That one I have to remember too. As a kid and a teenager I was always too smart to carry on with what I did not consider expedient. That was one of my biggest character mistakes. About six years ago I "dumbed myself down" not to quit difficult and seemingly less reasonable things at the first obstacle, so I can now achieve something that I am genuinely determined to.
ShadowZone This is why I sometimes hate the term "talent" because people immediately assume someone has talent when they are good at something. I feel like that term immediately ignores all the effort that person put into mastering his/her passion.
As one of those guys who always had the talent but not the discipline or perseverance, I couldn't agree more. It may have felt great as a youngster, getting easy wins and rapid growth with little effort (whether it's about music, martial arts, education or whatever), but it's not quite the same when after ten or fifteen years you realise you've hardly progressed after the initial phase while all the "less talented" ones have now left you far behind. Let's just say that this may (and should) result in some serious self-reflection. And by the way, this attitude is not that easy to fix as fixing it requires, you guessed it, discipline and perseverance - the very things you've lacked if you find yourself in this circumstance. And it's hard work to make yourself really, truly understand the importance of hard work. Talent only gives you a headstart, but hard work always beats it in the long run.
This video goes straight in the playlist of "videos everyone should see." Hitting the truth nail on the head and driving it home. Here's to many more years of success for you, sir!
Absolutely! It's an important message. I've always been plagued with doubting myself, except that I'm incredibly fortunate that I have people around me who keep pushing me to "just frelling do it" and stop putting hurdles in front of myself. It's a struggle, I'm not doing well in that battle, but things are improving. Every ounce of encouragement helps.
I Commando Paino science, ergo schooled in the science of ‘pianos’: so you’re an audiologist, perhaps even a piano-maker? Doesn’t mean you have any musical skill, but like many a piano-tuner you do know your scales and fundamental frequencies of each note.
Thanks for this, Glenn...at the age of 53 and after 40 years of guitar playing I'm just starting to record cover songs on a small home studio setup...it's very disheartening to face your shortcomings as a player and hearing yourself on a playback only amplifies them, but I'm determined to persevere and someday soon start posting my own tracks instead of just listening to others' and wishing I could...
I have depression, and am loving this video, I am adding it to my favorites, so every time I think a project is going to turn out like crap, I can re-watch this video.
Wow.. I know you may not want to hear this Glenn, but this was one of your best posts...I think everyone who watches you, and Henning, all the guys and gals interested in music or media, are those who are trying to find a way to get to a point, where we no longer doubt ourselves, so we turn to you guys to learn, educate, and inspire us...Self doubt is the hardest, and most common thing a person deals with no matter WHAT they are trying to become or master... even just finding a way to live... I myself, and a perfect, shining example of self doubt ruling my life. I am a 40+ guitar player, have an entire home studio, 9 guitars, 11 amps, 8 speaker cabs, hundreds of pedals, dozens of mics, etc...and haven't tracked a single guitar track, never mind a song. Never wanted to be anything but a guitarist, but work 70 hours a week at a job I hate so much, I think about killing myself daily, just to end the torture. Finding you, Henning, Baker, Ola, and all the rest through Guitcon, by accident, has really made me wish, I was 20 again, and had this kind of inspiration from you guys to move forward, instead of letting my self doubt rule my life. I'm old now, and have no choice but to endure what I have left to live through. Keep doing what you do buddy...make sure guys like you and Henning and the rest, understand, you may be a producer, and videographer, a guitarist, but you guys have fallen into the role of inspirational icons for many as well....Thanks for the post buddy, and... my sincerest .... fuck you Glenn... };-}
Blaydrnnnr - Dude, same song here, but I'll track guitar as an outlet. If you ever need any help or advice, or encouragement, this community is the place. Loved the 9 guitars, 11amps part.
It’s never too late to start something new - or to move on from something you hate. I get the paralysis though. I love this Thomas Edison quote: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” It’s OK to be imperfect - it’s what makes us different and interesting. Hang in there!
"I'm old now, and have no choice but to endure what I have left to live through." - bullshit, man! You can always make change. I'm 42, started a Bachelor of Music degree two years ago (should have started a degree in piano, right?). Only six months or so before that my business went bust, lost the house, marriage ended and had a full life reboot. I'm not trying to put you down and of course I have no idea of what you're going through or your situation, I just want to point out that you might be hanging on to a bunch of stuff that maybe you think you are obliged to hang on to or that you think you couldn't do without - but they're making you miserable. Your life is worth something, man. You can't be responsible for the happiness of others - and therefore, others can't be responsible for yours, either. You've gotta do what works for you, and ending it all doesn't work for anybody. It may not feel like it, but there are a million different things you could try before you check out - 'cause you don't get to try anything after that. I went to therapy - talking shit out forced me to acknowledge a bunch of stuff that I was never going to work out on my own, and I am happier now than I've been since my 20s. I really recommend finding a professional to talk to - if you can't afford it, sell a cabinet, it's well worth the investment if it means you get to start using the rest of them :-) It can get better - it might take some tough decisions, but it can get better.
Blaydrnnnr late to the party here man, but I hope your still going. Never to late to start living life. I may not know you, but I hope you’ve found a way to do what makes you happy. Cheers!
I connect with people that naturally appreciate when someone tries to do something. Not people that will just say they like something when they don't. But people that enjoy seeing others achieve.
Thanks for the video man! By looking at the comments I just came to realize that I’m not the only one here fighting with so much self doubt. Let’s kick some ass, people!
Thank you for this. I've been feeling really down recently about a lot of things in life because I've felt as though things are out of my control. Financially, I just got a second job for myself to pay some debt. Creatively, I just finished a song in which the mix and master isn't where I want it to be. But I finished it. I did it. I spent a lot of time writing the song and I'm proud of it, regardless of its flaws. I week ago, I had someone tell me some orchestral style music I was making was like a half-assed Enya backing track. But I didn't take it to heart. This person had no music to show from himself beyond criticizing others for shit. I know it seems hard sometimes, but it's out there. The world is here for us, not against us. It's just that some people are assholes.
Thanks for the video man, one of the best motivational videos I've seen lately! I am 41, family & 2 kids, job, the whole 9 yards. It took me 20 years to start recording some music of my own only because I always managed to find excuses, being tired, being with my family, having the job and all. But somehow this year, I managed to find a way not to be a quitter anymore, I managed to find a way to split equally between my family (I have a very understanding one), my job & my music, and let me tell ya, even the result isn't what I would've dream it would be (mixing is not really my cup of tea, I only started this year to learn), it made me very proud that I finally got to do it. I realized that I prefer to be more tired and happy that I got to do something rather than sleep a little more and waking up frustrated that I did nothing. To everyone out there: if you have a dream, work for it, don't let the time fly, it is too important to waste it. We always live with the impression that we have time. Until we don't. Please excuse my english. Peace to all!
right in the day that my doctor said that i suffer from severe anxiety and i nedd to start taking pills i see this video and it made my day ... it is god to see so much acomplished people that suffer from axiety and that you can defeat it ... from the bottom of my heart thank you glenn
This is the most epic video I've ever seen from you, I've recently gotten over a depression and gotten back with my "can do" attitude. I suffer from different mental disabilities including high functioning autism, ADHD, anxiety and panic disorder. These disabilities often become the concrete bricks tied to my feet when my depression kicks in and it sometimes takes a miracle to prevent me from drowning, one of those miracles include music and without it, I wouldn't be here, hell, we all wouldn't be here. This is going to sound ridiculous but one of the songs that I often look to for inspiration is I'll Make A Man Out of You from Mulan because there's just something in that song that really ignites the spark within. Thank you so much for this video Glenn, you are a talented and very smart man and everytime you upload a video, I always look foward to watching it. Rock on!
When I see statements like that, i normally doubt everything...the Internet taking it´s toll. So i went to check out your channel, and i have to say: It´s a treat listening to you. But PLS, do youself a favour and get a bit into editing. Maybe you like it. I def do! Keep on Rocking!
As a musicans point of view. When I doubd a song I made (as a self critisising guy I am), I do something else for while, and then came back to it. Giving time, can give you perspective, and also all the experience and practice you've gained, can be helpfull when you try it again. Cause usually it is the small things that gives u the headaghe. But yes, it is sometimes hard to belive in yourself, in a world where you can't believe anything, without double cheking. So in my case i use this "when in doubt, practice more and deside after", cause if you can't believe into yourself, how can others.
