Post on 06-Apr-2018
transcript
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
1/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
THE LONG RUN (Read time 0:39)
In the old world, the big impossible dream was to make a
record, get it into the hands of an A&R person, fasten your
seatbelt and hopefully blast off to the stars. Today the
chances of that happening are non-existent because that ol
worn out, antique formula has reluctantly retired. Besides, the
result of that illusion left too many great artists frustrated,
angry and broke. In the new world, the big impossible dream is
a much smarter one: quit your day job and make a decent
living doing your art full timefor the rest of your life! If your
ship blasts to the stars thats great, but if it doesnt, youll still be very content raising your family, buying your
house and living the life of a crazy, genius artist. The chances of this impossible dream working out are very,
very goodso long as you simply follow your brain instead of your ego. Heres the new formula: work smarter
and grow slower. Its no longer about getting rich quick; its about creating great art, and building a career that
lasts a lifetime.
Well , we're scared, but we ain't shakin'
Kinda bent, but we ain't break in' in the long run,
Ooh, I want to tell you, it's a long run
The Eagles
5 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
CREATIVITY TO THE RESCUE (Read time 2:07)
I love watching (and critiquing) the Grammys, and like
many of you, Ive been fortunate to be invited to the
ceremony many times over the years. This years
Do what 1000's of other c
Artists & Enterpreneurs
Join My TGet Stories & Blogs
Name
Email Address
Join
Search in Site...
Archive
THE LONG RUN (Read time
CREATIVITY TO THE RESC
2:07)
Get The Picture? (Read time
THE RACER'S EDGE (Read
NEW RULES: No Way No H
0:27)
THE SMART MONEY (Read
YOURE CRAZY! (Read time
Marco Romano Bhimani
DANCING WITH YOUR DEV
time 0:39)
LIBERTY!
NO DOUBT (Read time 1:17
WHAT EVER YOU DO, DON
AROUND (read t ime :39)
2011 Pos GRAND FINALE!
2-DOZEN WAYS TO MAKE
YOU COULD DO THIS! (rea
SURVIVING JAPAN (read ti
DEAR PRUDENCE (read tim
COMPLAIN ALL YOU WANT
IMAGINE (read time :57)
WEEKENDS (read time :33)
Maroon 5 Creates Aids Qui
PIXAR LETTER (read time 1
RESISTANCE CAN KILL (rea
Amateurs vs . Pros (read tim
Home About Bio HOT Consulting Speaking Bookshelf Vide
J Michael Dolan
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
2/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
the devastating, sad passing of Whitney Houston.
However, the following is one of the many behind-the-
scenes stories that folks shared with me over the
weekendone that didnt make it to the front page of
HUFFPO or the prime time of CNN.
Imagine the scene at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the day before the Grammys. Its only 19 hours
until show time and the giant indoor arena is now filled with hundreds of production workers in a melee of
organized chaos: lighting crews, grips, sound engineers, camera operators, set carpenters, painters,
choreographers, costumers, etc . P lus, scripts are getting the final edits, teleprompters are being tested,
camera angles are being set, cues from audio techs are getting locked in, and artists are right in the middle of
rehearsing and perfecting their precious 3-minute segment. Nothing but excitement and enthusiasm fills the
room.
Suddenly the news about Whitney begins to spread through the entire arena and the mood quickly changes.
First question on every ones mind, how will this affect the show? (Of course across town theres another
drama unfolding at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which is being broadcast on nearly every network.) However at the
Staples Center the big question sti ll remains, how is this going to affect a LIVE telecast with 25 mil lion
viewers? At this point the CBS suits and the Grammy brass collide (behind closed doors, away from the
press) on what to do next. The big question: How do we insert a heartful and acceptable tribute to Whitney
into an already tight schedule, without offending anyone or concerning the advertisers at this late date? Plus,
they were missing the reliable proven leadership of John Cossette who produced the previous 20 Grammy
telecasts, and sadly passed away earlier this year.
So who did they turn to when the challenge got big and the risks got huge? The Creatives thats who! The
writers, performers, musicians, sound engineers, designers, editors, producers, programmers, etc. They were
the ones who had to work together (through the night) to re-write, re-light, re-direct, re-time and re-invent the
broadcast to accommodate the sudden challenge of the tragedy. Thank God for the talented, creative artists,
because the VPs, CEOs, financiers, advertisers and investors cannot produce a movie, a record, a book, a
television commercial, or a Grammy telecast without them.
But thats what the creative pros in this business do. When the challenges arise, the first thing they naturally
do is access the field of ALL possibilities. Its in the DNA of all creative types; they live for this kind of moment!
Those that dont understand call i t winging it, but its not that at all. Its really innovation at its best. Turning
dross into gold, lemons into lemonade. If there were a rule book for these sorts of calamities, the suits would
surely follow it. But theres not. It was the creative, crazy geniuses (many employed by both the Grammy
organization and CBS television, and many of whom are my readers), who had to pull a rabbit out of a hat on
Sunday. And given the unique emotional circumstances, I think they pulled it off beautifully.
Isnt this why were attracted to this business in the first place? Because deep down inside we thrive on the
risks, the uncertainty, the pure creativity. Heck, to the pro artist & entrepreneur EVERYDAY is a Live TV
show! Thats why its good to remind each other every so often, that as artists & entrepreneurs, when a huge
challenge suddenly steps out on to the path in front you, (whether its suddenly re-writing a live 3-hour TV
show, or figuring out how to pay your rent), you have the gift of creativity and invention. And while others
frantically search for an imaginary rule book, the pro artist & entrepreneur confidently uses imagination,
ingenuity and intuition to access the field of all possibilities.
Think about that the next t ime you or your impossible projects are faced with unexpected calamity.
NOT DEAD YET (read time
REQUIEM FOR A HONEYMO
1:09)
CAN YOU FEEL IT? (read tim
BRANCUSI'S VICTORY CRY
Letter From Yoko Ono:
BONO FIGHTS FAMINE (rea
SAIL AWAY (read time :43
ARTISTS RULE! (read time 1
SWEET RELIEF (read time :2
USE IT OR LOSE IT (read tim
START HERE (read time 1:2
UNCERTAINTY (read time 1
INBOX (read time (1:03)
STOPPED BY CALAMITY (r
ART (read time :57)
AUDACIOUS & UNSTOPPA
2:37)
WRITERS BLOCK (read time
BLOW AWAY DISTRACTIO
:31)
WAY OF THE CREATIVE W
time :27)
GOOD BYE LADY LUCK (re
CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHIN
1:23) DEADLINE OR DIE! (read tim
MUSIC PEOPLE ON CALL (r
THE WIZARDS CLOCK (rea
CREATIVE PRIVACY (read
THE KOBE IN ME (read time
READY, SET, GO! (read tim
James Taylor Guitar Lesson
EVE OF DISTRACTION (rea
KEEP YOUR FEET UP! (read
JUST ONE MORE FOOT (rea
THIERRY KAUFFMANN (rea
MY MUSE DOESN'T CARE MISUNDERSTOOD (read tim
DUMP IT! (read time 1:19)
IS IT WORTH IT? (read time
THE 24 HOUR RULE (read t
MONK ON THE MOUNTIAN
lifetime)
IT (read time 1:37)
BORN TO SHOW (read time
THE STING OF REJECTION
THE ACTORS FUND (read t
LESSON FROM A ROCK ST
sec)
THUMB POWER (read time
EXPOSING THE WIZARD (re
HEY, WHATS THE BIG IDEA
1:37) THE WAITING WARRIOR (re
PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK
sec)
BON JOVI OPENS HIS SOU
sec)
A UTONOMY HIGHWAY (rea
LIMPIDITY (read time :45 se
ED NORTON MAKES A CRO
WHY I MEDITATE (read time
YOUR SHADOW AGENDA
WHY I SOLD MY BUSINESS
CELEBS STILL HAILING HA
sec)
FREE SOCKS! read time :47
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
3/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
14 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
THE RACER'S EDGE (Read time 0:41)
What if someone steals my idea, or launches a s imilar competitive site, or they
write, record or create superior art? I hear those worries from my clients all thetimefrom film composers to CEOs. Its a troubling trap to compare your place in
the race with others. Thats why they put blinders on racehorsesso theyre not
distracted by the competition, and they can focus on the finish line. Some artists
& entrepreneurs I work with spend sleepless nights worrying about the competition
and fretting about the future, when they should be envisioning, imagining and
inventing ways to better serve their customers and fans, with outrageous products
and jaw dropping art. Your enemy is not the competition. The real enemies are indecision & uncertainty, which
is the result of losing the battle to doubt & fear. And doubt & fear are what keeps every crazy, genius A&E
tossing and turning all night. Right? The best hedge against the competition is to wear permanent blinders,
and the best way to gain the racers edge is to use focused intelligence.
