This post is the second installment of a series on “Music Success in Nine Weeks” — a book by Ariel Hyatt, President of Ariel Publicity and CyberPR, which specializes in getting musicians maximum exposure online.

Goals are easy.
Accomplishing them…not so much.

In Ariel Hyatt’s book “Music Success in Nine Weeks,” the first chapter, which covers Week One of this 9-week journey, is devoted to setting goals… and writing them down with projected dates of accomplishment. And not just your music goals, but your financial and lifetime goals as well.

Now, a lot of what’s in Week One is nothing you haven’t read before. And because of that, it may be the weakest chapter in this book. BUT, from what I can tell, the intention of all this goal-setting is to get you mentally prepped for the rest of the book which is a lot more demanding of your time, creativity and willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.

What I do like about this chapter is that Ariel not only stresses the importance of getting your goals written down but she also hands off some tips on HOW to get those goals accomplished. Because, let’s face it, that’s the tricky thing about goals; they don’t complete themselves while we’re watching “Live at Abbey Road” or dreaming of our next big break.

For instance, “Goal Achieving Tip #4” (on p. 17): Make One Happen ASAP. Ariel advises that you start with the easiest goal on your list and just do it! Or, rather, give yourself a reasonable deadline and then just do it! By accomplishing at least one of your goals, you are more likely to feel motivated to dig into your other goals which aren’t quite so easy. Like calling the guy who books the venue you’d love to play. Or writing your pitch, which Ariel explains in Week Two.

Interestingly enough, since I read the Week One chapter thinking, “Ah, this is just more goal setting stuff. I already know this,” I didn’t actually DO what Ariel suggested. I didn’t write down my music goals. They are always floating around in my head so I figured, why bother?

Well, as Ariel states in the book: “3% of all people have their long-term goals written down and it has been proven that by simply writing down your goals you are ten times more likely to achieve them.”

So… don’t be a fool like me. Go write them down! But first, read Ariel’s “Before You Get Started” Section on pg. 15. There are three excellent suggestions on HOW to write your goals. Oh, and be sure to put a target completion date next to each one!

Okay. I’m writing my music goals down right now.

1. Create a pitch I love — Jan. 1, 2009

2. Complete Phase One of my website re-design by May, 2009.

3. Create budget, timeline and promotion plan for February Show at Jackson Theater — Dec. 31, 2008

4. Create budget, fund raising plan and promotional plan for new CD by March, 2009.

5. Finish new CD by end of June, 2009.

6. Book a show in New York City for April/May 2009! — February 10, 2009.

Wow. My heart is pounding.

While these goals have been in my consciousness forever, I’m surprised by how scary it is to actually write them down WITH DATES NEXT TO THEM. It becomes clear that if I’m going to meet the deadlines I’ve set, I better get a move on. Now.

Next episode: Week Two of “Music Success in Nine Weeks” where Ariel coaches you on how to write your pitch. THIS is where it starts getting really good.