Article by: Shuhei Matsumoto & Philip Garcia
VQS Advice Blog | cover photo by Davisuko
Learn how to push yourself beyond limits, the smart way.

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 and influencers, you and I both know that it is our job to be as creative as we can be. The more creative we are, the better it is for our career. The challenge is: our inner voice. You’ve gone this far however, you still need to level up your game! So here are our:
5 Fresh Ideas To Keep the Fire Burning
- Table of Contents
1. How to Bring Out the Best In You - 2. How Can You Grow Faster With People?
- 3. Go for What Inspires You
- 4. How Do You Stay Pumped Up?
- 5. What is the Real Gift of Motivation?
1. How to Bring Out the Best In You

Maybe you’ve hit a block – you’re not improving. It’s time to 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 an athlete who just can’t get a particular technique down.
When’s the last time you started a new Instagram page to showcase your music? What if you could grow faster on a new platform? When you write down your goals, your inner voice will help you see more clearly.


134: Getting honest with your Mental Health for creatives – VQS Studio Podcast
2. How Can You Grow Faster With People?

Usually, people tell you to watch your favorite musicians for motivation and keep practicing until you’re as good as them.
Mentor someone who could benefit from real growth and experience.
We were all once beginners. Coaching and teaching your craft will help develop your leadership and motivate you to be a better artist.
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3. Go for What Inspires You

Learn how to highlight your inner strength.
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, then move on.
Remind your self daily to be the best at what you’re already good at.
If playing pentatonic licks is your forte, work on improving that. This will empower the hero within you.
4. How Do You Stay Pumped Up?

Learn to keep it fresh and alive!
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.
5. What is the Real Gift of Motivation?
Life as an artist can be truly rewarding when we are patient.

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.
Many times the motivation and ideas will come when you are away from your art.
How will you use these ideas to stay motivated with your projects? We’d love to hear from you.
Summary:
- 1. How to Bring Out the Best In You
- 2. How Can You Grow Faster With People?
- 3. Go for What Inspires You
- 4. How Do You Stay Pumped Up?
- 5. What is the Real Gift of Motivation?
Article by: Shuhei Matsumoto & Philip Garcia
VQS Advice Blog | MINDSET TOOLS FOR CREATORS