Woke up this morning with self-doubt. No joke. Saw this video and felt better. What I think is important about self-doubt: if you do not have it, you won’t be able to correct yourself or get corrected by others. If you do not doubt in yourself you are not able to LEARN. Nobody was born perfect. As long as someone is willing to learn, he has got the chance to get better. If you got a lot of talent, but you never get any better because you don’t listen and don’t learn, you are already artistically dead. Just my opinion. Anyway: thank you Glenn for this video!!!
last night i was seriously thinking of selling all my drumming and studio gear and just quit altogether. then, this video popped up in my recommendations. thanks, glenn.
Glenn, as someone who likes to mask my fear of failure with the impression of laziness, because that's somehow better, I wanted to say thank you. I gave up guitar years ago due to too many other commitments and despite now having the time, I've bailed and made excuses every time. My friend challenged me to join him on stage in 2 months to play a song, I'm doing it, even if I'm not the player I was, and having to get over stage fright again. Truly inspirational Glenn, no fuck you on this one.
Listening to Henry Rollins read through "Get In The Van" changed my life. I'm super hyped to see him do some spoken word material next month at Montbello Rockfest.
FinalBaton theres something empowering about the way he quit his minimum wage job at Haagen-Dazs and went on to do such great things, With just a bit of luck, a love for punk rock, and the threat of having to go back to what he came from. Thats the type of shit that hits home with me.
"you need time to be bad, before you be good" ??.....This must go down to most famous quotes ever..Already feeling great relief after this phrase...take care Glenn
Thanks so much for putting this out Glenn. I’ve been under a funk myself recently- my own channel has been light on content (or at least that’s what it feels like) and I’ve got about 10 videos in the pipeline. Trouble is, now I’ve got the time to edit them, I’m finding myself procrastinating then sitting feeling sad that I’ve done nothing! This may be the boot up the ass needed to get me back on track and get interest coming in again. You’ve helped me before with putting my Oldies but Baddies entry in the top 10, but you’re helping again. Keep up all the energy you can, we all appreciate it. -Adam, Hop Pole Studios
I kinda get now why other RUclipsrs say you only seem angry and scary all the time, and in reality you're a kind person. I wish you knew how inspiring and motivating your videos have been for me these couple of years. I still have a long way to go till I'm any good, but I'm finally doing music related stuff, not just dreaming about it. Thank you, Glenn.
This hit me right in the heart, Brilliant stuff, Glenn :) Because it's always easier to throw rocks than build something. NOTHING WORTH HAVING COMES EASY! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go finish mixing and mastering the rest of my album and THEN start learning to code to make my first epic videogame!
You're right. Not all of us get past our crushing self doubt. I'm struggling with it now and, so far, I haven't done nearly as well in the fight as you have. When I first saw this video, my first thought was it was hard for me to imagine you having this level of self doubt given how completely awesome your stuff is. But I'm introspective enough that after I finished it I took a step back and realized probably EVERY SINGLE TALENTED PERSON I've EVER seen has gone through this. It's human. On the one hand I find myself wishing you didn't have to go through that shit. But the other part me realizes that you probably wouldn't BE what you are today WITHOUT that shit. Myself? I still haven't given up. Not to the point of sticking, anyway. I spend time wasting my time watching RUclips or TV instead of doing my projects sometimes, just as you say here, and the fact that I'm 46 and still stuck in a job that makes me miserable doesn't help. My biggest doubts right now are, "Am I too old now to break into film?" Which is what I really want to do, make films. "How can I support myself and my wonderful partner if I quit this job? Where's the money going to come from? Will anyone take me seriously? If they do, can I deliver?" That last question is the reason why the idea of being supported by other peoples' money TERRIFIES me. What if I DO get all the support I need and I fuck up? I've let down all these people who've supported me. That's the thought, more than anything else, that keeps holding me back. I don't want to quit. I don't INTEND to quit. But I'm not sure how to get past this hurdle. I'm not sure where and how to find help. You're right that one shouldn't give up. And I haven't. But without guidance from people, and with the fear of accepting help lest I fail, sometimes it feels like the effort is just spinning my wheels in the mud.
Glenn....wow did I ever need that video!!! You're an inspiration man! I feel invigorated like I just walked out of a Rocky movie. We all have self doubt. Maybe we need it like every band needs a bass player.
Hey Glenn, so my mother is a vocal music teacher in a high school here in India, and recently she's been really considering quitting her job because the new principal seems to not value music and creative arts, and tries to step over any novelty that the music department of the school tries to come up with. The last couple of years have been incredibly frustrating for her, and much like you in 2004, she's been contemplating quitting teaching music for good (one of the rhythm music teachers has already quit). But I showed her this video a few minutes ago and she's changed her mind about that now. She says that you are right and that this video has given her the strength to carry on despite the roadblocks created for her by others. So thank you so much, Glenn! You really change lives. :)
Speaking to me, Glenn. Thanks. It is interesting to me because I’ve applied this to other areas of my life, successfully. When it comes to my music I’m often paralyzed by self doubt. I was asked to sit in the other night, declined for this reason. Apparently it was obvious to the drummer. He came up to me and asked: “If you got up on stage and played tonight, would you regret it tomorrow?” No, I would not regret it, wtf am I thinking.
I totally agree man. Get out and get busy! It’s your world. Do what you want with as much effort as you can give and you will make it an awesome world to be in. And the pay off is huge. It really feels great
Never giving up is probably an infinately bigger reason for success than talent, also if you like doing the thing you want to get good at its alot easier. Great video Glenn !!!
6 лет назад+4
Great Idea Glenn! You should do more of these, I love it
hi there glenn and everyone at SMG. thank you so much for this video. my girlfriend is a bussines administrator, so last night she was breaking down with the preasure she get´s. and she was telling my friend and i while having a drink that she only wished she could have done what she wanted ever since the beginning of her career, and how lost she feels at this point of her life. i imediatley played this video. at the end the 3 of us almost ended up crying, for sure we did sob and and got teary eyes. after that , the ambience was so much realxed. i guess many of us got to watch this video in the right time and place. so once again, thank you so much lifting the hopes even of people who is not into music as in bussines.
This is the best video of yours I've watched. I prefer this to the blustery, in-your-face ones. You seem more yourself here. I appreciated it, FWIW. You can't please all the people all the time.
Hey Glenn, You mentioned once that your Countryman DI cost about 200 bucks. That kinda made me do a double take as my Thomann DI was only 10 euros. It sounds pretty good to me but then again, I don't really have anything to compare it to. Would you ever do a shootout between DI boxes, and how much difference do you think it makes? Big fan of the show btw, your tutorials have definitely helped me!
I probably have every ancient and modern DI known to man. Doing signal sweeps of them will have you questioning your sanity. I think there is some difference in noise level though. The biggest thing I can think of between them is really how well they do or don't handle really loud pickups...Some of the higher dollar ones do not do this so well
Thank you for this video, I needed it. I've been writing a solo debut album since late 2013, I've had three computers since then, every time I'm almost done the computers go to help, and I lose all my work..(I write using guitar pro), after my second computer (attempt) died on me in February I decided to go lighter and easier, but still something that I would listen too. I became a truck driver to help pay for the album, working 14 to 18 hours (off the clock) a day and still finding time to practice when I get home I was all blown out, but still did it and tried to live a normal life. Got fired from that job over company politics, and started a new job doing flatbed hauling suicide coils, I just quit that job because the risk doesn't match up with my plans plus being with my trainer was hard imagine sleeping in a 2 1/2 tall bunk, and all your stuff is with you. I spent a month with out practicing my craft, I come from a family of musicians, so I feel obligated to become one, I don't deserve to be one seeing all the greats but I want to try to get the piece of mind, knowing that I've tried, and when I'm old I don't be bitter because I did my best if things don't work out. I'm just trying to be realistic. Rob chapmand video on "guitar is not dead" also gave me incite. I just left that flatbed job to focus on my craft and have another lined out, I would be honored to record with you. Please give a contact email so we can talk about recording, I'll pay your rates, I've been saving up for it.
