We’ve seen it happen over and over again.

A new, exciting artist releases their debut album.  They top the charts and win the acclaim of industry experts and peers.

Then, after much anticipation, they release their second album.

And it’s just not the same.

Why is it so difficult to replicate the success of the first effort?

I suspect it’s because the first album was made with passion.

But the second is often distracted by thoughts of pleasing the fans and critics.

On the first album was all of the pain, the broken hearts and great joys of life until that moment.

All of the good material has been used and there’s not as much to get passionate about for the follow-up.

The first album was all about the music, the art and the creative process.

The second album is about maintaining the cash-flow to support the lifestyle that the debut album created.

What about you?

Do you live with passion and enthusiasm?  Do you find joy in your endeavours?  Is there art and creativity in what you do on a daily basis?

Or are you in second album mode, where you just need to make a living?  Do you operate in a field that you were once excited about, but now it’s mundane, humdrum and just a job?

Do you live with the mindset of someone making their first album or their second?

I would like to encourage you today to recall those things that used to get your pulse racing with excitement, that you would spend time creatively thinking about and live a life of passion and enthusiasm.

Act as if you’re making your first album.

It could be your best work yet!

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