One of the biggest sources of anxiety for an artist is to measure their progress only through visible figures. Monthly listeners, plays, followers or likes end up becoming the only thermometer of the project.
The problem is that these numbers do not always reflect real progress. At many stages, a project may be growing without immediately translating into eye-catching metrics.
WHEN NUMBERS DON'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY
The platforms show results, but not processes. They do not reflect the decisions that have been made better, the mistakes that are no longer repeated or the clarity that has been gained about the project itself.
Measuring progress by numbers alone often creates a constant feeling of being behind, even when progress is being made internally.
SIGNS OF PROGRESS THAT DO NOT SHOW UP IN THE STATISTICS
There are growth indicators that are not easily quantifiable, but which are key to a sustainable artistic career:
- Clearer project identity
- Better launch decisions
- Less improvisation and more judgement
- Smoother creative processes
- Less reliance on external validation
These developments are often quiet, but they make a huge difference in the medium term.
THE MISTAKE OF COMPARING PROCESSES WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S RESULTS
Comparing your internal process with the public results of other artists distorts the perception of progress. Each project is at a different stage and responds to different contexts.
Measuring yourself only against external benchmarks often leads to unnecessary pressure and hasty decisions that do not always benefit the project.
LEARNING TO LOOK AT YOUR PROJECT WITH PERSPECTIVE
Measuring progress involves looking at the project over longer blocks of time. Comparing yourself six months or a year ago is often more revealing than looking at week-by-week figures.
Asking yourself whether you make better decisions now than before is often a more reliable indicator than any metric.
NUMBERS MATTER, BUT THEY ARE NOT THE STARTING POINT
Data is useful when interpreted in context. It is useful for analysing trends, adjusting strategies and understanding audience behaviour, but it should not be the sole basis for assessing your value as an artist.
A sound project uses numbers as a tool, not as a judge.
TO PROGRESS AS AN ARTIST IS TO ACCUMULATE CRITERIA
Real progress is often seen in the way we work, not just in visible results. More judgement, more focus and less noise usually indicate that the project is maturing, even if the numbers are slow to follow.
In many cases, by the time the results come in, growth has been going on inside for some time.
Learning to measure your progress beyond the numbers allows you to move forward with less anxiety, make better decisions and sustain your project with greater confidence over the long term.