This is a really very good video man, straight down the line, sticks to the point and spoken from a heart full of experience. You only talk about wat you know (therefore, there's no bullshit!!!) And the advice is spot on. Top drawer!!! Peace from England Glenn.
Through all the ranting and raging, I see that you're a pretty down-to-earth dude. I appreciated watching this video again tonight because I'm at one of those moments when it would be very easy to quit.
This really helps, self doubt is something we all suffer from one way or another and this is one of those videos that are a GODSEND for people like me, I fucking love you Glenn, keep being awesome
Wise words Glen! I concur to all of this! Been going the miles myself just like you did and it's paying off now. Now you and I (and all the others in our position) can give back to the world and help out those facing the same hurdles we did. :)
GREAT video Glenn! One of my favorite quotes is from Bruce Lee: "To hell with circumstances, I create opportunities!" We all get the blues from time to time, it happens. We're human. Setting realistic goals and making them happen is the mark of a true successful person. Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth is a high school dropout. He didn't whine about his circumstance, he created an opportunity to live his dream, which was being in a metal band. After he dropped out, he immediately went to work on it, and never quit. Now he is in one of the biggest metal bands around now. If he can do it, so can we. :)
This video could not have come at a better time for me. Just yesterday, my band had a big problem that finally exploded after a long time of tension. The result so far is that the drummer quit. And as usual in these situations, some of the remaining members are now blaming the drummer for everything. My viewpoint is that he quit because there was a problem and not because HE was the problem. Now I am also left contemplating my position in the band as well. Maybe it's time to stop trying to make a band work and go do something else. But then this video came to me. And I realize, I can't stop now. So maybe I won't be a member of my current band anymore, but I'm not giving up. There are plenty of bands out there in need of a good singer. THANK YOU GLENN FRICKER!!!!!!
Fantastic video Glenn! Very inspiring message. I’m only at 7000 Subscribers so far, but I’d be lying if the thought of throwing in the towel hasn’t crossed my mind a few times. You’ve inspired me to take some risks with my channel that I’m not sure I would have taken. You were really the first RUclips guy in our genre that I saw that was just telling it like it is and not concerned with pissing people off. Thanks again, I really enjoyed this!
I am not one that normally comments on videos, but after about 18 months of tuning into videos I have to say thank you. This video in particular was the highlight of the channel so far, Mr Glenn. Anything and everything I have learned from or laughed with/at in your videos has been impacting to say the least, but these simple, honest reminders from time to time, that WE ARE WORTH THE FIGHT to keep pursuing with our passions and desires, that is the most inspiring and encouraging thing one can pass to others in this world of candy-coated bastards. So thanks again, Mr. Glenn. -CWC
Dude my dad was watching me watching your videos and he was thinking for like a week who you looked like. He said you looked like Peter Griffin with long hair. It was golden. Don't you think so?
Unbelievable. All the things that needed to be said. This should be force fed to all self doubters. My own self doubt stems from my dad telling me I'll never be a musician. That I will only be a manufacturer as long as I live and I should quit guitar. AND THAT WAS AFTER I SHOWED HIM THE FIRST METAL SONG I WROTE AND RECORDED!!! What shit. This was coming from a music loving man I looked up to my whole life. Then I realized I easily became a musician far faster with more talent than he could ever have become himself. Now I don't show him my music anymore because he isn't worthy. He isn't the man I looked up to all my life he is just 'my Dad' now. When I finish my first album I'm gonna shove it in his face. "Success is the best revenge." Don't get me wrong I still have the deepest love for the man I just wish he had supported my efforts and my triumphant moment could have been a moment we share. Now its to late for that. Great vid Glenn you are the f*cling man!!!
I’m a crane operator with a military background finding it extremely difficult to find a crane gig. When I do, I’m a target due to my age. This really helped me tackle another day. Thank you.
I think we all know that others struggle with self-doubt, but it really does help to hear it, especially from creatives who are putting out quality stuff like this channel. Only recently have I been able to push past it to some degree and actually start releasing music and it's liberating. Thanks for the unfiltered honesty in the videos. Now I'm going to go make something this morning. Cheers, Glen
I got my first troll on a video I put in a Facebook group! I was so happy! I agree with you, you need to keep pushing yourself and not listening to the self doubt.
Thank you so much for this much needed firm kick in the ass. "You need time to be bad before you can become good" really resonated with me because whenever I'm starting something and it's not perfect from the get go, I instantly deem myself a failure. But then after practicing, it always gets better. But of course, the cycle continues. It's so easy to just give up on yourself. It's nice to have a little voice in your head saying "it's okay" if something doesn't sound perfect right away or if you're just having an off day.
My brain is making me write several songs for my late mother. It depresses me and crushes me. but the creative part of me is hounding me. Should i finish the songs for closure? Or do I just stop
Let it out.. I play all kinds of music but am known by friends as being mostly a metal guy so when I played an acoustic set and played nothingman by pearl jam friends attending were surprised to see that by the end of the song it was hard to sing and play cause I was crying a lot... that song was a favorite of a friend who passed away and still to this day I choke back tears when I hear it, it is not a sign of weakness to be venerable or show emotion it is a sign of weakness to regard emotion as a flaw. :)
Thank you for this video. Self doubt is something I battle on a daily basis. I have never been confident in myself and yet I don't ever want to give up. I'm not sure if I will ever feel confident but music is something that literally saved my life. Thank you.
I have no idea why you had doubts about such types of video! Marvellously done, very well balanced and Great Points. Thank you. It was needed. We are too much focused with dealing with sleet in extreme situations, i.e. when it hits the fan, but in the long run, the one who is steadiest wins, not the fastest one. Creative life is marathon, not a sprint series. Keep up!
Dude this video simplifies the reason why i joined and subscribed to your channel. I’m a digital artist/designer with a goal of becoming a concept artist at the movie/game industry and you have no idea how much I needed this video. Even the funny jokes you tell about bass players is really inspiring makes you want to do something and “practice your shit”. Thanks for this Glenn. Thanks a lot.
Thank you Glenn, this video inspired me. You are totally right. And everyone of us had or will have or actually has this moment, where everything pulls one down and the only thought one has is "I quit". The trick is to hold on and to pull yourself up again.
Glenn, I started my RUclips channel 2 weeks ago and with every video I've made I always worry that nobody is going to like it or that it's not good enough. I've tried doing this in the past but I let others get to me and I quit. It's you and other RUclipsrs that inspire me to keep going and maybe one day in the future I'll be at conventions filming with everyone. Keep up the good content.
It can also be frustrating dealing with others who are filled with self-doubt. I've got a friend who is a better and more experienced musician than either my bandmate/songwriting partner or I. This guy played guitar in a few band years ago but hasn't since. When he helped us write our first song, we asked him if he wanted to write other songs with us and join our little band that we decided to form, but he just wasn't interested. All he seems interested in doing music-wise is sitting on the couch, noodling Alex Lifeson solos, and other not-so-easy to play solos by other legendary guitarists, but he's not interested in creating anything new and original. While it's fine trying to learn licks written by others, to me it's a dead end, especially if you're only doing it on your or somebody else's couch, and not in front of an audience. (He does go out to bars and sing karaoke in front of people, but his only goal there is pick up drunken fat chicks with low self-esteem.) We're not interested in being a cover band. We want to do our own stuff. After repeated attempts to get him to join us, we just gave up on him and moved on without him. Right now, he's out of work and has nothing better to do, so you'd think he'd jump at the chance, but he's just not interested. Still, if he asked me tomorrow if he could join us, I'd say yes, but he's just not interested. I guess what I'm saying here in my long-winded comment is that he's afraid to suck. My philosophy is, "Don't be afraid to suck." Sure, there might be plenty of people out there who are better than you at something, but at the same time there are people out there who are worse than you are, but at least they are trying. We know we suck, but at least we're trying to get better and eventually not suck. I think we've written some good songs, but our playing and singing are nothing to write the NY Times about-but we're trying to get better.
I needed this video, so thank you Glenn. I'm in the process of starting a guitar repair business and have been dealing with these issues daily. It's incredible the amount of people that are 100% comfortable in telling you that you'll fail before you even try. Ill memorize the line "Success is the best revenge" and prove to the doubters that it can be done.Thanks again Glenn, keep up the great work.
