Music Mental Health Diary Entry Day 4: Navigating Your Past, Present and Future - Building and Being Present

By Rich Steve Beck

If you’re like me, it’s easy to get stuck there—replaying old gigs, old moments, questioning decisions, or dwelling on missed opportunities. Maybe it’s the time I didn’t nail that high note during a performance or the collaboration I turned down that could’ve been a big break (maybe). The past has a way of haunting us, especially in an industry where every choice feels so loaded. Do you ever find yourself wishing you could go back and do things differently?

Why We Dwell on What’s Already Gone

For me, the pull of the past often comes from regret or nostalgia. Regret because I think about what I could’ve done better, and nostalgia because sometimes the “good old days” feel safer than the uncertainty of now. But here’s the thing: the past isn’t where life happens anymore. I’ve had to remind myself that while reflecting can be helpful, dwelling doesn’t change anything. It just keeps me from moving forward. Does this tug-of-war with the past feel familiar to you?

Staying Grounded in the Present

The present is tricky in my mind. On one hand, it’s where everything real and tangible happens—writing lyrics, recording tracks, connecting with fans. But it’s also easy to overlook because we’re either fixated on the past or anxious about the future. I’ve noticed that when I’m fully present, my creativity flows more freely. Whether it’s focusing on the melody I’m working on, mastering a track or enjoying the energy of a live show, being in the moment reminds me why I fell in love with music in the first place. Do you struggle to stay grounded in the here and now?

How Anxiety About the Future Creeps In

Then there’s the future—the land of “what ifs.” Will my next release flop? Will I ever get that record deal? What if I burn out before I make it? These questions swirl around in my mind constantly, especially in an industry as unpredictable as music. I’ve spent entire days worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet, only to realise I’ve wasted energy that could’ve been spent creating. Does anxiety about the future ever keep you up at night?

Strategies That Help Me Stay Balanced

Over time, I’ve found ways to navigate my mind through these three time zones without letting them overwhelm me. One thing that helps is journaling. Writing down my thoughts about the past, present, and future gives me clarity and helps me process emotions. Another trick is mindfulness—I’ll take a few moments to focus on my breathing or notice the sounds around me. It grounds me in the present and calms the chaos in my head. Sometimes, I’ll visualise my goals for the future but remind myself to take one step at a time. Do any of these strategies resonate with you?

Giving Yourself Permission to Let Go

What I’ve had to remind myself—and what I want to remind you—is that you don’t have to carry the weight of all three timelines at once. You can’t change the past, no matter how much you dwell on it. You can’t predict the future, no matter how much you worry about it. And the present? It’s the only space where you can actually take action. I’ve started giving myself permission to let go of what I can’t control and focus on what I can. Does the idea of releasing that weight feel freeing—or overwhelming—to you?

When the Past Feels Like a Teacher

That said, the past isn’t all bad. Sometimes it teaches us valuable lessons—if we let it. I’ve learned to reframe my mistakes as stepping stones rather than failures. That botched performance? A chance to grow. That missed opportunity? A reminder to trust my instincts next time. It’s not always easy, but shifting my perspective helps me move forward instead of staying stuck. Have you found ways to turn your past into a teacher rather than a critic?

Creating Space for Future Dreams Without Overwhelm

Dreaming about the future is important—it’s what keeps us motivated. But I’ve had to learn to dream without letting the pressure crush me. Instead of obsessing over outcomes, I focus on small, actionable steps I can take today to move closer to my goals. Whether it’s writing one verse, reaching out to a collaborator, or updating my website, these little actions add up over time. Do you find it hard to balance dreaming with doing?

Remembering That You’re Allowed to Be Human

At the end of the day, navigating your mind through the past, present, and future is messy—and that’s okay. For me, the key has been embracing the messiness and reminding myself that I’m allowed to be human. You don’t have to have it all figured out to keep going. All you need is the courage to take the next step, wherever you are in your journey.

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Rich Steve Beck is a podcaster (PMFC Global TV), pro audio engineer/producer community leader (Produce Mix Fix and Conquer), full Music Producers Guild member, and pro mastering engineer who's worked with platinum-selling and Grammy-winning audio engineers.

He is also on a huge journey discovering about his own mental health and has felt a calling, as a large music community leader, to be an advocate for open mental health discussions across the industry.

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