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One of the hardest things a busker has to overcome is the set of limiting beliefs he/she carries – in other words – his/her ‘mindset’. Nothing in life holds us back more than ourselves, and of course our attachment to a set of beliefs. (eg doubting your abilities; no faith that you can earn an income doing what you love to do… money doesn’t grow on trees, no such thing as a free lunch, etc, etc).
A particular mindset usually starts off with an experience or a comment from someone in a position of ‘authority’ (parents, teachers, aunts, uncles, etc) or from someone you respect or admire. And don’t ask me why, but if one of those comments happens to be negative, then we tend to get caught up on the doom and gloom and instead of moving forward with our dreams and desires, we usually change our course of direction – sometimes even come to a complete halt – according to what others say or think.
25 years ago, my first girlfriend asked me to shut up when I was singing because she didn’t like it. She just told me, point blank… “you’re crap”!
Take a moment to think about this one… have you ever been told something similar? Has someone told you that they didn’t like your music, or the songs you write weren’t good enough or the way you play a popular song was all wrong, etc, etc. I’ve had people cover their ears as they walk past me, I’ve made 20 cents after singing for 2 hours on the street and I’ve had bad reviews about my songs! The good news is, this happens to 99% of performers – including the Beatles!
Here’s another example… when my songs hit number one on the Australian independent charts, 99% of the reviews were all positive with 4-5 star ratings, but the ones that jumped out at me were the negative comments that a couple of people made.
If I’d let any of these negatives play a part in my career choices, I would have stayed in my bedroom singing to myself and missed out on years of incredible experiences. Like singing in some of the world’s most stunning cities, meeting some of the most talented, fun and interesting people EVER (including my beautiful wife), playing alongside world class musicians, etc, etc, etc. To think that my music wouldn’t have made it to my local press, let alone the New York Times is something I can hardly contemplate now.
And get this… when I first ventured out on the street I would play with an old guitar and repair my broken guitar strings. I didn’t think I could make enough to buy new strings and thoughts of a new guitar were filed under totally impossible! Some of the old beliefs that used to hold me back could possibly be the same ones holding you back. For example “I’m a starving artist… if I make lots of money then I would be selling out!”, I haven’t worked hard enough to deserve that”, “I’m not good enough to be playing alongside other talented performers”, “there are so many more great musicians who are better than me who should be up here on this stage”, “I’m only a busker so I don’t have enough money to buy (whatever) …new guitar, strings”, blah blah blah blah blah…
As soon as I started to question myself again and again about what I wanted, and got out of my comfort zone to make those things possible, I realised that I was living my life based on other peoples opinions and limiting beliefs. It was only when I determinedly went for my dreams that all the obstacles and excuses started to fade away and my success started to flow.
Unfortunately most of us feel comfortable living a life according to traditions or a set of beliefs, and as soon as we step out and consider something new, all sorts of chaos occurs within our mind and we start making excuses like “ I’m not clever enough to make it work”, “I can’t afford to do this or buy that or take such a risk”, etc. What we should be doing is continually asking, “What do I want and what steps do I need to take to get it”. Most people focus on why they can’t do, have or achieve something and usually end up living a tedious and repetitive existence.
I recently received an email from a musician called Christian Jones who lives in Western Australia. I’ve added it into the Busking Stories page because it’s a classic tale of breaking down limiting beliefs, following your dreams and making a great success happen against all odds. It can be hard to take a step like Christian has taken, especially when kids and family are involved, therefore all credit goes out to you Christian – Congratulations for stepping into the unknown and going for it! I’ve decided to make you our new Busker of the Month for setting such a great example! And whilst I’m handing out accolades… even more credit to your wife and kids for giving you the freedom to play! Now that Christian has a taste of what can happen when a daily existence is filled with passion, I can’t wait to see part 2 of his story. If he’s anything like me, it will include a family busk!
As for everyone else, I encourage you to get clear about what you want, then step out of your comfort zone and go for it! What’s the worst that can happen… you’ll come back to doing what you’re doing now. On the other hand, start thinking of all the things that can happen….!!!!! My story is a perfect example and I’m not including it to brag or blow my own trumpet, but to show you that it IS possible to live the life of your dreams, no matter what anyone else says or thinks!
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Johnnie Mac is a world class, professional, leading street performer, turned celebrated musician. He is the only Aussie Professional Busker who provides a fast, reliable and sure-fire Busking System that can transform any busker into a well paid and highly acclaimed entertainer enjoying a remarkably exciting lifestyle. To discover 101 Essential Tips to Have More Fun and Earn More Money Busking visit http://www.BuskerWorld.com/theBuskersBible
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re dead on with all that, Johnnie. I’ve been busking for a long time and still struggle with the things you mentioned. Maybe not performance anxiety (uh, never had that, my wife wishes I would have sometimes.) But the “Am I going to have enough dough to make it through the winter this year?” Confidence comes and goes. I don’t think we ever really get “there”. But the trying really helps us.