Late to the video but I really needed to see this today. I'm a musician, song writer, and I'm learning the art of recording so my band can be independent. I've also made the decision to go back to college and pursue a degree in radiology. And I suffer hard with self doubt, anxiety and depression. But you're right. No giving up. Push on and make it through. Because it's how we deal with the hard times that shapes who we are
This video made me day, month, year. So fucking thankful for this channel. I have watched every upload for coming up on 3 years now. It's the reason I haven't quit and built my own studio from the ground up. Literally. I wish you many more years of success and am glad you do what you do as it's inspired me to keep going and never to give up because it's worth it.
Thank you Glenn! This was inspiring. I'm not even a metal head but your videos have motivated me to get my content going in my own genre and industry. Thanks for the down to earth insight on self doubt. I think every creative individual has dealt with it. It's harder to pave roads than to follow footsteps.
So glad I saw this! Not only does it add to my appreciation for you, as well as your credibility as an artist and creator that is 'getting after it', it show's you really do care about the success and well-being of your fans and students. Like it or not, you're a teacher. And that fucking rocks. As a fellow teacher, who also has been gifted by the ancestors (and maybe Krum) to see opportunities when they land in my lap, I spent the majority of my adult life trying to pursue a musical career, which ended up more often than not with me working in Film and TV internationally. WTF, right? I'm a musician, not an actor. Well, sorta. Anyway, having a musician's ear and a bit of background in acting did land me a few gigs in major films as a dialog coach, after which I was easily hired to work under the table for various English schools in Poland and Bulgaria. The only place I was ever granted a proper visa to live and work was Scotland (UK generally) which was acquired while I was living the pirate's life in Poland. All told, I spent about 14 years in Poland, 2 in Scotland and six months in Bulgaria (which was a fluke, I was there for a 2 week vacation, and was given room and board near the beach in 'Journalist' to teach business owners there English for 6 months). Point being, re-iterating your advice here: recognize the opportunities, and don't be afraid to fail. Going for it is a success in itself. I've long been trying to start a home recording studio, from Warsaw in 2006 to now. I'm slowly getting there, but teachers like you are invaluable. So thanks, and keep at it, please. Happy Frickerstag! Fuck the Haters. Howdy from Krum, Texas. Well, Krum-adjacent... I'm in Denton.
I feel you hit this right in the head. I have been drumming for 16+ years now and while I always see drummers ripping it harder than I could ever hope to be, it's my own stubborn ways that keep me wanting to do what I do. I needed this little reality check here. Thanks!
Holy Shit, so, this video has me inspired. I'm sorry you had to deal with bullying in high school. I was bullied all through elementary school, basically teased and alienated. My mom homeschooled me for middle school and high school, and even through middle school, old classmates were still hellish over facebook. I'm still working on not listening to what people have said to or about me. I don't wish bullying on anyone. It sucks. But I'm kind of relieved to know that someone I look up to/respect highly has had a similar experience and has gotten through it to create anyways. The more that I see people I respect share stories like that, the more it makes me believe I can do it too.
Great video! When I was on the street at 17 for thinking for myself, a random guy I met on the street told me that "success is the best revenge". And that statement has influenced the rest of my life. I'm 33 years old now and have been a welder since 2007 and I now make $21.00/hr at Caterpillar doing a lot of hand welding and operating a $300,000.00 robot, fabricating the best small tract type tractors in the world! Never give up on yourself, folks!
This was unexpected. I'm so appreciative that you took the time to make this video. I'm a longtime sufferer of anxiety and depression and it's video's like this that make a genuine difference. Thank you Glenn. You're a Man among Men.
This really hits home for me I picked up the guitar so I could impress my dad and when I finally had the confidence to bring my guitar to school everyone told me I sucked but in the end I let the hatred motivate me and keep pushing to the point where now those same people praise me for being able to play multiple instruments and want to jam with me keep your heads up guys thanks glen love your videos keep them coming
Great video Glenn. I'm 50 and still deal with self doubt, not because of others, but because of myself. Believe it or not, being a KISS fan in the late 70's, then a hardcore kid in the early 80's taught me to ignore insecure haters. But I fell into an addiction about 15 years ago that set my confidence back, even after conquering it. It's a daily struggle getting beyond self-doubt but pushing through it is the only way and it's so worth the struggle. Love yr channel. Thanks.
Nice job. I could see this becoming a monthly series: on specific topics that are non-studio or tech oriented. I love the sarcasm and rants of your other videos, but It's also good to hear you put together a narrative oriented piece that addresses a specific issue.
I’ve been recording an album over the last few months and honestly you’re right. Sticking with something and not letting others (even those closest to you) get you down. Thankyou
Great words. I'm 48 and about to change careers. My own self doubt has tried to stop me, but as I now have the tools to ignore it, I'm looking forward to the challenge. This video just re-enforces what I already knew. Thanks man.
This is a really great video. I recently wrote my senior thesis in philosophy on the belief that hardly ever is the shortcut/easy way the right path to take. Instead, it is the hard path which provides the most enlightenment. There are things that hard work and pain can teach us that the comfort of taking the shortcut never can.
This was the best video on RUclips period applies to everything. I too was harrased is 1987 to 89 made me hate the world and myself took till a few years ago to let go and stop letting myself get in the way of me. Years of selfdoubt am I good enough etc. General shit mental health and scared to fail turned me into a recluse I'm now 46 and back to playing and recording and teaching my kids what not to do. They dig you Glen and I do as well ... All Hail Glen one of the good guys..
Glenn, I know im 5 years late, but you said so many things in this video that I needed to hear. Especially the part where you said that no one told you that their opinions didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. I myself am a really bad people pleaser and on top of that, I let life get in the way of a lot of the crafts that I wanted to do. After seeing this, Im gonna try and do better and put in the work on it.
Thanks for this. I've been a drummer for 15+ years and recently decided to try and write my own music. I keep putting it off cause I'm afraid it's gonna be horrible. But I've also spent the last few years getting away from toxic people and bringing in friends that are super supportive. And hearing others that struggle with the same thing makes it feel less like you're all alone. This was good to hear, keep it up. Cheers dude!
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
“Success is the best revenge” is probably the best line I’ve ever heard.
Uncle Squiddz all I've got to add to this is PLEASE MAKE THIS A T-SHIRT
I agree
Throw this on a T-Shirt and it's a day 1 buy from me.
Wrote this on the side of my rack shelf. Will always look at it when I get depressed.
beautiful quote
Best quote ever "I started with zero talent but was to dumb to quit"! Story of my life lol!
Peyote Pete The most successful people are always just a little bit crazy.
Peyote Pete
You should cover that song "Story of my life" by Social Distortion
Yeah that was fucking mint lol
i like that.
Another favorite is:
ruclips.net/video/DN43sCyEanA/видео.html
That one I have to remember too. As a kid and a teenager I was always too smart to carry on with what I did not consider expedient. That was one of my biggest character mistakes. About six years ago I "dumbed myself down" not to quit difficult and seemingly less reasonable things at the first obstacle, so I can now achieve something that I am genuinely determined to.
"I started with zero talent but was too dumb to quit"
ShadowZone This is why I sometimes hate the term "talent" because people immediately assume someone has talent when they are good at something. I feel like that term immediately ignores all the effort that person put into mastering his/her passion.
As one of those guys who always had the talent but not the discipline or perseverance, I couldn't agree more.
It may have felt great as a youngster, getting easy wins and rapid growth with little effort (whether it's about music, martial arts, education or whatever), but it's not quite the same when after ten or fifteen years you realise you've hardly progressed after the initial phase while all the "less talented" ones have now left you far behind.
Let's just say that this may (and should) result in some serious self-reflection.
And by the way, this attitude is not that easy to fix as fixing it requires, you guessed it, discipline and perseverance - the very things you've lacked if you find yourself in this circumstance.
And it's hard work to make yourself really, truly understand the importance of hard work.
Talent only gives you a headstart, but hard work always beats it in the long run.
This video goes straight in the playlist of "videos everyone should see." Hitting the truth nail on the head and driving it home. Here's to many more years of success for you, sir!
Awesome! Please share!