17 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
NEW RULES: No Way No How! (Read time 0:27)
No Way No How, will I allow the pettiness of a fallen industry to
influence my creative career or rob me of my impossible dreams.
No Way No How, will I allow the constraints of money (either the
struggle of making it, or the fear of losing it) to steal away my creative
energy and distract me from my mission.
No Way No How, will I allow an antique group of technophobic
marketers, old-time promoters and egoic managers to direct my future and rep my brand.
No Way No How, will I allow gossip, rumors and hearsay to guide my choices and influence my decisions.
No Way No How, will I allow the Devil of Doubt or the Demon of Procrastination to stall or stop my worthwhile
projects.
I'm a dedicated artist and a committed entrepreneur and nothing will stop me from expressing and manifestingmy ideas, inventions, innovations and art!
The world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open.
Shakespheres The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act II, Scene II.
12 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
MY QUEST FOR BARENAKE
(read time 1:47 min)
THE FANTASIES OF POSSIB
5:17 min)
THE TUG OF WAR (read tim
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
4/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
THE SMART MONEY (Read time 0:25)
In the 33 years I was CEO ofMusic Connection we interviewed thousands of the
most successful artists & entrepreneurs in the world. And the common
denominator that always bubbled up to the top, was that most successful A&E's
are in it because they dont have a choice, they have to do it, its about the
mission not the money. Given todays challenging economy, now is the perfect
time to make intelligent choices regarding your spending, reduce your debt, and
put your attention on making your impossible "mission" a reality. Screw what
you dont have and instead focus on what outrageous, fantastic, irresistible art,
products and services you can produce that will benefit and contribute to
everybody, instead of just making you rich! Do that and your customers and fans
will be banging down the door clamoring for more!
10 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
YOURE CRAZY! (Read time 1:19)
I first found out I was crazy when I discovered I couldnt stop the constant
stream of impossible dreams, crazy fantasies and unlimited possibilit ies
frolicking around between my ears. It began when Sister Thomas Francis
dragged me out of math class, marched me down the hall to an all girls
English lit class and insisted I stand in front of the room and read the
Kipling poem, Gunga Din in my best English accent. (She overheard me
singing Beatle songs (with an English accent) in the cafeteria and was
impressed.) I loved it! After that incident, my confidence kicked up a
notch. I joined a theater group, started a rock band, accepted my dads
offer to work in the movie studios, and thus sealed my destiny in showbiz
forever. And out of that excitement and enthusiasm about knowing
exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life the download began;
a relentless stream of crazy ideas, outrageous desires and impossible
dreams that has never stopped.
Same thing happened to you (and all artists & entrepreneurs). Perhaps not inspired by the great Rudyard
Kipling, but something profoundly influenced your destiny way back in the daya song, a movie, a book, a
teacher, an incident, that changed everything and opened the unceasing floodgates of unlimited possibilities.
From the moment you (inwardly) committed to an independent, entrepreneurial life of creativity, the download
began. A free-flowing, non-stop st ream of ideas, thoughts, inspirations, brainstorms, videos, music , rhymes,
lyrics, beats, money-making schemes, frightening visions of the future, light bulbs over the head and sudden
bursts of intuition delivered directly from the divine field of all possibilitiesthat has never stopped and never
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
5/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
will. Others may view it as scattered and unfocused. Thats because they dont get it! Theyre the ones who
ask, where did you get that idea? How did you come up with those lyrics? What possessed you to start
your own business? Youre crazy because while others struggle for the right answers, youre content living in
a world of endless possibilities, and people just dont get that. Not even your therapist gets itunless shes
crazy too! The truth is, only other crazy artists & entrepreneurs really understand.
Youre crazy because deep down inside, you know that being an artist, an entrepreneur, is much more than a
simple calling or a chosen vocation. Its in fact, a never-ending monster mission that must be pursued with
ruthless intention, rigorous enthusiasm, reckless abandon, and too often, irresponsibility. Its a life that was
independently chosenby you, and its impossible for you to be whole or complete doing anything else.
Being an artist or an entrepreneur doesnt mean youre better, smarter, funnier, prettier, wiser or richer. It just
means that you chose the way of the lone pioneer. And while others believe that politicians lead the way, its
really the artists and entrepreneurs of the world that we all look up to, admire, praise, emulate and follow.
Stop questioning and doubting your sanity, and finally give yourself permission to be the crazy, creative genius
that you areno matter what others think! Youve been granted the gift of independent thinking and an
unstoppable flood of innovative ideas. And the only thing missing, that may be preventing you from realizing
more of the fruits of your creative endeavors, are courage and confidence. The courage to go after your
impossible dreams and the confidence to believe you'll succeed.
"Tho' I've belted you and flayed you,
By the livin' Gawd that made you,
You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!"
Rudyard Kipling
14 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
DANCING WITH YOUR DEVOTEES (Read time 0:39)
Used to be trickle down coercion was what motivated us
to spend money and buy stuff. We were force-fed mega
advertising from the top down until we finally gave in and
bought the product; whether it was a lame record or a Ford
Explorer. Not anymore. Now it goes the other way...from
the bottom UP!
Thanks to Internet transparency, the concept of truth in
advertising has finally become a reality. And if your followers, fans and loyal tribe of customers discover that
your product or service is absolutely jaw-dropping, then they will spread the word faster than a 30-second
media spot. Truth is, if youre not stomping all over the old, worn out, antique methods of marketing your
products and promoting your art, and if you, as the leader of your world, are not willing to transform your
thinking from whats in it for me, to whats in it for all, then youre going to always be barely making it, and
forever struggling to keep up.
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
6/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
If you want to make a decent living selling your art, you need to focus your energy on dancing with your
devotees.
Your thoughts?
11 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
LIBERTY!
Distractions begone! Procrastination bedamned! I'm a dedicated artist and a committed entrepreneur!
Let me do my work today!
Do you often feel the same way?
7 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
NO DOUBT (Read time 1:17)
In my 200 years of running a media company, consulting with CEOs and working
with artists, nothing Ive ever seen can take down a legend or stall the progress of
a promising fledgling faster than doubt. Doubt is deeper than worry, more viral than
certainty, rivals confidence and can indefinitely delay a worthwhile project with one
simple, sophomoric word, Really?
Doubts prey of choice is artists & entrepreneurs because theyre the ones who
play on the risky, skinny branches of life. Doubt causes CEOs of multi-billion
dollar corps to have sweaty, sleepless nights, and forces remarkable
unconventional, groundbreaking artists to toss in the towelor at least become so
scattered, unfocused and uncertain that absolutely nothing worthwhile gets
produced. And while the arch-rival of doubt may well be confidence, theres only
one thing that obliterates doubt quicker and more completely than anything else;
Commitment. Once commitment enters the ring, the odds of doubt even making
it through the first round are slim.
Commitment is finally arriving at that lucid, cocky, confident, place where you no longer allow the pettiness of
others, the immaturity of ego or the damaging effects of self-doubt to stop you from achieving your impossible
dream. Oh, the demon of doubt will always be lurking in the shadows like a terrorist waiting for his moment to
surface and strike. However to the degree that you are ruthlessly, ridiculously, and crazy-committed to doing
the work that needs to be done; whether its completing the album, finishing the script, writing the book,
leading your team or launching the site, to that degree the demon retreats into hiding like the rat he is!
Doubt what Im saying? Listen closely to the words of the great writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson as he
whispers his wisdom to us from the grave:
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
7/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right
performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.