This damned recession has been hard on my work. The nightclub shows are way down this year due to lack of much business. People her in the US are not spending like they did a couple of years ago. I fully expect to be busking 7 days a week this summer. I’m at about 5 days a week already. But, I’m having a great time! So, I guess this is what I’m supposed to be doing now. I’m fortunate that I have some really good pitches within 20 miles of home and my best pitch is about 2 miles away and lasts all summer. But, I’m sure I’ll be traveling a great deal next winter. Maybe I should head “down under” next winter (your summer).
wow. interesting. i am a different jon ji.
just trying to make it happen.
thanks for the encouragement. it gets hard out here trying to make it happen, when it’s not happening fast enough.
i still need to let go of limiting beliefs, because i am out there doing the work, but i don’t think the returns are what they should be because of my mindset.
immmagunna work on it.
thanks!
~jon ji
cowboy bebop and gypsy crawl
Johnnie, this blog is very timely for us atm.
We’ve already made so many sacrifices; moved across the country to start again where our name and rep meant nothing; taken jobs we had previously decided we were never going to take again – all with the aim of living the dream.
Now here we are on the edge of a big Something (hope it’s good!) and we’re coming face to face with all the worst doubts and insecurities of our private selves at a time when we can least afford it, when we need to be at our most positive and courageous.
Just a few words from you has really helped us already – in a few more days, the ideas should have percolated down to where they can do the most good at the perfect time – a big opportunity on this Saturday!
Thanks for taking the time to blog.
Hi all
After two failed marriages I can relate to the wives getting moody when you pick up the guitar when they want you to dust or wash pots, (Which I do by the way… Modern man and all that.) The funny thing is that what made them notice me in the first place was the guitar playing poetry writing lump of a fella who entertained them for a while.
BTW… Just printed off the blog (You are Crap) and the only thing that printed was just those words “YOU ARE CRAP”
ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME SOMETHING, LOL.
Absolutely spot on. It’s pretty amazing the plethora of stories, wisdom and tips on busking this one website holds.
Having now about a month of busking under my belt, I really have seen this kind of stuff first hand. It doesn’t matter how well of a day you’ve been having with your music (hitting the notes, playing the parts), people WILL walk by and give you a disdainful look. As if your music is worse than the rumble and schreeching of traffic nearby.
Just gotta keep playing and float on I guess. S’all good.
Heree’s a little setback that you can share from a wince country busker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGiLJIcVE1M
First time at this blog and it’s really entertaining and helpful. Thanks for the insight!
The Tuckerbag
I Just got back from Busking Europe
I did not let anything hold me back of my dreams
I want to Busk the world
i was busking with my dog once in hartlepool north east england.a security officer asked me to move on cos he said my dog was a fire hazard,then i asked why? “did u see him striking matches or something? the whole story ended up on a bbc1 show called “thats life” i played on the show with my dog luke,the song was! “how much is that fire risk in the window?”
Hi, I’m a busking opera singer. I’ve had many wonderful busking experiences – people coming up to me with tears of appreciation in their eyes and giving generously, and others telling me I should be in Opera Australia. I’ve done some weddings, a recital and been in a band through contacts I met while busking. I’ve also had some negatives – money robbed, attacked by a feral woman, people covering their ears and young guys yelling at me that I am a loser! So it’s a mixed bag but always an adventure. I am now for the first time in the position of having to busk as sole income due to a loss of my corporate job. I figure this may be a blessing in disguise and the boot I needed to force me to pursue my dream of music full time.
Hi Donna
great comment, its definitely a career that includes a wide variety of adventures and you seem to be experiencing it all. Good luck with the full time position as a street performer and thanks for passing on your valuable experience.
cheers Johnnie
hi Donna, was interested to read about your experiences busking, I too am a classical singer and was thinking about busking myself, will certainly give it a go, but have to find out first do I need a licence etc? and sort out where best to set up, its awful to say but hate my office job so much I am prepared to do what it takes!! wishing you all the best Chantel.
Hi Johnnie, and everyone. Great site. I’m a busker in Melbourne, Australia. I used to be a painter for 17 years, and this year got sick of getting stuffed around by people, waiting for money, etc.. I now busk full time, mostly on friday and sat nights in the city. I can make upto $1000 a week doing so, and have the freedom now of doing my dream of music full time. It even pays better than venue gigs, and there is no one to tell you what to do, you work your own hours and days, area etc.. It’s the best job in the world! Tones..
That’s absolutely wicked to hear Tony. Im just writing my next blog which is inspired by people such as yourself who have the get up and go to make it happen. I have to agree whole heartedly mate, busking is most definitely alot easier than regular touring and venue gigs no matter how much your getting paid. Whilst each has there own rewards the freedom one finds out on the streets busking (for me as I travel way outback in country Australia) is matched by no other lifestyle Ive experienced.
cheers Johnnie