The best way to illustrate these concepts is by looking at some actual examples of short and long term thinking. This year, I want to release the first of eight CDs I plan to record over the next ten years. The benefits of having a web site will be small in the first several years, but as more and more fans learn that they can count on my site being there and staying current, the payoff in four to five years will be significant. The kind of music I want to record is not in style now. Maybe I should record some trendier material to get airplay.
Music styles tend to rise and fall in popularity over time.
If I record compositions that take advantage of my strengths and the music reflects what is in my heart, over time my integrity and perseverance will be rewarded. There's a good chance I'll stop writing too, if I don't have a recording project in the works. I'd better go ahead and get started with what I have. I know that if nothing else, I'll have examples of my work available in finished form and gain a whole new audience who can't possibly experience me live. I'll probably have a great time and get really good at making records.