What 3 Years as a Full-Time Artist Really Taught Me

If You’ve Ever Thought About Going All-In on Your Dream, Read This...

Over the past three years, I’ve learned what it really takes to build a life around your art. How to stay disciplined when motivation fades, how to create through burnout, and how to trust the timing even when nothing’s moving.

A few years ago, if you told me I’d be getting my music licensed by the Toronto Raptors, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Milwaukee Brewers, I probably would’ve said, “Sounds about right.” But back then, I was clocking in at a full-time job, chasing music on the side, and just trying to keep the dream alive.

Now, being an artist is my full-time reality and I’ve learned more in this season than any conference, recording session, or industry panel could’ve taught me.

No fluff

No formulas

Just real lessons from someone still figuring it out, but finally living it for real.

1. Discipline Creates Freedom: The Stay Sharp System

Most people hear “discipline” and think “control” or “restriction.” But for me, it’s been the opposite. Having structure gives me peace. It clears the noise so I can actually create.

That’s what led me to build The Stay Sharp System. It started when life felt chaotic, and I needed a rhythm that worked for me. One that balanced fatherhood, music, health, and business without burning out.

The Stay Sharp System isn’t about control. It’s about purpose. It keeps me grounded so I can show up as a better artist, father, and person.

Here’s what a typical day looks like:

6:25 AM — Wake up and meditate

6:45 AM — Stretch & hydrate

7:00 AM — Make sure my son’s up and get him ready for school.

8:30–11:30 AM — Gym session: 30-minute warm-up, 50–60 minute workout, 30 minutes of cardio, shower, 25 minutes in the sauna, and a cold plunge or ice-cold shower to reset.

12:00–3:15 PM — Studio time: check emails, return calls, engage on socials, and work on upcoming projects (rehearsals, show prep, songwriting, or writing blogs like this).

3:30-8:00 PM — My focus shifts back to my son. Help him with homework, dinner, chores and have a real convo about his day. Sometimes i help, sometimes I just listen but always let him know I'm here.

8:30 PM — He’s usually winding down for bed, and that’s when I decide whether I’m clocking back in to work on more projects or just clocking out to rest.

If you’re serious about chasing your dream, try building your own rhythm. Plan your week, not just for what you hope to do, but what you will do.

2. Gardening

This year, I started doing something I call gardening. It’s basically showing up and being present, planting seeds, and building relationships without expecting instant results.

At the Juno Awards, I was everywhere. Shaking hands, connecting with people, showing up with good energy. Because of that, I ended up presenting at the SOCAN Academy during the Junos and performing at Sankofa Square for Desi Fest this summer.

That didn’t happen by luck. It happened because I kept showing up and when you plant seeds, opportunities grow.

3. The Business

A lot of artists hate the business side, but here’s the truth, that’s where all the freedom is.

I spent months updating all my publishing accounts and making sure everything was set up right. Now, when songs do well, money gets collected for me automatically.

That’s what I like to call grown man artistry. Setting up systems so your work pays you even when you’re not working.

If you wanna learn more about how to do that lets setup a meeting where i can break it down for you.

👉🏾 rochesterakajuice@gmail.com

4. Pacing Is Everything

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Early on, I wanted to do everything at once. Drop songs, do shows, post content daily. But I learned that moving fast isn’t the same as moving smart.

Now I pace myself, plan things out, give myself room to breathe, and pivot when needed.

For me, its the best way to stay consistent without burning out.

5. FOMO

When I left my 9-to-5, I carried that same “go-go-go” mentality into my first year as a full-time artist.

I thought if I wasn’t out networking, performing, or posting, I was falling behind.

But sometimes the best thing for your career is to chilllllll.

To rest

To live your life

Some of my biggest creative breakthroughs came when I stopped forcing things. Being patient is a skill and the ones who master it always get rewarded.

6. What Misses You Isn’t Meant for You

This one hit me hard.

There were moments this year where things I thought were mine didn’t work out — placements that fell through, calls that never came.

But I’ve learned that what misses you wasn’t meant for you.

And what’s meant for you will always find its way back.

The universe doesn’t make mistakes.

7. Failure Is a Necessity

If you want to be successful, failure is part of the game.

I’ve missed deals, dropped songs that didn’t hit, and had moments that didn’t go how I planned. But every L taught me something. Every failure sharpened my instincts.

Failure builds character so don't skip it, embrace it and keep moving forward.

8. Perfection Is a Trap

Perfection is a beautifully unattainable goal.

It’s okay to aim for it but never let it handcuff you.

I used to obsess over getting every song, visual, and rollout perfect. But chasing perfection can keep you from finishing.

Now, I aim for excellence, not perfection. I just want to be better every time I show up.

9. Don’t Judge the Moment

It’s easy to look around and think, “Why isn’t this happening faster?”

But every moment wether good or bad always has a reason. Sometimes a door closes because the universe has a bigger plan. You just can’t see it yet.

So I try not to judge the moment anymore.

I trust the process.

10. Great Music Travels on Its Own

At the end of the day, great music moves. It finds people.

I’ve stopped obsessing over algorithms and views. My job is to make the best art I can, promote it smartly, and then let it go.

Focus on what you can control. The craft, the message, the consistency.

The rest will follow.

BTW if you havent heard the new song i licensed to Sportnet for the Toronto Raptors listen here

11. Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines

You already know this one’s my mantra but it has to be said.

Everything I’ve built, from sync placements to live shows has happened because I never gave up.

Your dream doesn’t expire just because it’s taking longer than you expected.

Keep watering it.

Keep showing up.

Keep gardening and It’ll bloom when it’s supposed to.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still reading this, I hope you take one thing away:

“This journey isn’t about chasing success. it’s about becoming the version of you who can handle it.”

I’m still learning, still growing, still failing sometimes. But every step is progress.

Stay disciplined. Stay patient. Keep gardening.

And remember...

Dreams don’t have deadlines.

R.