19 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
WHAT EVER YOU DO, DON'T TURN AROUND(read time :39)
Keep looking forwardlooking back is a t rap. Plus it s not in
your DNA. Youre an artist, an entrepreneur, looking back only
gives you heartache. Why? Because your job is to look
forward, into a NON-EXISTENT futurea future that we depend
on YOU to create and manifest for us. A future filled with great
songs, exceptional soundtracks, inspiring stories, movingspeeches, phenomenal movies, encouraging books, award
winning screenplays, unique sculpture, expressive paintings,
breathtaking architecture, eye-popping websites and jaw
dropping mobile apps. Were certainly not depending on our leaders for that! Were depending on YOU, the
artist, designer, songwriter, scriptwriter, musician, author, director, producer, and courageous CEO. You
chose the path of the lone creative warrior and its your responsibility to create, manifest and contribute your
art & enterprise for the benefit of all of us! Were counting on you, the crazy, creative genius, to lead us into
the coming year. Do you accept the challenge?
18 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
GRAND FINALE!
Here we are at the grand finale of 2011, and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being a part of my
awesome, crazy tribe of committed, foolhardy artists, entrepreneurs and big dreamers who have absolutely
ridiculous, utterly impossible goals and are nevertheless determined to achieve them!
My wish for you is that all of your biggest, most impossible dreams come true!
Peace & Love forever,
Michael
11 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
2-DOZEN WAYS TO MAKE 2012 BETTER!
Happy Holidays! I thought you might enjoy pondering my list of 2-dozen ways to make 2012 better, while
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
8/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
youre celebrating with friends & family and eating leftover Tofurkey. Hope this is useful:
1. Make NO New Years Resolutions. Instead make intelligent choices. You already have a mission, your
impossible dream, commit to that for 2012.
2. Turn Off The News! Really, its the worst form of hypnotic poison and the most embarrassing product of
the entertainment industry. Say good-by to Wolf, Anderson, Storm, Erin, Piers, Forrest and all the other
talking heads with funny names. Allow others to gather around the TV and get stoned on the drama while you
respectfully step away and return to your studio, office or creative space. Youre an artist, an entrepreneur! You
have your own drama unfolding right in front of you; Your Art! Your Company! Your Project! And dont worry
about staying informed, if something critical happens youll rush to the TV for the latest info.
3. Re-Connect With Your Confidence. Confidence Is everything. It trumps experience, rivals talent and beats
the beans out of a good education. Re-read my blog Confidence Is Everything http://bit.ly/qXc9JY.
4. Get Real Healthy And Stay There. Exercise everyday and drink more (lemon) water. Plus, practice
Equipoise. Remain equally balanced with your mind, body and spirit.
5. Dont Immediately React to every digital poke, dont answer every text right away and dont automatically
jump at every FB friend request. And while youre at it, turn off the alert to your emails too. Youll be amazed at
how much more time youll have to spend on your art and your biz.
6. DONT FAKE IT! Keep your word. Become a count-on-able person.
People are attracted to the truth, especially these digital days when everything is so transparent. If you speak
the truth in your art, music , business, writing, etc. your fans and customers will follow you, support your
mission and join your tribe. If you try to hype it youll lose them forever.
7. READ At Least 5-BOOKS In 2012: You can handle that, right?Good books contain a treasure of inspiring, intelligent knowledge from so many selfless, brilliant experts.
Check out my personal bookshelf for some titles that have moved my world. http://bit.ly/uLMviZ.
8. Help Others Triumph: Give more of yourselfyes, especially in these tough times. Your listening, time,
money, art, contacts, coaching, empathy, etc. could easily change someones life forever. Giving and receiving
are different aspects of the same energy. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep that
energy circulating in our lives. Make sense?
9. Transform Your Goals from possible to IMPOSSIBLE! Make them outrageously HUGE! In my world, a
dream is not worth it unless its impossible. Because in my world, ANYTHING is possible!
10. Detachment: Remain detached from the outcome: Youre an artist and unlike others, you are privileged to
have a stream of ideas & possibilities constantly flowing through you. In detachment lies the wisdom of
uncertainty. And in the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past, from Certainty, which for an
artist or entrepreneur is the worst kind of prison. Kapeesh? Re-read my 1-minute blog Uncertainty
http://bit.ly/rYYpIf.
11. Keep Your Boots Muddy. Practice Practice Practice Practice Practice! Do the work and get your 10,000
hours in. If you dont know what that means read Malcolm Gladwells book Outliershttp://amzn.to/sucy8A
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
9/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
12. Join My Tribe. Its free & easy: http://bit.ly/sB7dof
13. Grow Your Tribe and invite me to join. Whether youre an artist or entrepreneur or both, if you want to
make a decent living at this youre going to need a tribe, a fan base and a following. Watch this Seth Godin
video on tribes http://bit.ly/uyu0eH.
14. Become A Fact Freak NOT A Gossip Whore: Avoid the virus of gossip, hearsay, rumor and scuttlebutt.
And dont spread the virus of gossip, heresy, rumor and scuttlebutt. REACT to the FACTS!
15. Improve Your Computer/Tech Skills. Theres no excuse. Todays learning curves are much shorter and
the technology is much easier to learn. Youre smart, you can do this.
16. Make Up Your Own Prayerto who ever you call Godthen say it every morning.
17. Dont Worry About The Economy, its out of your control. Just make intelligent choices regarding your
spending, reduce your debt, and re-read #2.
18. Watch Your Words. Be vigilant what you say to people and how you say itespecially with short people
under 12. Your words are soooo powerful!
19. Shhhhh...Listen more...
20. Avoid Angry, Abusive Energy, plus people, movies, books, TV etc. Why absorb that negative energy
into your system? Youre an artist, you already have plenty of mixed-up, crazy, kinky energy bubbling up
inside you!
21. Prepare For Battle! The 3-heartless enemies of every artist and entrepreneur are waiting to take you on
every day: Procrastination, Distraction and Doubt. When you hear the bell, come out swinging!
22. Re-Think Karma. No debt in the universe EVER goes unpaid! "Every action generates a force of energy
that returns to us in like kind...what we sow is what we reap. And when we choose actions that bring
happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success." Deepak Chopra
23. Dont Do Anything Stupid! Youre an artist, an entrepreneur, although its a tough row to hoe, its
nevertheless the only life for you. Dont screw it up!
24. Hire Me for a 1-shot consult. If you do, I promise you wont regret it. If you dont youll always be
wondering. http://bit.ly/rsAXjI.
BONUS #25!
Meditate! Learn to tame the beast between your ears. Ive said it a million times, I began meditating daily in
1985 and the balance Ive found in my life between the hoopla of rock & roll and the silence of my soul is
astounding. Im not sure who I would be without this one simple practice in my life. If youre a member of my
tribe Ill be glad to send you my personal guide to a simple meditation practice. Just drop me a note:
michael@jmichaeldolan.com. Again, you must be a member of my tribe (see #12)
Happy, Happy Holidays Great Readers! And remember, dont do anything stupid!
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
10/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
13 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
DEAR PRUDENCE (read time :43)
This past year while The Prudent allowed themselves to be distracted by
Facebook, Wolf Bli tzer and Angry Birds, The Committed allowed
themselves to be consumed with their art, engulfed in their work and overrun
with too many creative ideas.
While The Prudent remained confused about the economy and anxious
about the future, The Committed were at work growing their company,
upgrading their websites and investing in exciting new ventures.
While The Prudent were hooked by the petty politics of the day, The
Committed were making tough choices, confronting impossible decisions and taking big risks.
While The Prudent were complaining about how hard it is to make it, especially in these tough times,The
Committed were designing new products, placing new songs, publishing new books and writing inspiring
screenplays.
While The Prudent scratched their heads and wondered what to do next, The Committed were forming
partnerships, making agreements, signing contracts and cashing checks. ..often BIG ones.
And while The Prudent pause (at the end of the year) to admire their prudent work, The Committed work to
improve theirs.
However not to worry, theres always next year.
20 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
COMPLAIN ALL YOU WANT! (read time :23)
As the CEO of a small publishing corp for 33 years, I ultimately got fed up
listening to people complain. So I finally took a stand and wrote a new
mantra: You have a request Im all ears, you wanna complain Im not
listening!Life and business changed after that and I learned a valuable
lesson: Complaining provokes reaction, however requesting invites resolve.
