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Your Identity Is the Result of Your Consistency

Like a lot of DJs I meet, their careers often feel a bit haphazard—full of bursts of intense learning and growth, followed by long droughts and uncertainty. We evolve alongside technology (vinyl to digital), mature through genres, and ride the rhythm of life—oscillating between periods of going out and staying in.

I used to think success in DJing came down to two things: the work you put in and the people you meet. And yeah, that’s true to a degree.

But there’s a bigger factor. A “C” word that’s rarely sexy but always game-changing.

Consistency.

It wasn’t until I had a long conversation with another DJ—someone who, like me, has spent decades dancing between the limelight and the sidelines—that it really hit me. We were both guilty of jumping from idea to idea. And while that creative energy feels productive in the moment, over time, it leaves little behind. Little to show. Little to build on. Little evidence of a life in music.

In the startup world (and let’s be honest, being a DJ is basically running a one-person startup), you hear phrases like “fail fast” and “pivot.” But beneath the buzzwords, what actually drives success is consistent application of your craft.

That means showing up for gigs, recording mixes, making tracks—even when no one’s watching. Especially when no one’s watching.

I’ve learned the hard way: random bursts of effort, followed by burnout or distraction, don’t build momentum. They create plateaus. You feel like you’re constantly restarting. Like Groundhog Day with a USB stick.

What changed for me was developing a simple system:

• Define your personal Venn diagram — three core themes, interests, or creative identities. For me: music, screenwriting, and tech.
• Create a long-term vision for each.
• Set a 90-day goal for each one.

Then track your progress in a way that respects your everyday life. I’ve got work, family, and responsibilities—so I stopped chasing full studio days. Instead, I aim for an hour a day. Just one hour for music production, for writing, for learning. Little and often.

That’s the habit. That’s what builds identity.

It’s not just deciding to become a DJ. It’s proving that decision again and again with small, regular steps.

So if you want to make it as a DJ, look at your identity – which is formed by small daily contributions, not magic.