Most musicians won’t admit it, but we often play it safe, sticking to what we know, hoping that’ll be enough. It wasn’t for me.

For years, I ignored the discomfort, staying in my comfort zone and convincing myself that I was on the right path. But deep down, I knew I was avoiding the inevitable — I had to break out of my lane and step away from outdated traditions in the music industry. Not just to give myself a real shot at career success, but to ensure I stayed healthy while pursuing it.

In this post, I’m sharing the five hard lessons I learned when I finally faced that truth. These lessons revolutionised my journey as a musician, and they might do the same for you.

1. The Day I Stopped Waiting for the ‘Right Time’

For years, I was caught in the trap of waiting for the perfect moment to launch my projects, share my music, or take risks. I convinced myself that the stars needed to align, that I needed more experience or resources. But that perfect moment never came.

One day, I realised that waiting for the “right time” was just another way to avoid discomfort. The truth? There’s no such thing as the perfect moment. The only time we have is now.

When I stopped waiting and started acting — even when it felt too soon or too risky — things began to change. Opportunities I never imagined started to appear. My confidence grew, and so did my success.

The lesson? Don’t wait for the right time. Take action now, even if it feels uncomfortable.

2. How Embracing Criticism Saved My Music Career

Early in my career, I dreaded feedback. Criticism felt like an attack on my skills, my talent, my worth. I avoided it at all costs, sticking to what I was already good at to protect myself from judgment.

But as I kept playing it safe, I noticed that my progress stalled. I wasn’t improving; I was just treading water.

Then, I started to see criticism for what it was: a tool for growth. Instead of running from it, I leaned in. I sought out mentors, asked for honest feedback, and used it to refine my craft.

It was uncomfortable at first, but it breathed new life into my music. The same can be true for any aspect of life. Embrace criticism, and watch how it pushes you to new heights.

3. The Unseen Power of Saying ‘Yes’ to Unfamiliar Opportunities:

“Growth often hides in the opportunities we initially resist.”

When I first started receiving offers to collaborate with other musicians, I hesitated. These weren’t the genres I was used to, and the styles were outside my comfort zone. I was tempted to say no, to stick with what I knew.

But something inside told me to take the leap. I said yes, even though it was scary.

Those collaborations turned out to be some of the most rewarding experiences of my career. They challenged me, expanded my musical horizons, and introduced me to new audiences.

Saying yes to unfamiliar opportunities opened doors I didn’t even know existed. It’s a lesson I carry with me: When you step into the unknown, that’s where true growth happens.

4. How I Learned to Embrace the Silence Between Notes

For a long time, I focused solely on the notes I played — the melody, the rhythm, the dynamics. I thought that’s where the music lived. But something was missing in my performances, and I couldn’t figure out what.

Then, I started to pay attention to the silence between the notes. It was uncomfortable at first, leaning into that space where nothing was happening. But that silence was where the magic was. It gave the notes more meaning, more emotion.

This experience taught me that in both music and life, growth often happens in the quiet moments we’re quick to overlook. It’s in those pauses, the spaces between actions, where we truly learn and evolve.

5. The Day I Decided to Play for Myself, Not the Crowd

For years, I tailored my performances to what I thought others wanted to hear. I chose setlists based on what was popular, played it safe with my style, and kept my true musical passions hidden.

Then one day, I decided to play for myself. I picked songs that resonated with me, even if they weren’t crowd-pleasers. I let my true style shine through, even if it meant stepping away from the familiar.

It was uncomfortable, not knowing how the audience would react. But the more I embraced my authenticity, the more my music connected with others on a deeper level.

The lesson? Success isn’t about pleasing everyone; it’s about staying true to yourself, even when it feels risky.

The journey through discomfort, criticism, and the unknown has been anything but easy.

But it’s in those uncomfortable moments that I’ve found the most growth — not just as a musician, but as a person. Looking back, it’s clear that the most meaningful progress didn’t come from sticking to what I knew, but from stepping into the challenges I once feared.

If there’s one lesson I’d leave with you, it’s this: Don’t shy away from the hard parts.

Embrace the discomfort, listen to the feedback, say yes to the unfamiliar, and let yourself grow in the quiet spaces. Success isn’t a straight line — it’s a series of leaps into the unknown.

And when you find yourself on the other side of those leaps, you’ll see that the discomfort was worth it. Because that’s where the real magic happens.