Fall 7, rise 8

I'm reading a book called "Grit" by a psychologist named Angela Duckworth. 

It's basically about how mindset and perspective shapes your chances of success.

But something in the book really inspired me this morning.

She referenced a Japanese proverb - "Fall 7, rise 8."

The idea is that no matter how many times you come up short, keep persevering.

And I instantly realized this is what separates the producers who fail from the ones who succeed.

I've never been the most talented at anything in life.

But whether it was getting to play D1 football, or becoming a full-time platinum selling record producer, it's my optimistic perseverance that allowed me to achieve these things

I know producers at every level, from hobbyist to internet to indy to industry (and everything in between). 

And simply put, most of them are failing.

Even if they manage a bit of success, they can't maintain it to the point that it fulfills them and/or sustains their lifestyle. 

And they ALL have excuses as to why:

• Market saturation.
• Bad payout models.
• Shady artists and labels.
• They don't want to make content, only music.
• Consumers care about clout more than talent.

And on and on 🙄. 

But I NEVER hear them take accountability 🤔.

You've probably heard all these complaints too, but never heard anyone say "there are some areas where I'm messing up, but if I fix them it could totally change my situation."

They've got no grit, no hope. 

I had a homie ask me for help with sync licensing the other day.

My advice was so simple that I think it offended him lol.

I basically said, "just keep applying to libraries until you get in, and submit to those libraries until you get placed."

Of course, there's nuance.

But, that's more-or-less the entire idea.

I don't have sync placements because I'm talented or lucky.

I have them because I applied endlessly to libraries, even after getting rejected by most of them (I even reapplied to some).

It's the same with my submissions to the libraries I'm in.

Most get turned down.

I constantly get knocked down.

But I keep getting back up.

Fall 7, rise 8.

I want you to start applying this mentality to your beat making.

Whether your a hobbyist or someone looking to make a name for themselves in the game, this can help you immensely.

1. If your beats aren't getting better, it's time to practice more (start taking written notes when you watch tutorials instead of just viewing them for the dopamine boost). 
2. If your beats aren't selling, start building infrastructure like funnels and channels that will improve your marketing.
3. If your channels aren't growing, study how to make more engaging beats/content (tirelessly study the workings of the specific platform you're trying to leverage).
4. If artists aren't connecting with you, learn to build your network by creating positive rapports (there are books on how to do this, it's actually not hard - it's just that most don't care enough to learn). 

Whatever you do, don't stop pushing.

Keep going - fall 7, rise 8.

This is the mentality that allows me to get up and do what I love everyday.

And if you wanna learn more about that from me personally, go here. 

Blessings,

Chu - 140k Total YT Subs, RiSA Multi-Platinum Record Producer (Produced for Yanga Chief, Boity, RikyRick, Khantrast, DizzyEight, Errol Allen, Cam Meekins, Matt Corman, Dee Koala, Bhut Legend, ElgrandeToto, Westside Boogie, Bernard Jabs, Ariaa, MTV, CBS, BET, BET Africa).

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