A request guarantees one of three responses: an acceptance, a counter-
offer, or a denial. A complaint prolongs the debate and inevitably invites a
combative reactionwhich costs t ime and money. Make sense?
Therefore, when dealing with your staff, customers, fans, bandmates,
manager, agent, publisher, producer, partners, distributors, investors...even friends and family, YOU be the one
committed to resolvin the dis ute not the one tr in to win itso that ou can finall et back to runnin
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
11/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
,
your company, working on your art and creating something worthwhile!
Care to comment?
15 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
IMAGINE (read time :57)
Imagine a new world where you were encouraged to create, innovate,
invent and manifest something different, unproven and risky. Where you
were not only hailed for making a profit, but also acknowledged for
making a difference.
Imagine a new world where record companies could no longer pillage
a whopping 77% of your hard earned, well deserved cash, then rip off
your fans with high-priced product.
Imagine a new world where publishing companies did not decide how
your art is marketed, who uses your music, what articles and graphics get published or what chapters get
deleted from your book.
Imagine a new world where you have the choice to run a business, produce a record or publish a book from
your kitchen table...in your PJs.
Imagine a new world where you were encouraged NOT to make a five-year plan, simply because there were
too many fast-changing factors and endless possibilities that lie in your futureanxiously awaiting your arrival.
Imagine a new world where you could attract thousands or even millions of customers and fans without any
salespeople or advertising. A tribe of devotees that follow you because they like what you do, use your
products and services and enjoy your art. NOT because they were provoked or manipulated by mass media
marketing.
Imagine a new world where if you wanted to continue to manifest, express and profit from your creative
offerings, you had no other choice but to respectfully (and courageously) walk away from the old world and
embrace the new one.
Imagine you were reading this message from a device that you were holding in your hand that was connected
to the entire world what would you do next?
You may say Im a dreamer, but Im not the only one...John Lennon
16 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
WEEKENDS (read time :33)
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
12/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
our use s a war w e emon o s rac on an ey re o
fighting to get your attentionespecially on the weekend! The Demon of
Distraction knows when the weekend is near because he can sense it in
your excited anticipation. However, your Muse doesnt own a calendar
and could care less what day it is. Her only mission is to get her ideas,
visions, designs, lyrics and innovations into your thick skull24/7.
Reminder: Youre an artist, an entrepreneur, and you already know that the only way to beat the beast is
BATTLE! Dont fall victim to the petty temptations of distraction. Remain focused on your work, your art, andcontinuously recommit to your impossible dream. And never forget that your Muse, your creative spirit, your
inner warrior and the entire Divine universe is on your side...me too.
7 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
PIXAR LETTER (read time 1:03)
I recently received an email which included this hand-written letter from PixaranimatorAustin Madison who
shares his wisdom and experience with aspiring artists, in a bid to inspire them through times of creativedrought. It's an eloquent letter, and in fact contains advice which is valuable to ALL artists & entrepreneurs. I
hope you find it as inspiring as I do:
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
13/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
12 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
14/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
RESISTANCE CAN KILL (read time 1:37)
Just came home after 3 days in the hospitalbig bad car crash.
Broke 6 ribs and fractured my sternum, OUCH! They say the air
bag saved my life. They also say that the fact that I didnt see it
coming may have contributed to fewer injuries because I was
completely relaxed, therefore I put up NO RESISTANCE. The big
lesson here for all of us artists & entrepreneurs is that resistance
can take you out of the game or critically injure a creative project.
And while its true that resistance can show up anytime during
the creative process, it s also true that it shows up the strongest
the closer you get to the destination; the final edit of the film, the last verse of the song, the closing chapter of
the book, the looming launch date of a new site, the last signature on the contract or in my case 1/2 mile from
home. The fear of getting it wrong or making a stupid decision will inevitably invite resistance to the party and
then everything changesbecause resistance and fear are inseparable brothers. Like Marine Corps buddies,
whenever fear is present resistance is always there to back up his bro. However, make no mistake, resistance
and fear are the mortal enemy of the true artist & entrepreneur, and will do anything to derail the creative
process and take the artist out of the game. And it gets worse: unlike the unaware victim of a car accident
(me), artists & entrepreneurs DO see it coming, therefore its much more of a challenge to NOT tense up in
anticipation of the crash.
Heres the good news: there IS a defense against the beast of resistance and its a very simple one: the thing
to do when the monster shows up is to notice it, observe it, watch it, even point to it If you can. Just the simple
act of acknowledging the inner beast (and admitting that its got a temporary grip on you) will help diminish its
strength and provide you with a little more power and clarity over the situation. All the great sages and swamis
tell us that the deathblow to resistance and fear is Truth. Therefore if you can manage to look beyond the fear
and stand toe-to-toe with the beast youll begin to realize that what youve been resisting is Maya, the
madness of the mind, which most often has no reality attached to it at all.
The truth is youre an artist, an entrepreneur, and (unlike others) when YOU are faced with impossible
challenges, youre also blessed with an arsenal of creative solutions and unlimited possibilities that can help
you break down the walls of resistance and crash through the most fearful situations.
Make sense? I look forward to reading your feedback while I mend my broken bones...and ego:-)
By the way, don't forget to buckle up!
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
15/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ay orwar , sen s ar c e o a r en
Amateurs vs. Pros (read time :57)
Amateurs use procrastination to hide from the angst, effort and challenge of
creating something from nothing. Pros know procrastination well, having lost
and won many gallant battles, and yet they continue to soldier on.
Amateurs permit distractions to steal their attention away from the art and
work that is beckoning their concentration. Pros turn off, shut out and disallow
any distractions to thwart the task at handto the point of being rude. Then
they take on the inner battles of the creative process with precision and focus;
whether it be a song, a screenplay or a business venture.
Amateurs believe it when the demon of doubt delivers a devastating blow to their creative abilities, and it often
takes weeks or months for their fragile ego to recover. Pros confidently allow the demon of doubt to declare his
forecast of doom, all the while knowing (from experience) that the shallow criticisms of the inner beast are
meaningless and futile.
The big difference between Amateurs and Pros has nothing to do with talent. In fact there are far more talented
amateurs waiting in the wings than there are successful pros currently working. The difference between the two
is the courage and willingness to soldier on and fight the inner battles that only true artists and entrepreneurs
are privileged to be charged with.
Im not funny, what I am is brave!Lucille Ball
Your thoughts?
23 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
REQUIEM FOR A HONEMOON (read time 1:09)
My wife and I are currently in India for a few weeks attending the wedding of
my dear friend Mukul. Weddings in India are a HUGE event and this particular
celebration will see nearly 800 people in attendance. That big of an audience
requires weeks of planning, scheduling, organizing, coordinating and
rehearsing. Eventually, all the preparations will lead up to Showtime when
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
16/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
,
by reciting a litany of ancient marriage vows and claim his wife as his very
own. Then finally, after all the curry and naan bread has been devoured, and
the lights go out on the dance floor, all 800 guests will return to their homes
and villages, and Mukul and his beautiful bride Neha will embark on a romantic
honeymoon in Paris. A beautiful love story indeed.
However, while the prep is very similar, the artist's love story is much different. After weeks of planning,
scheduling, organizing, coordinating and rehearsing, eventually it will all lead up to Showtime when the artist
will take the stage and wow the crowd with her unique form of creative expression. After that, the lights will go
down, the doors will close and the audience will return to their homes and villages. However, as opposed to
enjoying a lovely honeymoon, the artist will be left alone, to begin the process all over again.
The true artist never stops. When the audience has finally gone home and is sound asleep, the mind of the
artist is still awake, creating, imagining and dreaming an impossible dream. The only real honeymoon for the
artist is to just keep working, keep growing, keep learning and keep improving her artin preparation for the
next Showtime. A beautiful honeymoon indeed.
Care to comment?
10 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
CAN YOU FEEL IT? (read time 1:47)
Payback Day has finally arrived for the true artist & entrepreneur. No
longer will a deceitful industry dictate to an artist how it will be. Sc rew the
archaic protocols of the past. Screw the business bloggers and music
critics who repeatedly forecast a future of doom. And screw the dying
gate-keepers who once prevented you from exploiting your art or business
to a huge audience.
