In those 10000 hours

I so appreciate the Jacobs and all they do for media, especially Fred’s blog. (If you don’t read it every day or each week, I recommend the e-blasts or to bookmark it! https://jacobsmedia.com/blog/) In one his most recent posts, the discussion focuses on our craft: https://jacobsmedia.com/becoming-the-g-o-a-t/ I completely agree with his point and appreciate the sentiment. 

I would have to add something though. Not only spending 10,000 hours doing something, but along that journey, to get feedback. Not just an aircheck, or focus group listening but self-awareness or critique. You know a good break when it’s finished, and no doubt a bad break once you have hit the off switch/brought the fader down.

Not only doing the shift, show, or production, but then accessing the work is a key ingredient for success. You don’t always have to nitpick, or even go in depth every project...but asking a friend or colleague for constructive criticism is super helpful. Maybe once a month, or quarter, sit back and revisit your work. Take note what feedback you receive from your boss, listeners, and note what gets a positive (or negative) response. What made it something for them to comment? Over time, you might see a pattern in how you prepped or executed your production/break (or lack thereof?!).

Even with the 10,000 hours of your work, it never hurts to revisit your technique, and also your sound. Avoid that rut. Do you overuse a phrase, or get really comfortable with a phrase. One of the hardest parts for me is not to fall into a pattern – whether it is the sound of my voice, or the writing in a script. Giving a listener the expectation of what they’ll hear and love, as opposed to predictable patterns is a fine line.

You or your manager want to have the audience tune in for what they expect, and yet you want them to be prepared for that aha moment of unexpected turn of phrase, or programming that keeps them returning – and perhaps sharing on social media/around the water cooler. It’s the case of not over-thinking a break/script and being true to your voice. My biggest advice for these sort of moments: 

1) Be yourself. Be authentic 

2) Try something new. Don’t repeat because it’s easy or worked in the past

3) Seek feedback – try it out on a friend or coworker

4) Listen to other DJs/Producers – what makes a good break or make you listen, and is that relatable/adaptable for you

It’s not easy. Those 10,000 hours are a journey. Just don’t go into autopilot!