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The Power of Persistence in Music

The idea

The argument is that persistence is not just about maintaining a steady effort but about the willingness to keep going even when the results are not immediately visible or positive. Imagine sending direct messages to a label for over a year, day after day, with no response. The idea is that John Summit's success did not come from a sudden breakthrough but from the relentless pursuit of his passion. He kept creating music and sending messages, even when it felt like insanity. This dedication eventually paid off, leading to his headlining at EDC, a stark contrast to the author's own failures due to a lack of persistence. The key takeaway is that in business, whether it's music or any other field, sticking to your goals through thick and thin can lead to extraordinary results.

Why it works

• Persistence pays off because consistent effort over a long period can lead to significant breakthroughs. The argument is that even if initial attempts are not immediately successful, the dedication can eventually pay dividends.
• The process of repeatedly reaching out and making small progress each day builds momentum and increases the chances of eventually connecting with the right people or opportunities.
• The key is to maintain focus on the goal despite the lack of immediate rewards or recognition, as the persistence can often lead to unexpected opportunities down the line.

The playbook

1. Start small but stay consistent. Begin with making music in your room, just like John Summit did. Even if it seems like a low-key project, keep creating and improving your tracks. Make it a habit to work on your music daily.

1. Don't be afraid to reach out. Use social media tools like Instagram DMs to connect with labels and producers. Summit's story shows that persistence through consistent communication can pay off. Don't be deterred by lack of immediate response; keep sending DMs and messages with your work.

1. Refine your craft and stay adaptable. While Summit's early work might not have been the best, he continued to improve. Continuously refine your skills and stay open to feedback. Be willing to pivot your approach if something isn't working.

1. Set a long-term goal. Imagine yourself a year from now or even further down the line. Summit's success took years of hard work and dedication. Set a clear goal and work towards it daily. Break this goal into smaller, manageable tasks.

1. Persist through challenges. Understand that persistence can feel like insanity at times. There will be days when you doubt yourself and your progress. Keep pushing through, and remember that every business failure is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Where people get it wrong

Where people get it wrong is in misunderstanding the nature of persistence. The common view is that persistence is about finding the right idea and sticking to it. However, the reality is more complex. Here are three specific failure modes:

• Over-reliance on a single idea: You might have a great idea, but sticking to it without flexibility can lead to failure. Instead, be open to pivoting when necessary. If your initial idea isn't working, try something else or adapt it based on feedback.

• Lack of self-care: Persisting doesn't mean you should ignore your well-being. Working a "shitty CPA job" for a year, as mentioned, isn't sustainable. Balance your efforts with self-care to maintain long-term productivity and motivation.

• Misplaced persistence: Persistence is not about doing the wrong thing for a long time. John Summit's success came from consistent effort in his craft, not from mindlessly sending DMs. Focus on continuous improvement and quality in your work, rather than just the act of persistence.

Instead of these, focus on adaptability, self-care, and consistent quality improvement.

Do this next

• Start your own project, even if it feels small. The argument is that even the biggest DJs began with a simple idea and persistence.
• Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to creating or improving your music. The argument highlights how John Summit kept working on his craft daily.
• Engage with the music community through social media. DM labels, producers, and fellow musicians. The example shows how consistent communication can lead to opportunities.
• Keep a record of your progress. Log your daily activities, ideas, and setbacks. This will help you see your growth and stay motivated.
• Don’t let a rejection discourage you. The argument emphasizes that persistence is key, even when it feels like insanity.