Absolutely! It's an important message. I've always been plagued with doubting myself, except that I'm incredibly fortunate that I have people around me who keep pushing me to "just frelling do it" and stop putting hurdles in front of myself. It's a struggle, I'm not doing well in that battle, but things are improving. Every ounce of encouragement helps.
But you dont have a playlist like that?
Playlist is private still, 'tis why. ;)
OK, NOW it's public, even though it's short. list=PLH8rYL7Q60UGxD1gkF_VvF7ECTg1XlrY-
I welcome suggestions. ;)
I have a degree in paino science so I never have to deal with it.
I Commando paino science is the best degree you can get imo
“Paino” hahahaha
I Commando Paino science, ergo schooled in the science of ‘pianos’: so you’re an audiologist, perhaps even a piano-maker? Doesn’t mean you have any musical skill, but like many a piano-tuner you do know your scales and fundamental frequencies of each note.
@Mudge07
Nice job missing the joke, bud.
hahaahah that was a good one xD
Your other videos are great, but topics like this are priceless. You should certainly do more of these.
Absolutely agreed
Couldnt have picked a better time, thanks
Awesome! Glad I could help out!
Thanks for this, Glenn...at the age of 53 and after 40 years of guitar playing I'm just starting to record cover songs on a small home studio setup...it's very disheartening to face your shortcomings as a player and hearing yourself on a playback only amplifies them, but I'm determined to persevere and someday soon start posting my own tracks instead of just listening to others' and wishing I could...
The key is to learn how not to compare yourself to someone else, and not to care if someone else does.
That's awesome dude. Good luck :)
Just do your own tunes and forget the covers
This is the sort of thing I wish I understood way earlier in life.
I have depression, and am loving this video, I am adding it to my favorites, so every time I think a project is going to turn out like crap, I can re-watch this video.
Wow.. I know you may not want to hear this Glenn, but this was one of your best posts...I think everyone who watches you, and Henning, all the guys and gals interested in music or media, are those who are trying to find a way to get to a point, where we no longer doubt ourselves, so we turn to you guys to learn, educate, and inspire us...Self doubt is the hardest, and most common thing a person deals with no matter WHAT they are trying to become or master... even just finding a way to live... I myself, and a perfect, shining example of self doubt ruling my life. I am a 40+ guitar player, have an entire home studio, 9 guitars, 11 amps, 8 speaker cabs, hundreds of pedals, dozens of mics, etc...and haven't tracked a single guitar track, never mind a song. Never wanted to be anything but a guitarist, but work 70 hours a week at a job I hate so much, I think about killing myself daily, just to end the torture. Finding you, Henning, Baker, Ola, and all the rest through Guitcon, by accident, has really made me wish, I was 20 again, and had this kind of inspiration from you guys to move forward, instead of letting my self doubt rule my life. I'm old now, and have no choice but to endure what I have left to live through. Keep doing what you do buddy...make sure guys like you and Henning and the rest, understand, you may be a producer, and videographer, a guitarist, but you guys have fallen into the role of inspirational icons for many as well....Thanks for the post buddy, and... my sincerest .... fuck you Glenn... };-}
Blaydrnnnr - Dude, same song here, but I'll track guitar as an outlet. If you ever need any help or advice, or encouragement, this community is the place. Loved the 9 guitars, 11amps part.
It’s never too late to start something new - or to move on from something you hate. I get the paralysis though. I love this Thomas Edison quote: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”
It’s OK to be imperfect - it’s what makes us different and interesting. Hang in there!
"I'm old now, and have no choice but to endure what I have left to live through." - bullshit, man! You can always make change. I'm 42, started a Bachelor of Music degree two years ago (should have started a degree in piano, right?). Only six months or so before that my business went bust, lost the house, marriage ended and had a full life reboot. I'm not trying to put you down and of course I have no idea of what you're going through or your situation, I just want to point out that you might be hanging on to a bunch of stuff that maybe you think you are obliged to hang on to or that you think you couldn't do without - but they're making you miserable. Your life is worth something, man. You can't be responsible for the happiness of others - and therefore, others can't be responsible for yours, either. You've gotta do what works for you, and ending it all doesn't work for anybody. It may not feel like it, but there are a million different things you could try before you check out - 'cause you don't get to try anything after that. I went to therapy - talking shit out forced me to acknowledge a bunch of stuff that I was never going to work out on my own, and I am happier now than I've been since my 20s. I really recommend finding a professional to talk to - if you can't afford it, sell a cabinet, it's well worth the investment if it means you get to start using the rest of them :-) It can get better - it might take some tough decisions, but it can get better.
Blaydrnnnr late to the party here man, but I hope your still going. Never to late to start living life. I may not know you, but I hope you’ve found a way to do what makes you happy. Cheers!
I connect with people that naturally appreciate when someone tries to do something. Not people that will just say they like something when they don't. But people that enjoy seeing others achieve.
Thanks for the video man! By looking at the comments I just came to realize that I’m not the only one here fighting with so much self doubt. Let’s kick some ass, people!
Don’t kick My ass! Unless You need some Hungarian slaps as payback :)
Thank you for this. I've been feeling really down recently about a lot of things in life because I've felt as though things are out of my control. Financially, I just got a second job for myself to pay some debt.
Creatively, I just finished a song in which the mix and master isn't where I want it to be. But I finished it. I did it. I spent a lot of time writing the song and I'm proud of it, regardless of its flaws. I week ago, I had someone tell me some orchestral style music I was making was like a half-assed Enya backing track. But I didn't take it to heart. This person had no music to show from himself beyond criticizing others for shit.
I know it seems hard sometimes, but it's out there. The world is here for us, not against us. It's just that some people are assholes.
Thanks for the video man, one of the best motivational videos I've seen lately!
I am 41, family & 2 kids, job, the whole 9 yards. It took me 20 years to start recording some music of my own only because I always managed to find excuses, being tired, being with my family, having the job and all. But somehow this year, I managed to find a way not to be a quitter anymore, I managed to find a way to split equally between my family (I have a very understanding one), my job & my music, and let me tell ya, even the result isn't what I would've dream it would be (mixing is not really my cup of tea, I only started this year to learn), it made me very proud that I finally got to do it. I realized that I prefer to be more tired and happy that I got to do something rather than sleep a little more and waking up frustrated that I did nothing.
To everyone out there: if you have a dream, work for it, don't let the time fly, it is too important to waste it.
We always live with the impression that we have time. Until we don't.
Please excuse my english. Peace to all!
That's Great! "I'd rather be tired than frustrated. "
right in the day that my doctor said that i suffer from severe anxiety and i nedd to start taking pills i see this video and it made my day ... it is god to see so much acomplished people that suffer from axiety and that you can defeat it ... from the bottom of my heart thank you glenn
This video couldn't be more spot-on.
Source: A near-hopeless perfectionist that endures senseless crap from others for being different.
Big Inspiration on coming back online. Thank you Glenn! Still praying for you and your wife!
This is the most epic video I've ever seen from you, I've recently gotten over a depression and gotten back with my "can do" attitude. I suffer from different mental disabilities including high functioning autism, ADHD, anxiety and panic disorder. These disabilities often become the concrete bricks tied to my feet when my depression kicks in and it sometimes takes a miracle to prevent me from drowning, one of those miracles include music and without it, I wouldn't be here, hell, we all wouldn't be here. This is going to sound ridiculous but one of the songs that I often look to for inspiration is I'll Make A Man Out of You from Mulan because there's just something in that song that really ignites the spark within. Thank you so much for this video Glenn, you are a talented and very smart man and everytime you upload a video, I always look foward to watching it. Rock on!
glenns got ya covered homie :)
When I see statements like that, i normally doubt everything...the Internet taking it´s toll.
So i went to check out your channel, and i have to say: It´s a treat listening to you.
But PLS, do youself a favour and get a bit into editing. Maybe you like it. I def do!
Keep on Rocking!
"Success is the best revenge."
So exquisitely true.
As a musicans point of view. When I doubd a song I made (as a self critisising guy I am), I do something else for while, and then came back to it. Giving time, can give you perspective, and also all the experience and practice you've gained, can be helpfull when you try it again. Cause usually it is the small things that gives u the headaghe. But yes, it is sometimes hard to belive in yourself, in a world where you can't believe anything, without double cheking. So in my case i use this "when in doubt, practice more and deside after", cause if you can't believe into yourself, how can others.
