they have been told they are "too old" to achieve music success.

Being an overnight sensation takes decades. It is unrealistic to assume that success if overnight. Talk to any business person, and they will say that creating a successful business takes many years, and maturity. Yes, there are flukes. Perhaps sheer luck, timing, or being at the right place, or knowing the right people. But a business that keeps their success over a period of time usually takes time to become successful, and takes a lot of work to stay successful.

So, if you're an artist pushing 40, think of yourself as one of those businesses that have been evolving, learning, working hard and building credibility over time. Because it takes time.

I believe one needs to ignore the "nay-sayers" who tend to knock your age. It's usually their sheer limited view or ignorance that makes them judge you on age first. The metrics by which you should follow should be talent, passion, enthusiasm, and stick-ability.

Talent: merit your abilities based on your unique talents for the "job". Do you feel you have what it takes?
Passion: do you love what you are doing? Do you love it so much you'll do anything to make it happen?
Enthusiasm: are you going about it with sheer joy and excitement? Are you enjoying the journey?
Stick-ability: Are you willing to stick it out and ride the waves? Those who succeed are prepared to go the long haul.

Fiction: you need to be 18-25 to be a successful artist.
Fact: there are many artists who are successful and who have found success in their thirties, forties, fifties and beyond.

Those who tell you that you are too old: stop listening. You are an artist for life.  I would imagine you started this when you were knee high to a grass hopper, so don't let them tell you that you are now too old. This is a life long journey of discovery, building your business, and growing to be who you are. If people are telling you that you are too old, but you can agree to the above metrics, then you are listening to the wrong people. They may be star finders who can only see with limited vision; probably companies that only want young artists to mold into stars - who don't talk back, don't have a long track record, and who can sell music based on sex, youth and a short term marketing machine. Is this you? I think not.

You are not short term. You are long term. You are here for life. Work with, and surround yourself with people who believe in your talents, your passion, your enthusiasm and your stick-ability.

Live life on your own merits.

by gilli moon

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