Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top — it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others — it rises from your heart.
-Junko Tabei, first woman to summit Everest
1. Clear distractions.
When sitting down to practice or write, find a suitable space: someplace quiet, uncluttered, and free of distractions.
Gather all the tools you’re likely to need and leave everything else behind. Nonessentials will only distract you and weigh you down.
Cell phones should be out of sight, out of earshot, and out of reach. If you absolutely must use a computer, disconnect it from the internet.
In addition to a welcoming and functional space, strive for the right headspace: take a few deep breaths, clear your mind, and commit to the day’s work.
He must be made to concentrate, otherwise he gets all mixed up. It is not genius he lacks, but the capacity to sit still.
–Franz Liszt’s paramour, Caroline
2. Define your objective.
Remain aware of this task during your session. Write it down in bold black letters if you have to. This especially applies to practicing your instrument. Guitarists especially tend to noodle and fidget.
It’s perfectly alright to veer off your intended path and crash around in the woods a bit—experiments teach better than rote learning—but make sure you’re able to find your way back when you’re done exploring.
3. Decide how much time you’re going to spend.
Setting a time limit helps for two reasons: a) it prevents you from giving up prematurely and b) knowing that your labors have a reasonable end will help you give yourself fully to your task.
Choose a duration, set a timer and don’t let up until it runs down to zero.
4. Encore!
The best way to follow up a productive day is by having another productive day.
Keep a practice log to track your progress from day to day. Just a few sentences about your challenges, obstacles, questions, and victories (large and small) will do.
5. Enjoy the process.
Is it always going to be fun? No. If you’re working hard and pushing at the edge of your abilities, expect to feel like you’re in over your head. Relish that feeling, because pushing limits will make you a better songwriter. It’ll also enrich your life.
Your battles as a songwriter may be more abstract than summiting Everest, but the trials of a serious artist are every bit as trying. Take pride not only in your results, but in your effort.
Believe in yourself. Stay determined. The steepest challenges reward endurance, so keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Recap
- Clear distractions.
- Define your objective.
- Decide how much time to spend.
- Do it again.
- Enjoy the process, even the temporary failures.
photo by Ilker Ender.
I love this article. Its great for all songwriters. Simple but strong. Thanks
Simple but easy to forget. And easy to be tempted away by various distractions.
Great advice. One thing I would add is to have something to drink, not booze or even coffee, but a big mug of cool water. I dunno, helps me! Also, a comfortable chair or something. I have this couch on which I can sprawl out on to noodle and explore then sit up to run a few scales or get more serious about a song. I also have a big, old leather note pad with unlined paper and a mega pencil so I can just scrawl stuff out to my heart’s content. Of course, I’m speaking more about writing than mastering mixolydian scales…
Thanks Jeff. I actually thought about adding the beverage bit! Not a bad idea to have a cup of tea. Coffee’s sometimes a bit too much caffeine; causes a rush followed by a plunge.
And sadly booze is probably not a good idea either. Anything that makes us feel like geniuses when we’re not being geniuses…
This is really good advice for programming too! I happen to be both a coder and a musician. Oh and my mom sent me this link… love ya mom! 🙂