The Songwriter’s Path to Success

Getting your mind in the right place to support your goals

People come to songwriting for many reasons. Some just want to write songs to share with their friends and family. Some see it as an entertaining hobby. Some want to build a sustainable career within the music industry while others want to write the next big smash hit and then live off the royalties for the rest of their life.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to your goals. But once you define and understand them, it becomes so much easier to achieve them.

What’s your why?

Ask yourself why you want to be a songwriter? The songwriter’s path is a journey and a long one at that. So what’s inspiring you to take the first step down that road?

Is it:

• To build connection with your listeners. If so, accept on the deepest most profound level that you truly want this and be prepared to rewrite your songs until people get them.
• Financial security. If this is your main motivation, consider a different approach to making money. When your focus is solely on your bank balance, you won’t be able to write authentic songs. Make the music you love and the money will follow.
• To gain respect. Again, this isn’t something to worry about when it comes to your music. It’ll come as you work on your craft, so let it go.
• Because you absolutely love making music. Whatever your aims for your songs, you should love what you’re doing. The best songs come from the heart and soul. If you don’t feel you can pour everything into what you create, then maybe this isn’t the path for you.

Figure out your goals

Once you understand why you’re doing this, the next step is to work out how you’re going to get to where you want to go. Ask yourself on the deepest level, what do you really want to achieve and why?

When you have a clarity of desire, it fuels the courage of intention, which makes saying yes – and no – easier. Stay true to who you are.

Your goals can have different drivers. Long term success, short term financial security, self-expression, artistic fulfilment and so on are all valid. Picture your dreams and then work backwards. What are the steps you need to take to get to where you want to go?

Spend time with yourself

Sit in silence with yourself every single day. Sitting with yourself sends a signal to your subconscious that you’re open to suggestion.

Regularly ask yourself, what am I doing? What do I want? What am I doing towards what I want?

You don’t have to take big dramatic steps towards your goals. Little and often is far more sustainable – and productive – than trying to take giant leaps and beating yourself up when you fall short.

Allow for the journey. Don’t try to write a hit song. It’s rare that anyone intentionally creates a hit so take that pressure off yourself. Write today’s best song and let the song finds its home when the time is right.

Be patient

Enjoy the journey. This is where you’ll find material for your best songs.

Throw away any expectations. You probably overestimate what you can do in a week and wildly underestimate what you can do in a year. If you only write for ten minutes a day, it’ll still add up quickly. Energy follows action, so just start working towards your goals and know that every day you’re getting ever so slightly closer to where you want to be.

See yourself where you want to be

Close your eyes and picture your future self. What do you see? What music have you made that you’re feeling proud of? How are you feeling now that you’ve fulfilled your dream?

Bask in the glow and majesty of your music.

Now bring this perspective to the choices you make every day to support your music career.

Always ask yourself, what can I do today to bring me closer to my future self? And then go out there and do it!