The Problem with Thinking That ONE Move Will Be THE Move
I see it all the time in my coaching calls with mix engineers: the belief that there's one perfect move that will transform everything. Maybe it's landing that dream client, getting that piece of gear, or moving to LA. We build these moments up in our minds until they become these magical turning points that will supposedly change everything.
But here's the truth: there is no single "THE move."
Let me break this down with a real example. I recently spoke with a mix engineer who was convinced that buying a certain compressor would completely level up their sound and bring in a flood of new clients. They had built this narrative that this one piece of gear would be THE breakthrough moment.
Sound familiar?
The Hidden Cost of "THE Move" Mindset
This way of thinking creates three major problems:
It Creates Paralysis When we're always waiting for that perfect moment or opportunity, we often miss the small, actionable steps right in front of us. Instead of updating our website, reaching out to potential clients, or improving our craft, we fixate on that ONE big move.
It Builds Unrealistic Expectations Success in the audio industry is rarely about single moments. It's built on countless small decisions, relationships, and improvements that compound over time. Even getting that dream client isn't THE move – it's what you do with that opportunity that matters.
It Blinds Us to Real Progress When we're focused on waiting for that one big break, we often miss the progress we're already making. Those small wins and gradual improvements? They're actually the building blocks of sustainable success.
The Reality of Career Growth
Looking at the most successful mix engineers I've worked with, their stories aren't about single defining moments. Instead, they're about:
Consistent client communication
Gradual workflow improvements
Regular networking and relationship building
Ongoing skill development
Steady brand building
Multiple revenue streams
Continuous portfolio expansion
Each of these elements works together, creating a foundation for lasting success. It's not about waiting for one perfect opportunity – it's about building a system that generates opportunities consistently.
A Better Approach: The Compound Effect
Instead of seeking THE move, consider adopting what I call the compound effect approach:
Focus on Daily Actions What small improvements can you make to your workflow today? How can you better serve your current clients? What relationships can you nurture right now?
Build Systems, Not Silver Bullets Create repeatable processes for client management, marketing, and skill development. Success comes from having systems that work for you consistently, not from single moments of brilliance.
Embrace Incremental Progress Celebrate the small wins. That positive client feedback? That minor workflow improvement? That new connection you made? They all matter and contribute to your growth.
Stay Open to Opportunities Instead of waiting for THE opportunity, be ready for multiple opportunities. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from unexpected places.
Moving Forward
The next time you catch yourself thinking "If I just had X, everything would change," pause and ask yourself:
What small steps can I take right now with what I have?
How can I improve my current situation incrementally?
What systems can I build to create consistent progress?
Remember: Your career isn't built on one move – it's built on hundreds of small moves, decisions, and improvements that compound over time.
The real magic happens when you stop waiting for THE move and start making moves, period. Start small, stay consistent, and keep building. That's how real, sustainable success happens in this industry.
And trust me, as someone who's worked with countless mix engineers and audio professionals, the ones who truly succeed aren't the ones waiting for their big break – they're the ones consistently showing up, improving bit by bit, and building something lasting.
Let's shift our focus from finding THE move to making smart moves consistently. Your future self will thank you for it.
