Over the years, my family and I have moved more times than I can count. Each time, one of the biggest challenges has been rebuilding a support system from scratch. Suddenly we’re asking: Where’s the best mechanic? Who’s a trustworthy doctor or dentist? Which grocery store feels like home?
In short, every move means piecing together a new team to make life work. Building a support system as an artist isn’t all that different.
Artists already know this principle
In the music world, this idea shows up clearly. Signed artists are often surrounded by a team: marketing managers, A&R representatives, who help labels find and develop artists, financial advisers and social media experts. Their success depends on the strength of the people around them.
That professional side is part of artist development, the process of helping an artist grow creatively, professionally and as a business.
But here’s the catch. In chasing professional success, we often neglect our personal well-being.
As Henry David Thoreau once warned, “The cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it.” Too many artists pay with their health, their relationships and their peace of mind.
Building a holistic ecosystem
That’s why I encourage every creative, whether a musician, writer or artist, to think beyond their professional team. Build a holistic ecosystem, meaning a support system that cares for the whole person instead of just the career.
For some, that might mean a therapist, spiritual guide, chaplain or pastor. For others, it could be a personal trainer, coach or mentor. If you have access to these resources, lean in.
As the old saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
“But I can’t afford that…”
You may be thinking, “I can’t afford a therapist or a performance coach.” I get it. Many artists can’t. But support doesn’t always come with a price tag.
- Your local pastor or mentor is often just a call away.
- Recovery groups and sponsors can become lifelong companions. A recovery sponsor is someone with experience in recovery who personally supports another person through the process.
- Organizations like Reality Co. exist to provide support in mental health, emotional well-being and addiction recovery.
In fact, Syntax Creative partnered with Reality Co. to make certified coaching available at no cost to Syntax clients. That includes support in areas such as mental health, trauma, life coaching, addiction and recovery.
The people in your support system don’t all have to have impressive titles. Instead, they need to be people you trust, people who know you and people willing to walk with you.
Start small, start today
You don’t have to build a massive team overnight. Just start by asking: Who’s already in my corner?
Then take a step to strengthen those relationships. Introduce your support people to one another when it makes sense. Let them collaborate and help you grow.
So, take a few minutes today to reflect. Who’s walking with you? Who’s lifting you up? And who might you invite into your circle to help you not just survive, but truly thrive?
