The 3 H’s: A Simple and Powerful Exercise for Creatives

For many, 2024 was a tumultuous year. Several of my beloved clients and community members suffered illnesses and losses. If there’s anything that has become certain, it’s that nothing is predictable.

I normally start the new year off with an email about setting goals or getting help with delegation—and I will get to those posts in the coming weeks.

Today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge you and invite you to acknowledge yourself—no matter where you are now on your journey.

This exercise is called The 3 H’s – Hero, Holding, Hindsight

Before We Begin, Please Stop the Shoulds

If your head is filled with all the things you should be doing—like posting on TikTok 98717 times per week, figuring out how to make that track on Spotify pop, or intuitively mastering your next waterfall strategy—I invite you to stop and let’s do something else first.

This is an invitation to acknowledge yourself for anything and everything you’ve done that proves you are a superhero.

Have you helped your kids or family members navigate these crazy few years?
Have you switched careers or jobs?
Have you helped loved ones get through rough times?
Have you battled an illness?
Have you created some new art you love?

Have you taken a moment to acknowledge yourself for the things you’ve done—whether they’re small victories or monumental accomplishments? If not, let’s do this in 3 parts.

Part 1: Hero

Write THIS: Turns Out, I’m A Superhero, and here’s why…

Some things should come to mind immediately. Acknowledge yourself for all of it—big and small. Don’t overthink, just write.

Part 2: Holding

If you’re struggling with something, write it out as if you’re gently talking to yourself:

I see that you feel uncertain because ______________
I see that you feel sad because ______________
I see how much energy it takes to ______________

After listing these things, write this: I see all of these things, and I hold you with gentleness.

This is a crucial step to acknowledge yourself for your struggles and the energy you’ve poured into navigating them.

Part 3: Hindsight

Pull out your calendar from last year. For each month, pick at least one good thing that happened. Acknowledge yourself for these moments, no matter how small.

In January, I _______
In February, I _______
In March, I _______

Did you create something new? Witness amazing music, art, or film? Have a joyful moment with loved ones? Write them down and acknowledge yourself for making it through another year with triumphs, big or small.

Why This Matters

Are you wondering what this has to do with marketing and promoting your music?

EVERYTHING.

Marketing and publicity require energy. If your energy is depleted or you feel like you’re not enough, putting yourself out there will feel harder than it needs to. But when you take the time to acknowledge yourself for your strengths, resilience, and wins, it shifts your mindset.

Part 1 reminds you of the superhero-level strength you’ve shown.
Part 2 lets you bear witness to your challenges and hold them with kindness.
Part 3 shines a light on the good, helping you see patterns of positivity and success.

When you acknowledge yourself, marketing feels authentic and aligned with your energy.

Rise Above the Clouds

As I wrote this, the plane I was on took off on a dreary day—grey and brown stretched as far as the eye could see. Even my beloved Manhattan looked bleak. But as we rose above the clouds, the sky turned a brilliant blue, and the sun shone; I took this photo to show you.

This exercise is about how to rise above the clouds, acknowledge yourself, and see the bright blue sky ahead.

I’ll be back with actionable tips to help you promote your music, but for now, take this moment to hold yourself with gentleness and acknowledge yourself for all you’ve done.

In the meantime, I hold you with gentleness.

X Ariel

With Special Thanks to Julie Flanders of October Project, who taught me a version of this exercise.

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