I write a lot about encouragement and perspective because I believe they are two of the most important issues that songwriters face at any level.
For me, I stay in my “happy place” when I see progress every day. It can be the smallest bit of progress, but I need to feel a little momentum or movement in the right direction each day.
The days that I get down are the days when I feel like I’m slipping backwards. A big co-write cancels. I lose a hold I counted on. Or a cut doesn’t make the record. I feel myself slipping back into the abyss and I get scared.
The “voices” start telling me that I’ve seen my last cut.
They start making me wonder if I’m cut out for songwriting. They tell me I should have found a stable job to work at.
I fight the voices with my daily progress. And I prove that I’m moving toward success and away from failure by taking at least one step forward each day.
I pitch some of my songs and work hard and find a great idea.
I’ll make a call I’m scared to make and set up a promising co-write. Each day, I ask myself what I can do that day to move just a little bit further forward.
Some days I fail to do it. Most days, I make some progress.
Don’t judge your progress by how far you have to go or how far you have come.
Just take it day by day. That’s the best way I’ve found to stay encouraged and motivated. Did I do something today that moves me in the direction of success? If the answer is “yes”, then I’m on the right road and I’m headed in the right direction. And I’m closer than I was yesterday. That’s all I need to know to make it through most days!
Write on! MD
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Author: Marty Dodson