Thanks to the many creative geniuses who have contributed so much in
our lifetime; tech-geeks like Steve Jobs, bio-geeks like Bruce Lipton,
guru-geeks like Deepak Chopra, psyche-geeks like David Hawkins,
marketing-geeks like Seth Godin and inventor-geeks like Ray Kurzweil.
Thanks to them and many others, we are all now profoundly connected to
each other. And our awareness level has been kicked up a notchcan
you feel it? Can you sense a shift in the wind?
As we witness awesome breakthroughs in new technology everyday, and as we see the pillars of established
enterprise begin to weaken and crumble, the world is slowly beginning to see thru the old worn out
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
17/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
. , ,
writers, editors, programmers, inventors, philosophers, poets, songwriters, script-writers, story tellers,
directors, producers, thought-leaders, creative thinkers and innovative entrepreneurs who are leading the way
to a more transformed world.
The human family is now eagerly inviting (rather depending upon) all creative entrepreneurs and artists to put
their ass on the line, take big creative risks and inspire, teach, entertain, lead and motivate us with their
impossible visions, fantastic inventions, intuitive technology and extraordinary productionsfor the benefit of
ALL of us...with no one left out!
Are you ready for such a shift? As a creative person, can you see the unlimited opportunities that are staring
you right in the face? Are you prepared to boldly manifest your most outrageous ideas and impossible dreams
for the benefit of all of us?
Listen once again, as the great Irish Nobel Prize winning poet and philosopher, George Bernard
Shaw whispers to us from the deep silence of his grave: I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the
whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. Life is no brief candle to
me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as
brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
8 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
BRANCUSI'S VICTORY CRY (read time :57)
Once the great Romanian artist Constantin Brancusi finally battled his
way through poverty, resistance, fear and doubt, he planted his flag atop
the highest peak of riches and fame and shouted his most profound
victory cry so that all artists & entrepreneurs throughout eternity could
learn the great secret of how to be victorious:
"Create like a god! Command like a King! Work like a Slave!"
Create like a god: Make something from nothing and create with
abandon. Get out of the way and allow IT to come through you: songs,
books, scripts, scores, products, start-ups, designs, photography,
videos, websites, television shows, movies, art, inventions, new
technology, etc. Be mindful of when doubt and fear sabotage the flow of great ideas, and learn to create a
clearing for creative inspiration to flow through you like the blood pumping in your veins!
Command like a King: With intelligence, confidence, and your own style of cockiness, forever ban pettiness
and ego from your creative world and insist that all those who work at your side and participate in your projects
demonstrate unwavering loyalty, honesty, commitment and integrityor theyre out!
Work like a Slave: The biggest insult you can say about a successful person is they were lucky. Theres no
such thing as luck, its an old worn out myth! The only reason professional artists & entrepreneurs achieve
success is because they take big risks and work their ass off! They've learned that the only way to achieve
their grand desires and impossible dreams is to remove their socks, walk across the hot coals, and DO THE
WORK! And while the amateur pauses to admire his creation, the professional works to improve his...and
never stops improving it!
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
18/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
Your thoughts?
23 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
SAIL AWAY (read time :43)
As I write this note on my iPad, Im stuck for the
words to properly acknowledge Steve Jobs. For the
past 24 hours, so many have said it much better than
I ever could. Ive been slower today, quieter. Like
when Lennon and George left. I began the day at 4
am with a longer than usual meditation and its now
4:30 pm (pst), and it feels like I havent yet left that
space of deep silence. Steve Jobs was one of my
greatest gurus, a teacher in so many ways. I read
almost everything he wrote and have seen almost every one of his presentations (not to mention gave him
most of my hard earned cash). He epitomized and cast in stone the true meaning of what it is to be an artist &
entrepreneur. He made such an impact on my life, and my business (and so many billions of others around the
world) that the only way I (we) can truly honor the man is to attempt to follow one of his greatest and most
popular teachings:
Why Join The Navy If You Can Be A Pirate?
1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
ARTISTS RULE!(read time 1:23)
Saturday Night Live Producer Lorne Michaels once said: They dont call
it Show Art they call it Show Business,and he was right...at the
time. But not anymore! More then ever showbiz today is less about the
industry manipulating the artist and more about the artist owning their
career. However, the biggest problem that faces most artists today is
not the constraints or deceptions of a transforming industry, the biggest
challenge that faces most artists today is freedom!
Used to be that artists were beholding to the tower for everything, from
balancing the books to promoting the show. And the truth is, that made
life easier, freeing artists to concentrate on their art, and leave the left-
brain responsibilities to the company (who in turn, screwed the artist
out of millions). Fact is, artists today now have total autonomy and freedom to assemble their own
management/marketing team and design their own destiny (I.E. Adele). Thats bad news for the o'l time gate
keepers who continue to resist the technology of the day, and good news for the artist who embraces the new
showbiz with intelligence, confidence and rigor. There are so many opportunities and possibilities for talented,
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
19/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
creative, artists & entrepreneurs today, that theres only one person to blame for not making a decent career of
itbecause you can no longer continue to blame an archaic, antiquated system. For pity's sake, youre sitting
right in front of a device thats connected to the entire world! Are you using it to produce your product, share
your art, exploit your talent and educate yourself? Or are you the victim of procrastination; still kvetching that
technology is not your thing, waiting for the industry of the past to magically manifest your dreams of the
future?
Thank God for the intelligent, creative artists & entrepreneurs today, because the banker, financier or investor
cannot produce a movie, a record, a book, a television commercial, or even a You Tube video without them. If
nothing else know this: extraordinary talent and jaw-dropping, innovative projects rule the roost today, and if
youre smart...if you employ all of the available tools of modern technology, and if you surround yourself with a
trusted team of astute advisors and committed coaches, you do have a shot at achieving your impossible
dream.
18 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
USE IT OR LOSE IT(read time :53)
The inspiration for a great idea doesnt linger, and a light bulb over the
head doesnt stay lit forever. When an idea, vision or melody begins to
bubble up inside, you must act on it soon or it will slowly find its way to
another artist who will. Thats not to say you have to jump on every idea
you have. It just means that if you snub it, youll lose itsimply because
there are far too many distractions and excuses that arise at the same
time that will eventually thwart it. Make sense? You cant surrender to
the dog Procrastination. When inspiration hits, youve got to grab the
bucket and start sloshing color all over the canvas. Youre an artist, an entrepreneur, your first reaction to
inspiration and intuition is much more acute then others. Why? Because youre a channel for a never-endingflow of creative thinking, and your (uncertain) independent, artistic lifestyle depends on your ability to download
and process good ideas and great visions. Thats why you chose to be an artist or entrepreneur in the first
place (or rather, IT chose you)because its rooted in your being, its embedded in your DNA, its your Karmic
Dharma! So the best thing to do when a great idea unexpectedly arrives: honor it, respect it, be grateful for it,
and use it to make something extraordinary.
Your Thoughts?
8 commentsPay it forward, send this article to a friend
START HERE (read time 1:27)
Its not the art you create or the music you write or the business you run
youre really good at all that. Its the resistance to actually starting the
next project. Unfortunately the beast of resistance is so sly he can
convince even the most committed artists and entrepreneurs to avoid
starting just a li ttle while longer:
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
20/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
Perhaps you should clean the studio before you begin working.
Maybe nows a good time to scan through the emails.
Youve got the rest of the week to prepare that presentation.
First go run errands, then come back and start the project.
Ring a bell? The brute called Resistance will stop at nothing to prevent you from taking even one step toward
your next project. However, the professional artist knows that the conflict between starting the work and
avoiding it takes place on the inner battlefield, and that the only way to win the war is to get into the studio and
start creating. And the professional entrepreneur knows that his place is at the helm of the company breaking
through opposition, confronting indecision, staring resistance in the face and doing the work.
Kind of like, continuing to put on your tennis shoes, at the same time the beast of resistance relentlessly
recites a litany of reasons why you dont have to jog today.
All that said, go up and ask ANY artist or entrepreneur if this daily battle is worth it, and youll get a loud
resounding, Are you crazy! Of course its worth it!Because the professional knows that once you defeat the
mighty demon of resistance, youre on your way to a glory thats only reserved for the battle-worn warrior.
