“Shambition” – noun. “When you talk like you have songwriting ambition, but you work like you couldn’t care less.”
It’s time to take a hard look in the mirror.
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Statements of ambition are all over social media. Writers and artists talk about hustle. They talk about grind. They talk about chasing the dream. They share quotes over pictures of lions. But then they sit down and binge watch Netflix. That’s not ambition. That’s shambition.
It’s easier to CATCH the newest season of your favorite show than it is to CHASE your dreams.
But it sure isn’t as productive.
It’s time for your reality check. Are you writing checks with your mouth (or your Instagram) that your work ethic can’t cash? Is your hustle as big as your dreams? Because, if it’s not, your dreams probably are NOT going to come true.
Are you happy enough playing the part of struggling songwriter or a songwriter “on the rise” that you don’t REALLY feel the drive to put in the extra hours it would take to make real progress? Do you like it when people say you’re so brave for chasing your dreams… but you’re secretly too scared to pick up the phone and call a publisher?
Right now, there’s a certain amount of comfort in struggle. Some people will admire you for your big dreams and for not giving up.
Maybe you’re a little TOO comfortable with the struggle.
Struggle might just be your comfort zone. After all, right now you have a psychological escape hatch:
“If I never REALLY try, I never REALLY fail.”
But is that who you want to be? Fear and comfort are your enemies. Don’t let either one have too much space in your life.
So… are you guilty of “shambition?” Are you talking the talk but not walking the walk? When was the last time you finished a song? Or played a new one for somebody? Or contacted a publisher or a potential cowriter? When was the last time you took a step out of your comfort zone?
I’m not saying you’re a fraud if you don’t quit your job tomorrow, pack up the car and move to Nashville, New York or LA. I’m not saying it’s time to carpet bomb Music Row with your demo. But I bet it’s time for you to do something you’ve been putting off.
Replace #Hustle with REAL hustle.
Not sure what your next step is? Well, maybe it’s time to let a music industry pro hear your songs. Maybe your songs are ready. Or maybe you’re just ready to step out and take a chance. If that sounds like you, I have a cool opportunity for you.
I’m hosting Songwriting Pro’s Play For A Publisher event in September. Our guest will be Dan Hodges, who publishes hits such as “Good Directions” for Billy Currington and “Dibs” for Kelsea Ballerini.
CLICK HERE to learn more and submit your song.
Dan Hodges will be joining us for our next Play For A Publisher event in September! He’s a successful publisher and owner of Dan Hodges Music in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited. CLICK HERE to check out all the details and submit YOUR song for Dan!
God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,
Brent Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far. 
My test has always been “Am I doing something different than I was 12 months ago? Am I getting different results than I was 12 months ago?”
If you’re just doing the same thing as you were 12 months ago or you’re doing nothing then you can’t realistically expect serious progress.
The publishers Brent gets in are fantastic and their feedback is excellent.
You are on the ball I know people just like this
Such an insightful perspective Brent— people being comfortable with struggle, content to be admired for effort rather than success. You can’t bank on someone who struggles to pay their bills but never does.