We recently connected with Symira and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Symira, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
I didn’t realize until a few months ago that my definitions of self-discipline and perfection were mixed up and used incorrectly. Self-discipline means to correct or regulate oneself for the sake of improvement. Perfection is freedom from fault or defect and having supreme excellence. As a young child and teenager, I would constantly work on my crafts in singing and acting. I wanted to make sure that I was always on top of my game and did the best I could. If I didn’t do what I considered “my best” after rehearsing non-stop and overthinking, I would immediately give up in the moment. Sometimes, “my best” or “worst” moments were based upon whether the church congregation liked my singing or what role I got cast in a musical. So, yes- I had the mindset of self-discipline in my profession, but I focused more on creating an unrealistic, “perfect” image of it. This led me to having panic attacks, anxiety 24/7, and loads of burnout. When I went off to college, I discovered how much perfection had a role in my life; I learned at a slow pace how to stop idolizing it in order to know what healthy self-discipline is. Once I got some guidance from my church family and peers, I was able to learn the necessities of self-discipline for my profession and day-to-day living.
Though I am continuously learning more about self-discipline each day, I learned that it isn’t as hard for me to do as I thought it was. I’ve learned that my consistency in working for the goals I’ve always wanted helps me discipline myself. Consistency does not always mean I’ll show up motivated, but it does mean that I am showing up no matter the circumstance. So if I don’t feel like singing or warming my voice up some days, I am still going to put a little time and effort into that area of my life. Even if it is five to ten minutes, I am still making sure I put the work into my short and long-term goals. This also applies to my journaling, time with Christ, and my physical and mental health. If I miss or forget something within my day, I now know that I will be okay and the world is not ending. I can now say that I have a good understanding of how self-discipline, consistency, and self-esteem go hand in hand with each other.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but my parents moved to Birmingham, Alabama, after Hurricane Katrina destroyed our home. Though I have lived in Birmingham my entire life, I like to call New Orleans my home. That’s where most of my family lives, where I spent all my summers, created the best memories, and developed my love for music. I would sing at all the Baptist churches in Alabama, lead praise and worship, do school talent shows/showcases, and post music covers online to share my voice! When I entered high school, I developed a love for musical theatre as well. When it was senior year, I decided that I was either going to study Musical Theatre or Music. I chose to go down the acting route and attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) because they provided the most financially and had many opportunities there for actors. Throughout my past two years at SCAD, I’d have thoughts about changing schools or majors because I truly wasn’t fulfilling the goals of music I wanted to reach. However, I decided that I would not leave SCAD because I have made many connections with people who already have much knowledge in the music world. After praying to God throughout the past two years, I changed my major from Acting to Sound Design in my winter quarter. Once I changed my major, I felt so much more joy and passion for the career path I would go down with Sound Design. I also added Acting as a minor alongside Music Composition. I have no issue with Acting- I just want to focus more on what God sees for me than myself.
My long-term career goals as a Musician, Songwriter, and Sound Designer are to create music compositions for Children and Christian films and/or series, release Christian Jazz/Bluegrass albums, and be a part of a Worship group that shines light on Jesus Christ. I don’t know what God has in store for me or my career, but I am very excited to put all my hard work and effort into the goals I have. Music has always had a special place in my heart. I have studied many musicians and their crafts just for fun. And I hope that one day in the future someone will be doing the same thing for me. Right now, I am doing a series on YouTube entitled “Her Favorites.” This series is me breaking down the artists that have influenced my music style and why they are so special to my craft. After I ramble about the artist, I will sing one of my favorite songs by them. If I am not rambling in the video, it most likely means that I am explaining my enjoyment of the artist in the description box.
If there are any musicians based in Birmingham, AL, or Savannah, GA, that would like to collaborate, please follow or text me on IG @symira_isoul. I am always looking for collaboration, especially when it comes to people playing instruments, so I can have live sessions. I want my music and art to shine with positivity and radiate God’s favor, love, and passion He has poured into me!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Well, I am early on in my journey as well when it comes to building up my career! Here is some knowledge that I have learned as I continue to discover and grow in my career path:
1. Surround yourself with good things! I believe that when you open the door of positivity and goodness, it makes life easier, whether things are going good or badly. In the book “Steal Like An Artist” by Austin Kleon, he says, “You’re only going to be as good as the stuff you surround yourself with…The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.” So surround yourself with generous, diligent people. Listen to uplifting music. Take care of your mental and physical state instead of doom-scrolling your life away. Practice kindness and go volunteer or serve at local events or churches. I have learned that creating a positive environment for myself and spreading kindness to others costs nothing. Even on the rough days or weeks I may have, I am still able to put a smile on my face because I have found people who support me! I will also take time out of my day to acknowledge my feelings and take care of my well-being.
2. Educate yourself in the career you’re going into. With me changing my major from acting to sound design, I have noticed that this is a huge jump for my education. I could simply wait til I get to school to learn about the sound design world, but I need to educate myself on the basics of it before I go into my first class! I have learned that it is okay to educate yourself before going into something new or unexpected. Learning to educate myself in life and my creative career has given me new chances, growth, and opportunities with everything I do. At the end of the day, I won’t always be in school or have the same educators to reach out to in the future.
3. Don’t discard all of your passions- keep them as hobbies! Although I just changed majors, I am realizing that I can still focus on theatre as a fun hobby! Singing and Sound Design will be my career fields, but theatre, jewelry making, photography, and video editing can still be other passions I have in life. For me, it can be very toxic if I continuously surround myself with my career projects and performances 24/7, without doing anything else I have a passion for. Hobbies are important. They’re the things that make us even happier outside of our careers. Sometimes, hobbies are the only thing that keeps us going. As Austin Kleon says, “A hobby is something that gives but doesn’t take.”
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I cannot just focus on one person! The phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” has been meaningful to me as a young adult navigating the world. Although it refers to children’s upbringings, the concept of community support and mentorship stays relevant to me as I grow into my sense of belonging, career, knowledge, and purpose. Attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has given me beautiful connections with faculty and staff in acting, sound design, and music. I have grown so much in my knowledge, discipline, and creative mindset being around the amazing professors at SCAD.
My mom and church home have helped me overcome many challenges while developing essential skills I need to get through life! My mom has a creative background (photography, poetry, shirt designs, etc.), so whenever I am struggling to get through or past something, she always gives me the words I need to hear… even if I don’t see the purpose in them at first glance. She has been my top supporter since day 1 on earth, and I am so appreciative of her. My church family also builds me up and helps me improve my personal qualities as a believer in Christ. One of my best memories with my church is them driving to Atlanta to support me in a show I was in.
I am so grateful to have so many people in my life who want nothing but the best for me and my future. Thank you to everyone who has helped me develop essential skills and knowledge to be successful in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://symiradixon.wixsite.com/symira-dixon
- Instagram: symira_isoul
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@symira_isoul
Image Credits
Marley-Bob Photography
William Brown Photography
TK Street Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