Once you actually START, and begin doing the work, youre in your own worldat one with your task, giddywith your art, lost in your dance. Once you commit, and the tip of the brush finally touches the canvas,
everything changes and youre in the zoneand once youre in the zone, as Deepak Chopra would say, youve
entered the quantum field of ALL possibilities!
Ive said it many times: youre not alone. Every artist and entrepreneur in the world, successful or not, knows
exactly what you go through to maintain your adventurous, risky lifestyle. Dont forget, if resistance couldnt be
ass-kicked, there would be no Van Gogh, no Beatles, and no Steve Jobs!
Your Thoughts?
14 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
UNCERTAINTY (read time 1:19)
The biggest challenge for the artist & entrepreneur is
uncertainty, because creativity itself is uncertain. The
very nature of creativity is uncertainty. Otherwise it
wouldnt be called creativityit would be called certainty.
When an artist approaches the canvas with a dripping
brush, shes uncertain. When a songwriter jots down a
lyric, hes uncertain. When an entrepreneur makes a tough
decision, shes uncertain. And when a manager assures
his client that everything will be ok, hes really uncertain.
A person with a real job wakes up in the morning into certainty; a start time, an end time, and a paycheck.
When an artist or entrepreneur wakes up in the morning, uncertainty is sitting impatiently at the foot of the bed
with a list of unfinished works and unsolved mysteries...that only creativity can solve. And you can forget the
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
21/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
certainty of a paycheck!
So the t ruly committed artist and the most successful entrepreneur live in a perpetual state of uncertainty. No
wonder theyre always a little edgy, no wonder they have quirky personalities, no wonder they rarely have time,
and no wonder...everyone loves them.
Certainty is safe and dependableUncertainty is risky and speculative.
Certainty makes folks feel comfortableUncertainty makes folks squirm a little.
So much we can learn from UncertaintySo much we already know about Certainty.
Uncertainty includes ALL possibilitiesCertainty is limited to those options that are Certain.
The capricious works of Uncertainty may keep fans & customers curious and coming back for more.
The predictability of Certainty may bore fans & customers into moving on...in search of Uncertainty.
Its Certainly possible that your degree of success as an artist or entrepreneur is in direct proportion to your
willingness to accept and embrace Uncertainty.
Of course, Im not certain about any of this, how about you?
15 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
STOPPED BY CALAMITY (read time 1:37)
If you scan through the comments of my last blog Art youll come across
a message from a reader named Tom who posted a simple but profound
comment, But when the entrepreneur is bleeding money and the artist can
no longer buy art supplies it's a sad day indeed. I sat with this comment
for a few days, until a response finally began to bubble up.
First of all its well known that when he couldnt afford brushes, the
emotionally tormented Vincent Van Gogh made his own, with sticks and
horsehair. Proving that if youre a true committed artist or entrepreneur,
NOTHING can stop the creative urge within from getting out. Actually, you
have no choice. Like a raging, rushing river, the torrential flow of great ideas
and pure creativity MUST find its way through the rocky resistance of fear
and doubt in order to ultimately arrive at the ocean of expression. Give up,
and that river dams up somewhere deep within the dark, inner world of the
artist causing frustration, resentment, envy, anger, and too often, resignation.
While it s true that money, whether you have too much or too little, can often be a contributing factor in stalling
or pausing a worthwhile creative project or career, its also true that the persistent unwavering Muse of
creativity cannot be stopped by the crush of financial calamity or the pettiness of egoic behavior. The Wall
Street Journaland E-News Dailyare filled with stories of rich and famous artists & entrepreneurs who are
buried deep with money problems and personal crisis. Yet the best of them rise again and often do their best
creative work evereven while their personal lives are spinning out of control in a whirlwind of upset and
turmoil. How do you think those artists & entrepreneurs can still focus creatively and work at the top of their
game with all that personal distraction going on? Because somehow, some way (perhaps thru coaching,
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
22/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
therapy, meditation, etc.) theyve learned how to leave all that drama outside the doorwhen they enter the
studio, walk on the set, pick up the brush, or call the meeting to order. Thats what separates the haves from
the have-notsthe courage and fortitude to just do the work, and relentlessly go for the impossible dream,
even in the face of adversity. And dont think that just because they have money they can buy their way out of
woes and heartache. We may perceive them as happy and successful, but they too fight the same inner
demons as you and Idemons that cannot be bought or bribed---fear, resistance, doubt, uncertainty, lack of
confidence, worry, etc .
Mohammad Ali once said: I hated every minute of training, but I thought, dont quitsuffer now and live the
rest of your life as a champion.''
I guess the message for Tom is this: Do whatever it takes to survive and care for your family, but never give up
your dream. When the entrepreneur is bleeding, grab a band-aid and get back in the game. And when theres
no money for brushes, grab a stick and a handful of horsehair. Because nothing, neither inner demons nor
outer calamity can stand in the way of a jaw dropping idea, an inspiring soundtrack, a breathtaking piece of art
or an innovative, worthwhile business venture.
How would you respond to Tom's comment?
19 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
ART (read time :57)
Art is NOT in the eye of the beholder like some would say. Rather art is the
heart and soul of the artist, living at risk. Its the blisters on the fingertips of the
guitarist, the steady hand of the painter and the filthy fingernails of the
sculptor. Art is the skilled precision of the bassist, the surgical timing of the
drummer and the naked emotions of the singer. Its the angst of the writer, the
eye of the designer, the ear of the producer and the skilled savvy of a good
manager. Art also lives in the fearless entrepreneur who willingly puts at risk
who she is, for who she could become. Art begins with spontaneous
inspiration from who knows where, and ends when the artist says its finished. Art dwells patiently in the
deepest part of the soul wondering with uncertainty whether it will ever get the chance to be noticed, let alone
loved. However, the artist has an enemy. The enemy is neither the self-serving critic nor the unimpassioned
financier. Arts regal foe is the demon of doubt; tempting and taunting the artist to back down, give up and do
something more meaningfulmore responsible. When that happens, the true artist, the courageous
entrepreneur, the creative professional knows exactly what to do. They put on their boots, grab their shovel and
get back to work. Its the only way they can ever get closer and closer to their impossible vision.
What kind of an artist are you? How do you defeat the demon of doubt?
25 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
AUDACIOUS & UNSTOPPABLE (read time 2:37)
Back in the day (circa 1981), all of us in the media had our eyes and ears keenly
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
23/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
focused on the rapidly emerging Rap scene...actually it was a movement. The
crusade was desperately culture-driven so not everyone could relate. However, the
contentious rhymn message was clear, as it rode on the back of one of the deepest
driving downbeats ever recorded (at the time). An annoying, electronic chest thumping
beat so low, and so deep it would rattle the contents of the glove box in the car next
to you. The music itself was unique enough, however its rapid growth was
astounding. It was socially viral, before viral socialism was even born, and certainly
before Zukerberg was born. Back then, Rap music was the only music ever to achieve
astronomical sales figures with little or no airplay and absolutely zero tour support.
Why do you suppose that is? How do you suppose Rap ever got so HUGE, without following the traditional
marketing ploys of the day?
Here Are 2 Essential Lessons Every Artist & Entrepreneur Can Learn From Early Rappers:
1) AUDACIOUS INVENTORS
Early rappers remained unbelievably dedicated to their newfound expression, the art of rhyme. They were not
going for world domination, they werent headed to the Staples Center or Carnegie hall, and they were not
interested in the SoundScan tally at Tower Records. The commitment was to just keep writing, keep
expressing, keep rhyming, keep improving, and keep inventing. Remember, they werent just taking R&B to a
new level, or simply playing an off-street style of rock. They were inventing something totally new, that no artist
before them had ever done. They were innovating before the word became so popular. And as a result, they
not only built a following, they built a tribe. This was long before Myspace, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter,
Linkedin and Seth Godin, and it was definitely before Google!
The lesson here is to stay focused on producing outrageous, impossible, extraordinary art, music, products,
services, websites, networks, etc. Venture outside the accepted confines of normal behavior. Dont just make
a better APP; create one we cant live without! Dont just write another rock ballad, reinvent the genre! Thats
what Rappers did. They invented a new sound, a new category, a new Billboard Chart...heck, they even
invented a new fashion trend right under the radar of Vogue and Prada. They knew they couldnt compete withmainstream Pop, so they didnt even try. They were using the Blue Ocean Strategy before that methodology
was ever contrived!