Metal Topia yes, that is what I tryed to say 😊 It ain't easy most of the time... but it just might to be worth it.
Woke up this morning with self-doubt. No joke. Saw this video and felt better. What I think is important about self-doubt: if you do not have it, you won’t be able to correct yourself or get corrected by others. If you do not doubt in yourself you are not able to LEARN. Nobody was born perfect. As long as someone is willing to learn, he has got the chance to get better. If you got a lot of talent, but you never get any better because you don’t listen and don’t learn, you are already artistically dead. Just my opinion. Anyway: thank you Glenn for this video!!!
Thanks Glenn, this was a truly inspirational video man. I think a lot of the of people need to hear this
last night i was seriously thinking of selling all my drumming and studio gear and just quit altogether. then, this video popped up in my recommendations. thanks, glenn.
As someone who's just about to hop into a band, I needed this. Thank you, Glenn.
Glenn, as someone who likes to mask my fear of failure with the impression of laziness, because that's somehow better, I wanted to say thank you. I gave up guitar years ago due to too many other commitments and despite now having the time, I've bailed and made excuses every time. My friend challenged me to join him on stage in 2 months to play a song, I'm doing it, even if I'm not the player I was, and having to get over stage fright again. Truly inspirational Glenn, no fuck you on this one.
Listening to Henry Rollins read through "Get In The Van" changed my life.
I'm super hyped to see him do some spoken word material next month at Montbello Rockfest.
Rollins is great. Love hearing him talk about music and diy/punk ethos
FinalBaton theres something empowering about the way he quit his minimum wage job at Haagen-Dazs and went on to do such great things,
With just a bit of luck, a love for punk rock, and the threat of having to go back to what he came from.
Thats the type of shit that hits home with me.
"you need time to be bad, before you be good" ??.....This must go down to most famous quotes ever..Already feeling great relief after this phrase...take care Glenn
Thanks so much for putting this out Glenn. I’ve been under a funk myself recently- my own channel has been light on content (or at least that’s what it feels like) and I’ve got about 10 videos in the pipeline. Trouble is, now I’ve got the time to edit them, I’m finding myself procrastinating then sitting feeling sad that I’ve done nothing!
This may be the boot up the ass needed to get me back on track and get interest coming in again. You’ve helped me before with putting my Oldies but Baddies entry in the top 10, but you’re helping again. Keep up all the energy you can, we all appreciate it.
-Adam, Hop Pole Studios
I kinda get now why other RUclipsrs say you only seem angry and scary all the time, and in reality you're a kind person. I wish you knew how inspiring and motivating your videos have been for me these couple of years. I still have a long way to go till I'm any good, but I'm finally doing music related stuff, not just dreaming about it. Thank you, Glenn.
Exactly. Be true to yourself, your craft, your talent.
Imagine if they said things like that in church.
Thank you, Glen! "You need time to be bad before you actually become good" -love it !!!
This hit me right in the heart, Brilliant stuff, Glenn :)
Because it's always easier to throw rocks than build something. NOTHING WORTH HAVING COMES EASY!
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go finish mixing and mastering the rest of my album and THEN start learning to code to make my first epic videogame!
You're right. Not all of us get past our crushing self doubt. I'm struggling with it now and, so far, I haven't done nearly as well in the fight as you have.
When I first saw this video, my first thought was it was hard for me to imagine you having this level of self doubt given how completely awesome your stuff is. But I'm introspective enough that after I finished it I took a step back and realized probably EVERY SINGLE TALENTED PERSON I've EVER seen has gone through this. It's human. On the one hand I find myself wishing you didn't have to go through that shit. But the other part me realizes that you probably wouldn't BE what you are today WITHOUT that shit.
Myself? I still haven't given up. Not to the point of sticking, anyway. I spend time wasting my time watching RUclips or TV instead of doing my projects sometimes, just as you say here, and the fact that I'm 46 and still stuck in a job that makes me miserable doesn't help. My biggest doubts right now are, "Am I too old now to break into film?" Which is what I really want to do, make films. "How can I support myself and my wonderful partner if I quit this job? Where's the money going to come from? Will anyone take me seriously? If they do, can I deliver?"
That last question is the reason why the idea of being supported by other peoples' money TERRIFIES me. What if I DO get all the support I need and I fuck up? I've let down all these people who've supported me.
That's the thought, more than anything else, that keeps holding me back.
I don't want to quit. I don't INTEND to quit. But I'm not sure how to get past this hurdle. I'm not sure where and how to find help.
You're right that one shouldn't give up. And I haven't. But without guidance from people, and with the fear of accepting help lest I fail, sometimes it feels like the effort is just spinning my wheels in the mud.
Glenn....wow did I ever need that video!!! You're an inspiration man! I feel invigorated like I just walked out of a Rocky movie.
We all have self doubt. Maybe we need it like every band needs a bass player.
BeardGuitar 😂! I almost pissed my pants at the bass joke.
Hey Glenn, so my mother is a vocal music teacher in a high school here in India, and recently she's been really considering quitting her job because the new principal seems to not value music and creative arts, and tries to step over any novelty that the music department of the school tries to come up with. The last couple of years have been incredibly frustrating for her, and much like you in 2004, she's been contemplating quitting teaching music for good (one of the rhythm music teachers has already quit). But I showed her this video a few minutes ago and she's changed her mind about that now. She says that you are right and that this video has given her the strength to carry on despite the roadblocks created for her by others. So thank you so much, Glenn! You really change lives. :)
Speaking to me, Glenn. Thanks. It is interesting to me because I’ve applied this to other areas of my life, successfully. When it comes to my music I’m often paralyzed by self doubt. I was asked to sit in the other night, declined for this reason. Apparently it was obvious to the drummer. He came up to me and asked: “If you got up on stage and played tonight, would you regret it tomorrow?” No, I would not regret it, wtf am I thinking.
I totally agree man. Get out and get busy! It’s your world. Do what you want with as much effort as you can give and you will make it an awesome world to be in. And the pay off is huge. It really feels great
Thanks.
Never giving up is probably an infinately bigger reason for success than talent, also if you like doing the thing you want to get good at its alot easier. Great video Glenn !!!
Great Idea Glenn! You should do more of these, I love it
hi there glenn and everyone at SMG. thank you so much for this video. my girlfriend is a bussines administrator, so last night she was breaking down with the preasure she get´s. and she was telling my friend and i while having a drink that she only wished she could have done what she wanted ever since the beginning of her career, and how lost she feels at this point of her life. i imediatley played this video. at the end the 3 of us almost ended up crying, for sure we did sob and and got teary eyes. after that , the ambience was so much realxed. i guess many of us got to watch this video in the right time and place. so once again, thank you so much lifting the hopes even of people who is not into music as in bussines.
Great video Glenn! 😎👍
This is the best video of yours I've watched. I prefer this to the blustery, in-your-face ones. You seem more yourself here. I appreciated it, FWIW. You can't please all the people all the time.
Hey Glenn,
You mentioned once that your Countryman DI cost about 200 bucks. That kinda made me do a double take as my Thomann DI was only 10 euros. It sounds pretty good to me but then again, I don't really have anything to compare it to. Would you ever do a shootout between DI boxes, and how much difference do you think it makes? Big fan of the show btw, your tutorials have definitely helped me!
I probably have every ancient and modern DI known to man. Doing signal sweeps of them will have you questioning your sanity. I think there is some difference in noise level though. The biggest thing I can think of between them is really how well they do or don't handle really loud pickups...Some of the higher dollar ones do not do this so well
I use them €10 DIs they're fucking great
The like to dislike ratio is absolutely nuts here. Thanks for getting so in depth and showing so much transparency here, I really enjoyed this.
This video helped loads, your the best glenn!!
