First things first

So, what exactly will I be doing?

Activity	% of Time	avg. hrs per week	avg. hrs per day
Practicing Sax	35%	19.6	2.8
Transcribing	14%	7.84	1.12
Practicing Piano	10%	5.6	0.8
Listening	9%	5.04	0.72
Blogging (and interviews)	9%	5.04	0.72
Composing	7%	3.92	0.56
Jams/Gigs	5%	2.8	0.4
Rehearsals	5%	2.8	0.4
Reading/Research	4%	2.24	0.32
Networking	2%	1.12	0.16
TOTALS	100%	56	8

One of the common recommendations from mentors and friends was "don't try to do too much." I took that to mean that I should really focus on a few priorities. Six months goes by in a blink and I shouldn't stretch myself too thin. 8-10 hours per day is what I've been spending on a job I didn't really love - so I'll reallocate that time to my passion and see what happens. I know my regiment will evolve, but I'll use this as a starting point and tweak it as I go.

Practicing Sax:
I want to "level up" on my ability to communicate on my instrument. Thousands of hours are needed to break down the barrier between what you hear in your head and what play on your instrument. I'll also be taking lessons (and posting about them) from several differnet players in town.

Transcribing:
It's been described to me as one of the most important activities in a life of musical growth. So I'll be internalizing and writing down as much as I can. My goal is to transcribe a little every day, and at least one song per month.

The rest on the list is pretty obvious. I'll be spending a few hours each week working on this blog and doing informational interviews. Talking with friends, family, and strangers whom have made music their livelihood. I'll be interviewing some well-known musical talents and Entrepreneurs so check back when you feel the urge.

I want to learn. And I want to learn from YOU. So let me what you think about my plan and how you might approach a similar challenge. Feel free to comment below or send me a message.

Today I quit my job, this is why

Everything I seem to do, leads me to the same thing - music. Always pulling my attention and dreams. It has slowly become one of the few constants bridging my past and present. So, I've decided to make it my future.

Adios safe and secure. Good riddance "working for the man." Time to jump in with both feet. What about the job? There are countless reasons not to bound away:

• Great people
• Decent pay with benefits
• Inspiring leadership and management
• Some opportunity to be creative, take risk, create new revenue

Practically speaking, I shouldn't quit. But, selling advertising, while enjoyable, is not what I love.

Preparing for a sales presentation: I'd mentally practice scales. Rough day full of clients' passive aggressive "thanks but I'll pass": I'd use the frustration as art-fuel at rehearsal. Closed the big sale: I'd celebrate by jamming to my favorite groove.

I could continue investing energy into long days/weeks and make a boat load of money, "professionally develop" and maybe be promoted to a leadership role. But, in the end would I be fulfilled? No. So I quit.

Time frame, finances, long term goals, and "what exactly are you going to be doing?" are questions I intend to answer with this blog. And in the process I hope to nudge someone out there (maybe you) to find what makes them happy and take a leap too.

Much love,
Levi