As musicians, you have the gift of sensitivity which fuels your creativity and enables you to transmit powerful emotions. It can also make you more vulnerable to setbacks and criticism. These are completely unavoidable and an integral part of the journey. Indeed, few industries are as competitive and unstable as music. So how can you overcome self-doubts and feelings of insecurity in the face of challenges?

Confidence is a very necessary skill to have if you want to succeed in this industry, but it’s a skill that you can learn and develop.

Here are a few ways you can increase your self-confidence so you can get out of your comfort zone, approach people you want to work with, and avoid feeling sick to your stomach before you have to step on stage.

There’s something truly special about the opportunity to assess all that you’ve accomplished in the previous year and plan for a brighter tomorrow. Maybe it’s the planner nerd in me, but there’s just something truly illuminating about the chance to start fresh, give those dreams new life, and build upon the momentum you’ve already created.

To get started, ask yourself these questions, and really take the time to reflect. I suggest going into this with pen and paper and writing down your answers. Not only will it help you articulate your thoughts, but it will give you something to reflect back on.

With the start of a New Year comes endless possibilities for change, progression, and enormous growth. New Year, New You, right?

But when it comes time to put those thoughts into action, it can feel a little overwhelming, to the point it leaves you wondering—where do I start? I’m glad you asked.