Thank you for this video, I needed it. I've been writing a solo debut album since late 2013, I've had three computers since then, every time I'm almost done the computers go to help, and I lose all my work..(I write using guitar pro), after my second computer (attempt) died on me in February I decided to go lighter and easier, but still something that I would listen too. I became a truck driver to help pay for the album, working 14 to 18 hours (off the clock) a day and still finding time to practice when I get home I was all blown out, but still did it and tried to live a normal life. Got fired from that job over company politics, and started a new job doing flatbed hauling suicide coils, I just quit that job because the risk doesn't match up with my plans plus being with my trainer was hard imagine sleeping in a 2 1/2 tall bunk, and all your stuff is with you. I spent a month with out practicing my craft, I come from a family of musicians, so I feel obligated to become one, I don't deserve to be one seeing all the greats but I want to try to get the piece of mind, knowing that I've tried, and when I'm old I don't be bitter because I did my best if things don't work out. I'm just trying to be realistic. Rob chapmand video on "guitar is not dead" also gave me incite. I just left that flatbed job to focus on my craft and have another lined out, I would be honored to record with you. Please give a contact email so we can talk about recording, I'll pay your rates, I've been saving up for it.
This is a really very good video man, straight down the line, sticks to the point and spoken from a heart full of experience. You only talk about wat you know (therefore, there's no bullshit!!!) And the advice is spot on. Top drawer!!! Peace from England Glenn.
Through all the ranting and raging, I see that you're a pretty down-to-earth dude. I appreciated watching this video again tonight because I'm at one of those moments when it would be very easy to quit.
Best video I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks for the inspiration!
This really helps, self doubt is something we all suffer from one way or another and this is one of those videos that are a GODSEND for people like me, I fucking love you Glenn, keep being awesome
Wise words Glen! I concur to all of this! Been going the miles myself just like you did and it's paying off now. Now you and I (and all the others in our position) can give back to the world and help out those facing the same hurdles we did. :)
GREAT video Glenn! One of my favorite quotes is from Bruce Lee:
"To hell with circumstances, I create opportunities!"
We all get the blues from time to time, it happens. We're human. Setting realistic goals and making them happen is the mark of a true successful person.
Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth is a high school dropout. He didn't whine about his circumstance, he created an opportunity to live his dream, which was being in a metal band. After he dropped out, he immediately went to work on it, and never quit. Now he is in one of the biggest metal bands around now.
If he can do it, so can we. :)
Thanks, this is awesome and a huge help.I’d love to see more videos like it.
This video could not have come at a better time for me. Just yesterday, my band had a big problem that finally exploded after a long time of tension. The result so far is that the drummer quit. And as usual in these situations, some of the remaining members are now blaming the drummer for everything. My viewpoint is that he quit because there was a problem and not because HE was the problem. Now I am also left contemplating my position in the band as well. Maybe it's time to stop trying to make a band work and go do something else.
But then this video came to me. And I realize, I can't stop now. So maybe I won't be a member of my current band anymore, but I'm not giving up. There are plenty of bands out there in need of a good singer.
THANK YOU GLENN FRICKER!!!!!!
Fantastic video Glenn! Very inspiring message. I’m only at 7000 Subscribers so far, but I’d be lying if the thought of throwing in the towel hasn’t crossed my mind a few times. You’ve inspired me to take some risks with my channel that I’m not sure I would have taken. You were really the first RUclips guy in our genre that I saw that was just telling it like it is and not concerned with pissing people off. Thanks again, I really enjoyed this!
I am not one that normally comments on videos, but after about 18 months of tuning into videos I have to say thank you. This video in particular was the highlight of the channel so far, Mr Glenn. Anything and everything I have learned from or laughed with/at in your videos has been impacting to say the least, but these simple, honest reminders from time to time, that WE ARE WORTH THE FIGHT to keep pursuing with our passions and desires, that is the most inspiring and encouraging thing one can pass to others in this world of candy-coated bastards.
So thanks again, Mr. Glenn.
-CWC
Dude my dad was watching me watching your videos and he was thinking for like a week who you looked like. He said you looked like Peter Griffin with long hair. It was golden. Don't you think so?
LOOOOOL!!!!
It never ceases to impress me how much knowledge Glenn can impart on so many subjects, and how often the advice is so spot on.
Great video Glenn thanks
Unbelievable. All the things that needed to be said. This should be force fed to all self doubters. My own self doubt stems from my dad telling me I'll never be a musician. That I will only be a manufacturer as long as I live and I should quit guitar. AND THAT WAS AFTER I SHOWED HIM THE FIRST METAL SONG I WROTE AND RECORDED!!! What shit. This was coming from a music loving man I looked up to my whole life. Then I realized I easily became a musician far faster with more talent than he could ever have become himself. Now I don't show him my music anymore because he isn't worthy. He isn't the man I looked up to all my life he is just 'my Dad' now. When I finish my first album I'm gonna shove it in his face. "Success is the best revenge." Don't get me wrong I still have the deepest love for the man I just wish he had supported my efforts and my triumphant moment could have been a moment we share. Now its to late for that. Great vid Glenn you are the f*cling man!!!
I really appreciated this. Thank you!
I’m a crane operator with a military background finding it extremely difficult to find a crane gig. When I do, I’m a target due to my age. This really helped me tackle another day. Thank you.
Amazing. You’re the man.
I think we all know that others struggle with self-doubt, but it really does help to hear it, especially from creatives who are putting out quality stuff like this channel. Only recently have I been able to push past it to some degree and actually start releasing music and it's liberating. Thanks for the unfiltered honesty in the videos. Now I'm going to go make something this morning. Cheers, Glen
Thank you Glen!!!
I got my first troll on a video I put in a Facebook group! I was so happy! I agree with you, you need to keep pushing yourself and not listening to the self doubt.
Excellent video. Definitely related to this
Thank you so much for this much needed firm kick in the ass. "You need time to be bad before you can become good" really resonated with me because whenever I'm starting something and it's not perfect from the get go, I instantly deem myself a failure. But then after practicing, it always gets better. But of course, the cycle continues. It's so easy to just give up on yourself.
It's nice to have a little voice in your head saying "it's okay" if something doesn't sound perfect right away or if you're just having an off day.
That last statement.....so true. Thanks Fricker. SMG is LIF
Finally an uplifting video from Glenn. Thanks Glenn. These few words were more impactful than many longer SSS videos.
My brain is making me write several songs for my late mother. It depresses me and crushes me. but the creative part of me is hounding me. Should i finish the songs for closure? Or do I just stop
SnowHowl Official For your love of her. To honor her memory. Write. Tears flowing, heartwrenching, gut twisting.
WRITE !!!!!
If the creative fire is still burning in you, do your best to keep it burning!
Let it out.. I play all kinds of music but am known by friends as being mostly a metal guy so when I played an acoustic set and played nothingman by pearl jam friends attending were surprised to see that by the end of the song it was hard to sing and play cause I was crying a lot... that song was a favorite of a friend who passed away and still to this day I choke back tears when I hear it, it is not a sign of weakness to be venerable or show emotion it is a sign of weakness to regard emotion as a flaw. :)
Yeah you should definitely stop, and while youre at it you could stop asking loaded questions on yt comments to feed your ego.
let the emotions do all the work. however, if you feel like you can't; don't force it bc, like taking a shit, you'll end up with something bad
Thank you for this video. Self doubt is something I battle on a daily basis. I have never been confident in myself and yet I don't ever want to give up. I'm not sure if I will ever feel confident but music is something that literally saved my life. Thank you.
**talks about very talented musicians**
**shows picture with jared dines**
good one glenn
I have no idea why you had doubts about such types of video! Marvellously done, very well balanced and Great Points.
Thank you. It was needed. We are too much focused with dealing with sleet in extreme situations, i.e. when it hits the fan, but in the long run, the one who is steadiest wins, not the fastest one. Creative life is marathon, not a sprint series. Keep up!
Dude this video simplifies the reason why i joined and subscribed to your channel. I’m a digital artist/designer with a goal of becoming a concept artist at the movie/game industry and you have no idea how much I needed this video. Even the funny jokes you tell about bass players is really inspiring makes you want to do something and “practice your shit”. Thanks for this Glenn. Thanks a lot.
Thank you Glenn, this video inspired me. You are totally right. And everyone of us had or will have or actually has this moment, where everything pulls one down and the only thought one has is "I quit". The trick is to hold on and to pull yourself up again.
Glenn, I started my RUclips channel 2 weeks ago and with every video I've made I always worry that nobody is going to like it or that it's not good enough. I've tried doing this in the past but I let others get to me and I quit. It's you and other RUclipsrs that inspire me to keep going and maybe one day in the future I'll be at conventions filming with everyone. Keep up the good content.