When I was CEO ofMusic Connection, I kept looking for better ways to make our mag, our product, our
service even better. While others on the team are figuring out how to market it, someone has to be in the
production room or studio constantly improving it. There can be no pause here. Youve got to keep working and
improving your art or product. Really good is no longer acceptable. Heck, great only gets a quick glance. We
expect extraordinary today. We expect our jaw to hit the floor and our eyebrows to hit the ceiling! We expect
Audacious!
2) UNSTOPPABLE
Rappers never quit. They never gave up. Mainstream media totally reamed rap a new one in the beginning, but
Rappers never quit. TV news blamed Rap as the source of violence in our cities. Rappers never quit. White
folks were afraid of it. Rappers never quit. Politicians publicly condemned it. Rappers never quit. Pop
musicians were threatened by it. Rappers never quit. Policemen demanded that Rappers cease and desist
because they were afraid of being targeted. Rappers never quit. Parents demanded that their teenagers never
listen to that devils music. Rappers never quit. Womens rights organizations insisted that Rap lyrics openly
degraded women. Rappers never quit. Rappers never quit. And like a slow moving ocean swell headed toward
a crowded shore, Rap music kept growing and growing and growing until it garnered a tsunami of followers
from coast to coast...still with little airplay and no touring. Then and only then did MTV have no choice but to
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
24/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
start airing (soft core) Rap. Then and only then did RUN-DMC and Aerosmith create their breakthrough Walk
This Way video (1986). Then and only then, after it had become so clear that Rap wasnt going away, did it
become cooler to love it, then it did to resist it. The lesson: Never quit no matter what.
If your company, group, start-up, band or Corp wants to continue to grow and survive in this uncertain
economy, it may not be a bad idea to swing your Long Tail strategy in the direction of a proven path. Follow
the tracks that the inventors of Rap laid for us over 20 years ago, and build...rather invent something
extraordinary, not just a new way of doing the same thing. Grow your tribe slow, without urgency. And never,
never, never quit no matter what.
Enjoy this great video memory: The classic 1986 Rap/Rock face off between RUN-DMC and
Aerosmith, Walk This Way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk
10 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
WRITERS BLOCK (read time 1:47)
Calling it "writers block makes it sound like a privileged, private club for writers who
have their own exclusive excuse to not do their worklike a secret handshake. Doesnt
it sound so very narcissistic? "I am a writer, therefore I suffer from a recurring disease
called writers block . It s very painful and there really is no cure...sorry, you wouldnt
understand." It's a statement told by a victim, filled with ego and loaded with excuses!
Truth is, if there is such a thing as writers block, then it should be called "Creative
Block because you can't exclude musicians, songwriters, painters, sculptors,
designers and entrepreneurs.
In my second book, Mastering Showbiz, I wrote, Creative block is simply the head interfering in what the heart
wants to say. Its an internal dilemma caused by either allowing yourself to be distracted, giving way to
resistance or succumbing to procrastination.
Any way you look at it, the enemy is our relentless chattering mind, which constantly questions and doubts
every step we take, every thought we think and every choice we make, to the point of creative exhaustion. I
recently got a tweet from the recording artist Pink, who asked if there was a remedy for writers block. The truth
is, the only remedy that has ever worked for me is meditation. I take 30 minutes (almost) every day to calm
down the bully between my earsIve been doing it for over 25 years. Ive learned that when my mind
continues to aimlessly chatter away, my creative muse cant possibly break thru the sticky silly putty of all my
thoughts. So when it all starts to get to the point where my crazy thoughts are getting in the way of my
creative projects, I have to apply a little self-disciplineso I meditate. Even when the beast within insists Im
wasting my time, I meditate anyway. If youre interested, check out my 1-minute blog Why I Meditate. That
said, when the bully in your brain is on the warpath, just surrender. To the degree you simply allow your
persistent thoughts to be, to that degree they will eventually give way to inspiration, intuition and wisdom.
It doesnt matter if youre a writer, an artist, a musician or an entrepreneur; youre still a creative professional.
And pros always know the exact, precise spot where the rubber meets the road. Why? Because they take
that rough bumpy ride down resistance highway every day.
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
25/50
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
26/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
shows up at the Academy Awards and claims the credit right on TV, saying I feel so LUCKY to be among
such a talented group of nominees.
So its time to let her go. I know, I know shes been there (hiding in the shadows) all your life, but shes too
elusive and unreliableshes a flake at best and the truth is she only exists when you say she does. Plus,
(need I repeat myself) shes never around in the beginning of a project when youre the one busting your ass
doing all the work! Its time to cut her loose, give her the boot and slam the door behind her!
I want to introduce you to a new flame. A real hottie! Shes sharp, count-on-able, reliable and someone you
can really trust. Plus, shes always on your side, no matter what, without ego. Shes also someone wholl
come through for you time after time and she will respectfully step aside and allow YOU to take the well-
deserved credit. Her name is Muse and youre gonna love her. Shes your creative spirit, your inspiration,
your intuition and your bright ideas. Shes the stand you take, the word you give and the 10,000 hours youve
put into your career. Shes a lover, a giver, a partner and a best friend, and her only request is that you silence
your inner critic, and heed her soft whisper of wisdom.
Get to know your Muse, embrace her and honor her. With great respect and love, she patiently dwells deep in
your soul, waiting to be expressed, eagerly anticipating your acknowledgement and anxiously awaiting her call
to action. Shes so intelligent, so brilliant, that some great sages insist that she knows EVERYTHING! She
wants to help you write that music, finish that book, sell that script and splash paint all over that canvas. Shes
there to help you make executive decisions and there to help tweak your website. Heck, Lady Luck hung
around your neck like a noose and did nothing but watch you hang! What have you got to loose? Why not give
your Muse a chance?
Someone once said: Jump, and the net will appear. I suggest that you simply TRUST your own judgment,
your own intuition, your own creative spirit and your own talent. Then follow your Muse in the direction SHE
wants to go.
Id love to here your whisper of wisdom...
12 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING (read time 1:23)
Confidence Is Everything. It trumps experience, rivals talent and beats the
beans out of a good education. So what youre broke, who cares youre
buried in responsibilities, big deal you failed before. Youre an artist, an
entrepreneur for pity sake! This is the life youve chosen, this is your destiny!
Take a good long look at your career. Youre either living your dream, working
on it and making progress, or stalled on the sidelines. Either way, ask
yourself this: What If Nothing Changes? What if your current circumstances
remain the way they are, and nothing changes?
Its time to call forth the warrior of confidence that dwells within you, and once
and for all confront and defeat the six most relentless enemies who hide in
the (inner) shadows of every artist and entrepreneur, and who are hell bent to
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
27/50
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
28/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
Theres a common rule of thumb in the law: Never ask a question that you dont already know the answer to.
Theres also a common rule of thumb in business: Dont proclaim that youll release, print, launch, publish or
ship unless you already know youre going to make that deadlinelike it was embedded in your DNA.
How about you, do you set deadlines in your world? Personal, business or project?
5 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
THE WIZARDS CLOCK (read time :57)
In one of my favorite novels, The Way Of The Wizardby Deepak Chopra, the
most famous wizard of all, Merlin, lived backwards in time. In other words, he
never relied on his past to guide him into the future. He simply created his future
minute-by-minute, moment-by-moment, BEFORE he lived ittherefore living life
out of a vision of the future, rather than living life from the history of the past. A
perfect example of this is when I was the publisher of Music Connection
magazine. My team and I would create a theme for an upcoming issue; it could
be an exclusive interview with a rock star, a unique directory of industry services
or an informative how to story or feature article. We would dream up ideas, sketch out graphics, make up
headlines and create a grid, a layout of the next issue. That became the vision. Then all we had to do was
work backward from that vision and fill in the details; assign writers & photographers, create graphics, solicit
the advertising, all in support of a vision called the next issue. Same as making a record, writing a book,
starting a company or launching a website. First comes the vision, then work backwards and fill in the details.
This is what Merlin meant by living backwards in time, only in the book he lived his whole life that way. Merlin
never paid much attention to that which was rooted in the past, calling it a waste of good memory. Rather, he
would create his life, moment-by-moment, from a vision of the future and live backwards from there.
