As musicians, our careers are full of decisions that shape the path we’re on—from which auditions to take to how much time to spend teaching versus performing. Yet, making decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when every choice seems to impact the future in a big way.
In this blog post, inspired by Episode 208 of the Mind Over Finger podcast, we’ll look at why making decisions is so challenging, why it’s crucial for growth, and how you can make choices with confidence.
Why Do We Avoid Decisions?
If you’ve ever put off making a decision, you’re not alone. There are four major reasons we often avoid choices:
Fear of Making the Wrong Choice: It’s easy to stay in indecision because we fear choosing something that could “go wrong.” But this fear often keeps us from learning and moving forward.
Desire for Perfect Clarity: Sometimes, we think we need to have every piece of information before choosing. But if we wait for absolute certainty, we may end up stuck indefinitely.
Attachment to Comfort Zones: Change is uncomfortable, and sticking with what’s familiar can feel safer than stepping into the unknown.
Indulging in Confusion to Avoid Emotions: Not choosing can sometimes be a way of avoiding the discomfort or vulnerability that might come with moving in a new direction.
Why Making Decisions is Essential for Musicians
Indecision drains our mental energy. It’s like carrying around a heavy weight that we can’t set down. On the other hand, making decisions has powerful benefits:
It brings clarity and focus: By choosing a direction, we create a path for action, which brings new data and insights. Each choice helps clear the mental clutter that indecision creates.
It builds self-trust and confidence: Every time we make a decision, we reinforce the belief that we can handle whatever comes next.
It moves us forward intentionally: Making decisions gives us ownership of our lives and careers rather than leaving us to drift in default situations.
As musicians, our lives are shaped by big and small decisions alike. Here are just a few common scenarios my clients face:
Taking an Audition or Declining It: Deciding whether to go for a prestigious audition or take time to build a local network can feel like a high-stakes choice, but intentionality makes all the difference.
Balancing Performance with Teaching: Many musicians must decide whether to focus on teaching or performing (or both), weighing financial stability with creative passion.
Choosing Where to Live: Staying in a town where there’s consistent work versus moving to a place where they feel more creatively inspired can be a life-changing choice.
Setting Boundaries with Studio Policies: Setting rates and policies with confidence is essential for running a healthy studio, but it’s not always easy to make these choices with clarity.
How to Make Decisions Confidently: 4 Practical Strategies
Here are four powerful strategies to help you choose with confidence and clarity:
Alternative Futures: Picture two or more possible outcomes—what if they all turned out positively? This shifts the mindset from “right or wrong” to “which path feels most aligned.” Ask yourself, Which outcome excites me more? Which option aligns with my values and vision?
Set a Decision Deadline: So much mental energy is spent in limbo! Setting a deadline frees up mental space to consider options without the pressure to choose right away. Decide when you’ll make your choice, gather information until then, and let yourself decide with purpose when the time arrives.
Try a Temporary Decision: Sometimes, the only way to feel out an option is to try it on. Commit to one choice for 24 hours—live as if you’ve made that decision and notice how it feels. If it feels right, it may be time to commit.
Adopt a “Win or Learn” Mindset: Approach decisions as either a win or a learning opportunity. Even if a choice doesn’t lead to the perfect outcome, it offers valuable data. Ask yourself, What am I looking to gain? What am I willing to learn?
Taking the Next Step
Making decisions isn’t about creating a perfect path; it’s about building a life with intention and purpose. Each choice, big or small, brings you closer to your bigger life, whatever that looks like for you.
Challenge: Take one decision you’ve been putting off, set a deadline, imagine positive outcomes, and choose the one that aligns with your vision. Commit to it fully and let your actions reflect your decision.
For more insights on decision-making, tune into Mind Over Finger Episode 208. And if you want to explore techniques for setting powerful intentions in your practice, check out Episode 91, where I discuss ways to “prime” for optimal practice.
Need Support Navigating Big Decisions?
Making decisions—whether in your career or personal life—can feel overwhelming, especially when the stakes feel high. But you don’t have to face it alone.
If you’re struggling with a choice and feeling stuck, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to uncover clarity, overcome the fear of making the “wrong” choice, and chart a path that aligns with your goals and values.
📅 Book a free clarity call with me today: mindoverfinger.com/coaching
Together, we’ll turn indecision into empowered action and move you toward the life you truly want. Let’s get started!
And remember: each decision brings you closer to the life you truly want. Take action, build clarity, and create a career you’re proud of.
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