Struggling with unsupportive friends and family? Here are 7 powerful tips to stay focused and succeed in your music career, no matter who doubts you.
Introduction: Why Your Circle Might Not Support You
Every artist dreams of having a solid support system, but what happens when your closest friends and family don’t believe in your music career? It can be frustrating, discouraging, and even painful. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up! The truth is, many successful artists faced the same struggle before making it big. If you’re feeling alone in your music career journey, don’t worry—I’ve got 7 powerful tips to help you stay motivated and keep pushing toward your goals.Don’t Take It Personally
It’s easy to feel hurt when those closest to you don’t support your music career, but understand that it’s not about you. Many times, their lack of support comes from fear, misunderstanding, or their own personal beliefs. They might think music isn’t a “real job” or that you won’t succeed because they’ve never seen anyone around them do it.
Example: When Burna Boy started, not everyone believed he could take Afrobeat global. But he kept going, and now he’s a Grammy-winning artist.
Prove Them Wrong With Results
Talk is cheap—results speak louder than words. If people doubt your music career, show them what you’re capable of through your work. Focus on building your music, gaining real fans, and improving your craft. When success starts to show, even the biggest doubters will pay attention. Example: Rema went from being an unknown artist to dominating international charts because of his consistency and undeniable results. His talent forced people to take him seriously.Communicate Your Goals Clearly
Sometimes, your family and friends don’t support your music career simply because they don’t understand your vision. Instead of getting frustrated, try explaining why music is your passion and how you plan to make it work.
Actionable Tip: Instead of just saying, “I want to do music,” explain your strategy: “I’m building my fanbase, releasing music consistently, and networking with industry professionals.” This makes your music career sound more structured and achievable.
Surround Yourself With Supportive People
You can’t force people to support you, but you can find those who do. Connect with other artists, producers, and fans who believe in your music career. Join music communities, attend industry events, and build relationships with people who understand your hustle.View this post on InstagramExample: The Alté music scene in Nigeria grew because of artists supporting each other. Instead of waiting for outside validation, they created their own movement.Use Negativity as Motivation
Many successful artists were doubted before they made it. Instead of letting negativity bring you down, use it as fuel to prove people wrong and push forward in your music career. Example: Olamide was once underestimated because he rapped in Yoruba, but he turned that doubt into motivation. Today, he’s one of Nigeria’s biggest artists, proving that authenticity wins.Stay Focused on Your Journey
It’s easy to get distracted by negative opinions, but remember why you started your music career in the first place. Keep working on your music, improving your craft, and pushing forward. Actionable Tip: Set clear, measurable goals—like reaching a certain number of streams, growing your social media, or performing at specific events. This keeps you focused on progress instead of negativity.Remember, It’s YOUR Dream, Not Theirs
At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with your choices. If your music career is your calling, don’t let anyone else’s opinion stop you. Most successful artists had to fight for their dreams before the world recognized their greatness. Example: When Wizkid was coming up, not everyone believed he would be a superstar. Now, he’s one of the biggest names in African music. Imagine if he had quit because people doubted him?Conclusion: Keep Pushing Forward!
Not everyone will see your vision for your music career, and that’s okay. The key is to stay focused, surround yourself with positive influences, and use every doubt as motivation. Keep creating, keep pushing, and one day, the same people who doubted you will be the ones bragging about knowing you from the start.