How about you? Do you live backwards in time, or forward from the past?
6 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
CREATIVE PRIVACY (read time :43)
Do you agree that its best to keep your creative projects private until
youre ready for input and criticism? Other than a significant mate or
working collaborator, try and resist the tug to tell anyone about your
script or allow anyone to listen to a new song or read your works in
progress. The meaningful suggestions and opinions of even your closest
friends and family will often contaminate your creative process and lure
you away from your original intention. Its like asking an opinion for a
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
29/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
painting with only a few dabs of color on the canvas. Some people have so little confidence in their creative
ideas that they immediately seek the opinion of others for reassurance or a temporary ego stroke. Often those
outside suggestions contaminate the process and provoke an inner creative battle that could derail an
otherwise worthy project. Theres a time for such input but not during the earlier stages of the work. Rule of
thumb: Honor your Muse by keeping your ideas private until you have plenty of paint on the canvass.
19 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
THE KOBE IN ME (read time 1:13)
Kobe Bryant, captain of the Los Angeles Lakers is arguably one of the worlds greatest basketball players (in
spite of what happened in the playoffs). When asked: How do you deal with players waving their huge hands
in front of your face when youre trying to make a shot? Kobe replied: What hands? I dont see any hands, I
only see the basket.
Whats the message here for us in showbiz? Everyone has an opinion on how
to make it in todays new thrilling techno-biz; how to make a hit record, how to
get a million YouTube views, how to build a profitable website, how to get your
script read. Do we run with Spotify or wait and see? Do we lease a smaller
studio and cut the budget? Should I follow my dream or follow the money? All
these choices, decisions and opinions are like waving hands in your face
attempting to block your shot at the ultimate goal.
Heres how I make the hands go away: To the degree I have a crystal clear
vision of the project; and to the degree I remain committed and true to that
vision no matter what; and to the degree that every decision I make correlates
with my commitment; then to THAT degree I rarely see the distractions and
usually have a clear shot at my goal. Sometimes I hit the rim, other times I
swish. However, the less I allow opinions, gossip, hearsay and hoopla to distract me, the closer I get to
achieving victory.
So whats the lesson here? Always keep your eye on the basket? Have clear goals in mind? Dont be
distracted by the hoopla? KNOW that youre the MVP and just take the shot? You tell me...
8 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
READY, SET, GO! (read time :47)
Im good at SET the last mix before we master; the final proof before we publish;
the one last link-test before we launch. Im also good at GO that instant when the
print command is given; the site is finally launched; or the producer yells, thats a
wrap! At that moment Im ready to celebrate!
However, the READY part is much more challenging. The READY part is everything
that comes before SET. Thats where the real work lives. The planning, the meetings,
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
30/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
the choices, the meetings, the decisions, the meetings, the arguments and the
approvalsoften from folks who are only concerned with the bottom line. The only way
to really survive the READY part is to put on your boots and step on to the battlefield.
And why do we do it? Because at that very instant when you arrive at GO, when the curtain opens, the record
is released, the book is published or the site is up and running, that divine rush is so profound it takes your
breath away. Thats when you realize that the satisfaction, joy and bliss you experience when you finally arrive
at GO, is always worth whatever it takes to get READY.
3 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
EVE OF DISTRACTION(read time 1:29)
She wakes up before you do every morning, patiently waits for you to open
your eyes, then softly whispers, better check your emails... She doesnt
say, turn over and hug your mate, she doesnt remind you to brush your
teeth and she doesnt even suggest that you go in and wake the kids. The
very first thing she whispers is, perhaps theres something new on
Facebook you should see... Shes compelling, alluring, informative, sexy,
seductive, exotic, fun...and you actually believe she likes you!
The last thing that Eve of Distraction wants you to do is your lifes work. Shes one of your inner demons for
Petes sake! Shes a narcissistic ego-manic who hates it when you ignore herand shell get her revenge if
you do! She wants to lure you into her world and shell use all of her skillful powers and compelling charms to
tempt and entice you; Facebook, Twitter, CNN, Google, Blogs, MSNBC, Angry Birds, iPads, upgrades,
emails, family photos, talk radio, weekend plans, call mom, Netflix, even NPR and Wolf Blitzer!
Shes the Real Terminator! Shes tireless, relentless and demands ALL of your attention! And guess what?
She doesnt like you at all! In fact, she despises you! She thinks youre weak and unfocuseda loser at best.
Her only mission is to constantly tempt you away from your work, your life, and your art. Procrastination is her
kingdom and Eve of Dist raction is the reigning queen!
Dont allow this vicious she-devil to tempt you, or blindside you today. Just for today, stay committed to
your project, stay true to your lifes work and dont s top expressing your art. Even if youre an accountant,
you're an artist. Even if youre a salesperson, youre an artist. Even if youre a business owner, youre an artist.
Even if youre a doctor or a nurse, youre an artist. Screw Distraction! Youre an artist! Keep work'n it...just for
today...stay focused on your art.
9 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
KEEP YOUR FEET UP!(read time 1:09)
I guess a lot of people have had this experience and now I can
proudly add my name to the list. My wife and I rode the rapids down
the Rio Grande River in a rubber boat (it was her idea). To this day I
still dont get it; sharp rocks, rubber boat...hellooo! At one point, a
8/3/2019 J Michael Dolan
31/50
21/12 www.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
ww.jmichaeldolan.com/blogs.php?emailfunc=es&blogid=181
few folks decided to get out of the boat and go down the rapids in just
their life jacketssame thing, canvass jacket, sharp rocks...huh? I
really didnt want to do this but I just couldnt dispel my wifes belief
that she married a manly man. So I reluctantly volunteered for this
potentially suicidal mission. For anyone who has ever done this, you know that the first rule is never put your
feet straight down when you slip into a rushing riveralways keep them up in front of you. So what did I do? I
put my feet straight down and immediately went tumbling head over heels like a Cirque du Soleil contortionist!
As I was ferociously swept away by the merciless current, there was definitely a vulnerable feeling of being
totally out of control. And the more I fought it, the closer I came to the sharp, jagged rocks. However, once I
finally relaxed, put my feet up, and let go of fighting and resisting the strong pull; and once I began to trust
my own instincts, and just go with the flow, it only took the slightest coaxing of my body, to avoid the rocks
and actually maintain control, even though, I was sti ll totally out of control!
Perhaps the big lesson I walked away with (rather, survived) will resonate with you too: That often I feel like all
of my gallant dreams, schemes and projects are being ferociously swept away by my own petty
circumstances; money, time, my ego, the voices in my head, distractions, you name it. The only real choice I
have is to release my grip on the situation, resign my righteous position, surrender to the gods, and ever-so-
slightly coax my way around the rocks and boulders of life. When Im able to do this, I usually wash up on
some sandy beach with a smile on my face and a story to tell...a story about surviving one more of lifes
challenging adventures. The other lesson I learned: always keep your feet up when you go down the rapids
without a boat.
Have you ever had that in control/out of control felling? Ever gone down the rapids without a boat?
5 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend
JUST ONE MORE FOOT(read time 1:57)
In his brilliantly written story "The Will To Victory,"my hero, and
master novelist Stephen Pressfield tells a story of the great Theban
general, Epaminondas, who was destined to fight a great battle with
the notorious Spartans, at Leuctra in 371 B.C. On the eve of the
infamous battle, Epaminondas called his weary, beaten warriors
together and sadly told them that they may lose tomorrowthat no
army has ever beaten the great Spartans. However, he could guarantee
victory if they would obey just one commandall at the exact same time, at the exact instant he issued it. His
devoted soldiers of course clamored: Yes! Yes! Tell us what you want! The general confided: When you hear
my trumpet tomorrow, give me just one more foot. Do you understand...summon all of your strength and push
the foe back, just one foot.
The dawn came and the battle began. The two armies locked up, sword to sword, shield against shield, in the
center of the fighting field. Both sides were heaving and pushing, seeking to gain the advantage. Swords were
clanging, shields were crashing, and blood was spurting. Epaminondas sat atop of his black s tallion and
watched and waited. Endless minutes passed. The warriors legs were cramping, their knees gave out, but still
both sides shoved and strained against each other, trying to break their opp