As passionate as we are about our songwriting, the reality is that sometimes it\u2019s difficult to motivate ourselves to write.\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s the fear of plumbing our emotional depths or just good old fatigue after a long day, there are often obstacles to overcome when it\u2019s time to write. While flashes of inspiration are great, we can\u2019t always count on the muse showing up on our schedule.\u00a0 Instead, we\u2019ve got to make our own inspiration. I\u2019ve put together a list of a few things that should help you keep your creative fires lit.<\/p>\n
1. Set up a place at home to write<\/p>\n
As simple as it sounds, having a place to go where you can focus and be creative can be motivating.\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s just a small desk and chair in a corner of your living room, the fact that you\u2019ve dedicated it to your art will serve as that little push you might need to write.\u00a0 Keep your writing tools\u2014rhyming dictionary, guitar, laptop, etc.\u2014out and easily accessible.\u00a0 It\u2019s amazing what a difference putting your guitar on a stand versus keeping it in a case can make.\u00a0 Make things as easy as you can for yourself and you\u2019ll be much more likely to dig in.<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0Set up a time of day to write<\/p>\n
Routine can be a good thing even for something as artistic and creative as songwriting.\u00a0 If, for example, you know that every day at 7pm, you\u2019re going to write for half an hour, then you\u2019re more likely to do it.\u00a0 They say it takes a few weeks of consciously making yourself do something before it becomes a habit.\u00a0 A daily time to write will go a long way towards the healthy habit of songwriting.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0Keep a file of unfinished songs<\/p>\n
One of the hardest things about writing is starting with a blank page.\u00a0 By keeping an organized file of your unfinished lyrics and rough recordings, you won\u2019t have to climb the mountain from the bottom every time you sit down.\u00a0 While sometimes it feels good to start with a fresh idea, don\u2019t forget to check your unfinished ideas from time to time.\u00a0 It\u2019s remarkable how a few days or weeks can add the perspective you need to see a partially finished song in a new light and finish it.<\/p>\n
4. Find a co-cowriter<\/p>\n
Nothing motivates more than accountability.\u00a0 If someone is counting on you to show up and work, you\u2019re more likely to do it.\u00a0 Not only that, but halving the burden can make writing a much more approachable pursuit.\u00a0 This is one of the many benefits of co-writing.\u00a0 Other advantages include having someone whose songwriting gifts compliment your own in such a way that you both get a better song than you would have separately.\u00a0 If you haven\u2019t co-written yet, this is as good a time as any to give it a try.\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s not a perfect experience, we all benefit from observing firsthand someone else\u2019s writing process.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0Give yourself an assignment<\/p>\n
Sometimes the idea that you can write about anything is just too much freedom. Often it\u2019s easier to write if you have some guidelines.\u00a0 If, for example, you tell yourself you\u2019re going to write a song with one chord you\u2019ve never used or a song about a topic you\u2019ve never covered, you\u2019ll find it\u2019s easier to get to work. Anything you can do to give shape and structure to what you\u2019re attempting to write will make the task that much simpler.<\/p>\n
6. Tell yourself you\u2019ll only write for five minutes<\/p>\n
This is one of my all time favorites.\u00a0 On days where you\u2019re really struggling to make yourself write, tell yourself you\u2019ll sit down for five minutes.\u00a0 That way, if nothing is happening after five minutes, at least you\u2019ve tried. It\u2019s astonishing how often those days are the days where the breakthroughs happen.\u00a0 Taking the pressure off of yourself may be all that you need to get on a roll. That being said, if it\u2019s just not coming, stop.\u00a0 There\u2019s no point in making yourself miserable.\u00a0 There\u2019s always tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/p>\n
Being a songwriter is a gift, but, as with most gifts, some assembly (otherwise known as work) is required.\u00a0 My hope is by suggesting a few ways to lessen the burden of getting started, you\u2019ll be able to write more consistently and enjoy the accompanying results.<\/p>\n
Good luck!<\/p>\n