Article by: Shuhei Matsumoto & Philip Garcia
VQS Advice Blog | MINDSET TOOLS FOR CREATORS
The clock is ticking and people are counting on you.
Songs need to be written, tracks need to be mixed. Social media is tempting, and so is the couch that we like to sit on. But the music still won’t produce itself.
As artists, you and I both know that it is our job to be creative. The more creative we are, the better it is for our career. The challenge is: our inner voice. You’ve gone this far and now you need more motivation. So here’s our:
5 Tricks to motivate the hero in you
Set New Goals
Maybe you’ve hit a block – you’re not improving. Write down new goals for the month. This will help you clarify your life. Maybe you’re a singer who needs to finish a few more songs for the album, or you’re a guitarist who just can’t get a particular technique down. Why not start a new Instagram page to showcase your music and go for your first 500 followers? Writing down your goals will put the inner voice back on track.
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Learn by mentoring.
Usually, people tell you to watch your favorite musicians for motivation and keep practicing until you’re as good as them. Don’t get me wrong, that works, but sometimes we get discouraged. We can’t compare our “beginnings” to someone else’s “middle.” It’s time to try the opposite. Mentor someone who could benefit from some growth. We were all once beginners. Coaching and teaching your craft will help develop your leadership and motivate you be a better artist.
Pick your niche and ditch the rest
We are attracted to things we don’t have. Angus Young rocked the world with his riffs and simple yet tasteful pentatonic solos. He kept doing what he did best – for 45+ years. You don’t need to be able to play 4 octave sweep picking. If technique is giving you a hard time, or is demotivating you, then move on. If playing pentatonic licks is your forte, work on improving that. Remind your self daily to be the best at what you’re already good at. This will empower the hero within you.
Invest in new equipment
This one is by far my favorite. NGD (New guitar day) is an exciting day for us guitarists – its like a first date with your crush. Take advantage of the excitement and practice, write, or work on your rockstar poses in front of the mirror – whatever you feel like doing. This is an excellent trick to motivate your inner voice.
Take a break
Take some time off to clear your mind and get some fresh air. Spend time with your family and people who support you. Sometimes, time is the only answer and you just can’t force it on yourself. I once took 3 years off after 10 years of doing music day and night. I came back like a fresh athlete in the court. Life as an artist can be truly rewarding when we are patient. Many times the motivation and ideas will come when you are away from your art. Have you noticed?
How will you use these ideas to stay motivated bwith your projects? I’d love to hear from you.
Article by Shuhei Matsumoto
Article by: Shuhei Matsumoto & Philip Garcia
VQS ADVICE BLOG | MINDSET TOOLS FOR CREATORS
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