An artist's state of mind is at the top of my list of requirements for success. It wasn't always that way.

In my early days, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing talent, whose work I loved. I felt I was still proving myself, so I agreed to manage them, despite their historic instability. They agreed to get themselves into therapy immediately, but never did. Great things started to happen, and as soon as they did, they self-destructed through drugs and womanizing. The professional experience had value, but creatively, it was a waste of time for both of us.

Self-sabotage is a tricky mistress. People often don't recognize that they are doing it while its happening, or even in retrospect. They blame others for their failures and damaged relationships and therefore repeat the pattern again and again.

I'm not saying that anyone is ever going to be or should be "perfect." But, if you get know your patterns and embrace your shadow, you can then monitor and manage your mind, which means you have the tools with which to achieve your dreams. If you suspect you may self-sabotage, the conscious decision must be made to take self-responsibility and be pursued as vigorously as your career.

It is crucial to find the right therapist - one that specializes in whatever your issues are, based on your childhood experiences. I've also found it's equally important to emotionally release the past from the body (cellular), mind and heart. This is different from self-analysis and there are different techniques for it. Doing both simultaneously speeds the process and depth of healing. Supportive friends are also important.

I made the agreement to get professional counseling while in development stage with four different artists throughout my career. They all intended to, but never did (committed to self-sabotage). All of them started to self-destruct when they started to attract serious attention, so I was forced to terminate the management contracts. All disappeared from the scene and never resurfaced.  If they had gotten their heads in order before things started to happen, they would be major stars today. Happily, one of them is now doing well in therapy, but it may be too late for a career in a band.

These days, if an artist hasn't taken self-responsibility (responsibility = ability to respond) for their minds (and therefore actions) before I meet them, I won't consider working with them no matter how talented they are. This can be a high pressure business and I know they will only end up shooting themselves in the foot at a crucial point.

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