💡✍️ADN #145: Play the Right Character

“I’m cocky in prediction. I am confident in preparation, but I am always humble in victory or defeat.”

– Conor McGregor

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I never thought I’d start an ADN with a McGregor quote, but here we are.

It’s a smart one.

Because it’s about being the right character in every situation. (I wouldn’t say he’s mastered this, but anyway…)

The artists who last understand you don’t walk through every door in this business the same way.

 — — -

As a songwriter, the core character is the Craftsman.

Not the rockstar.

Not the dreamer.

It’s the one who clocks in, sharpens the pencil, and wrestles words onto the page.

The Craftsman knows inspiration follows repetition.

Said another way…

“Discipline writes the songs that inspiration takes credit for.”

When words pour onto the page, you can load them with as much rockstar or dreamer as you want.

But without clocking in, you’re not a songwriter. You’re a songwisher.

 — — -

As a touring artist, the main character is the Athlete.

Not the alcoholic.

The one who treats every night like game day.

Sleep.

Stamina.

Diet.

Routine.

Your body is your instrument, and the Athlete takes care of it.

Said another way…

“You can’t out-drink exhaustion, but you can out-train it.”

Do athletes have a few beers sometimes?

Sure.

Do most have more beers than workouts and healthy meals combined?

No.

Your early years may be filled with more sideways nights than salads.

But your future longevity will thank you for pacing yourself instead of drinking every free drink in sight, forever.

 — — -

As a businessperson, your character is the Operator.

The one who zooms out, reads the numbers, and makes tough calls.

The Operator knows when to be visionary and when to be ruthless.

Said another way…

“Vision without numbers is fantasy. Numbers without vision is bankruptcy.”

If longevity is the goal, slow and steady wins the race.

If a rocket ship is the vehicle, make sure you’ve got enough fuel to land, with plenty left in the tank.

 — — -

As a networker, your character is the Listener.

Not the desperate kid at the merch table trying to impress everyone.

The one who makes people feel heard, seen, remembered.

The Listener is magnetic because they put the spotlight on others.

This means: make your fans feel like they matter.

Because they do.

 — — -

And as a human being, your character is the Student.

Win or lose, the Student stays humble, keeps learning, keeps growing.

Egos crash and burn in this business.

Humility lasts.

Be yourself, but remember, you are many selves.

The right character in the right moment doesn’t just tell a story.

They build a legacy.

Said another way…

“Characters create your career.

Character is your career.”

See you next Sunday,

Neil