It can also be frustrating dealing with others who are filled with self-doubt. I've got a friend who is a better and more experienced musician than either my bandmate/songwriting partner or I. This guy played guitar in a few band years ago but hasn't since. When he helped us write our first song, we asked him if he wanted to write other songs with us and join our little band that we decided to form, but he just wasn't interested. All he seems interested in doing music-wise is sitting on the couch, noodling Alex Lifeson solos, and other not-so-easy to play solos by other legendary guitarists, but he's not interested in creating anything new and original. While it's fine trying to learn licks written by others, to me it's a dead end, especially if you're only doing it on your or somebody else's couch, and not in front of an audience. (He does go out to bars and sing karaoke in front of people, but his only goal there is pick up drunken fat chicks with low self-esteem.) We're not interested in being a cover band. We want to do our own stuff. After repeated attempts to get him to join us, we just gave up on him and moved on without him. Right now, he's out of work and has nothing better to do, so you'd think he'd jump at the chance, but he's just not interested. Still, if he asked me tomorrow if he could join us, I'd say yes, but he's just not interested.
I guess what I'm saying here in my long-winded comment is that he's afraid to suck. My philosophy is, "Don't be afraid to suck." Sure, there might be plenty of people out there who are better than you at something, but at the same time there are people out there who are worse than you are, but at least they are trying. We know we suck, but at least we're trying to get better and eventually not suck. I think we've written some good songs, but our playing and singing are nothing to write the NY Times about-but we're trying to get better.
I needed this video, so thank you Glenn. I'm in the process of starting a guitar repair business and have been dealing with these issues daily. It's incredible the amount of people that are 100% comfortable in telling you that you'll fail before you even try. Ill memorize the line "Success is the best revenge" and prove to the doubters that it can be done.Thanks again Glenn, keep up the great work.
Late to the video but I really needed to see this today. I'm a musician, song writer, and I'm learning the art of recording so my band can be independent. I've also made the decision to go back to college and pursue a degree in radiology. And I suffer hard with self doubt, anxiety and depression. But you're right. No giving up. Push on and make it through. Because it's how we deal with the hard times that shapes who we are
This video made me day, month, year. So fucking thankful for this channel. I have watched every upload for coming up on 3 years now. It's the reason I haven't quit and built my own studio from the ground up. Literally. I wish you many more years of success and am glad you do what you do as it's inspired me to keep going and never to give up because it's worth it.
Thank you Glenn! This was inspiring. I'm not even a metal head but your videos have motivated me to get my content going in my own genre and industry. Thanks for the down to earth insight on self doubt. I think every creative individual has dealt with it. It's harder to pave roads than to follow footsteps.
So glad I saw this! Not only does it add to my appreciation for you, as well as your credibility as an artist and creator that is 'getting after it', it show's you really do care about the success and well-being of your fans and students. Like it or not, you're a teacher. And that fucking rocks. As a fellow teacher, who also has been gifted by the ancestors (and maybe Krum) to see opportunities when they land in my lap, I spent the majority of my adult life trying to pursue a musical career, which ended up more often than not with me working in Film and TV internationally. WTF, right? I'm a musician, not an actor. Well, sorta. Anyway, having a musician's ear and a bit of background in acting did land me a few gigs in major films as a dialog coach, after which I was easily hired to work under the table for various English schools in Poland and Bulgaria. The only place I was ever granted a proper visa to live and work was Scotland (UK generally) which was acquired while I was living the pirate's life in Poland. All told, I spent about 14 years in Poland, 2 in Scotland and six months in Bulgaria (which was a fluke, I was there for a 2 week vacation, and was given room and board near the beach in 'Journalist' to teach business owners there English for 6 months). Point being, re-iterating your advice here: recognize the opportunities, and don't be afraid to fail. Going for it is a success in itself. I've long been trying to start a home recording studio, from Warsaw in 2006 to now. I'm slowly getting there, but teachers like you are invaluable. So thanks, and keep at it, please. Happy Frickerstag! Fuck the Haters. Howdy from Krum, Texas. Well, Krum-adjacent... I'm in Denton.
I wish I could put into words how badly I needed this message. Your timing is impeccable, thank you.
I feel you hit this right in the head. I have been drumming for 16+ years now and while I always see drummers ripping it harder than I could ever hope to be, it's my own stubborn ways that keep me wanting to do what I do. I needed this little reality check here. Thanks!
Holy Shit, so, this video has me inspired.
I'm sorry you had to deal with bullying in high school.
I was bullied all through elementary school, basically teased and alienated. My mom homeschooled me for middle school and high school, and even through middle school, old classmates were still hellish over facebook. I'm still working on not listening to what people have said to or about me.
I don't wish bullying on anyone. It sucks. But I'm kind of relieved to know that someone I look up to/respect highly has had a similar experience and has gotten through it to create anyways. The more that I see people I respect share stories like that, the more it makes me believe I can do it too.
Great video! When I was on the street at 17 for thinking for myself, a random guy I met on the street told me that "success is the best revenge". And that statement has influenced the rest of my life. I'm 33 years old now and have been a welder since 2007 and I now make $21.00/hr at Caterpillar doing a lot of hand welding and operating a $300,000.00 robot, fabricating the best small tract type tractors in the world! Never give up on yourself, folks!
This was unexpected. I'm so appreciative that you took the time to make this video. I'm a longtime sufferer of anxiety and depression and it's video's like this that make a genuine difference. Thank you Glenn. You're a Man among Men.
This really hits home for me I picked up the guitar so I could impress my dad and when I finally had the confidence to bring my guitar to school everyone told me I sucked but in the end I let the hatred motivate me and keep pushing to the point where now those same people praise me for being able to play multiple instruments and want to jam with me keep your heads up guys thanks glen love your videos keep them coming
Great video Glenn. I'm 50 and still deal with self doubt, not because of others, but because of myself. Believe it or not, being a KISS fan in the late 70's, then a hardcore kid in the early 80's taught me to ignore insecure haters. But I fell into an addiction about 15 years ago that set my confidence back, even after conquering it. It's a daily struggle getting beyond self-doubt but pushing through it is the only way and it's so worth the struggle. Love yr channel. Thanks.
Nice job. I could see this becoming a monthly series: on specific topics that are non-studio or tech oriented. I love the sarcasm and rants of your other videos, but It's also good to hear you put together a narrative oriented piece that addresses a specific issue.
I’ve been recording an album over the last few months and honestly you’re right. Sticking with something and not letting others (even those closest to you) get you down. Thankyou
Great words. I'm 48 and about to change careers. My own self doubt has tried to stop me, but as I now have the tools to ignore it, I'm looking forward to the challenge. This video just re-enforces what I already knew. Thanks man.
This is a really great video. I recently wrote my senior thesis in philosophy on the belief that hardly ever is the shortcut/easy way the right path to take. Instead, it is the hard path which provides the most enlightenment. There are things that hard work and pain can teach us that the comfort of taking the shortcut never can.
This was the best video on RUclips period applies to everything. I too was harrased is 1987 to 89 made me hate the world and myself took till a few years ago to let go and stop letting myself get in the way of me. Years of selfdoubt am I good enough etc. General shit mental health and scared to fail turned me into a recluse I'm now 46 and back to playing and recording and teaching my kids what not to do. They dig you Glen and I do as well ... All Hail Glen one of the good guys..
Glenn, I know im 5 years late, but you said so many things in this video that I needed to hear. Especially the part where you said that no one told you that their opinions didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. I myself am a really bad people pleaser and on top of that, I let life get in the way of a lot of the crafts that I wanted to do. After seeing this, Im gonna try and do better and put in the work on it.
Thanks for this. I've been a drummer for 15+ years and recently decided to try and write my own music. I keep putting it off cause I'm afraid it's gonna be horrible. But I've also spent the last few years getting away from toxic people and bringing in friends that are super supportive. And hearing others that struggle with the same thing makes it feel less like you're all alone. This was good to hear, keep it up. Cheers dude!
I'm glad you endured the bad times and managed to move on and are doing the things that make you happy, bro. I'm proud of you, angy a-hole