When You’re Not Sure You’re Getting Better… Do This

By Marty Dodson, SongTown Co-Founder

There have been seasons in my songwriting journey when I honestly couldn’t tell if I was improving or just spinning my wheels. It wasn’t that I wasn’t writing — I was. It wasn’t that I didn’t care — I cared deeply. But the growth wasn’t obvious. I didn’t always hear big leaps in my songs. I didn’t always get the affirming feedback I craved. And I definitely didn’t always feel like I was “getting somewhere.”

If you’ve ever felt that way, let me reassure you — you’re not alone. In fact, most songwriters who stick with it long enough will experience this kind of frustration. The key is not to panic, but to shift focus.

When I hit those uncertain moments, I come back to one question: Am I doing the right things — the measurable things — that lead to growth?

Because here’s the truth: improvement doesn’t always show up as a perfect chorus, an artist cut, a producer leaping out of their chair or a sync license. Often, it’s found in small habits that build real momentum over time.

Here are 5 measurable things you can start doing today to grow your songwriting — even if you can’t feel the progress yet.

1. Finish More Songs

Start tracking how many songs you complete — not just start. Ideas are everywhere, but learning to bring a song to the finish line builds discipline, strengthens your writing muscles, and gives you more chances to improve with each draft.

*Goal: For instance, set a goal to finish at least 2 songs per month. Over a year, that’s 24 chances to learn and grow. Set your own goal based on your available time and writing speed.

2. Co-Write Regularly

Writing with others challenges you to level up. You’ll absorb new techniques, perspectives, and creative energy you won’t get on your own.

*Goal: Commit to at least 1 new co-write per month. More if possible. Keep track in a calendar.

3. Get Constructive Feedback

Not just “I like it” or “that’s cool,” but why something works or doesn’t. Seek out pro-level critiques from mentors, publishers, or trusted peers who understand the craft.

*Goal: Submit 1 song per month for thoughtful feedback. Keep notes and look for patterns. See if you’re making the same mistakes over and over, or if you’re catching some of them on your own. That’s progress!

4. Study Hit Songs Intentionally

Don’t just listen — study. Break down the melodies, lyrics, structure, rhyme patterns, and emotional moments.

*Goal: Analyze 2 current charting songs per month. Take notes and apply insights to your own writing.

5. Write to a Brief or Target

Whether you’re pitching to an artist or trying to write for sync, writing to a clear purpose builds commercial awareness and focus.

*Goal: Write 1 song each month aimed at a specific artist, brief, genre, or project.

Final Thoughts

Songwriting isn’t always a straight road. Sometimes the steps forward are invisible until you look back and realize how far you’ve come. But when you focus on what you can measure, you start to feel the progress. You shift from doubting yourself to building yourself up.

So if you’re in that space where the growth feels unclear… stop and ask: Am I doing the right things that lead to growth? Then put your head down and trust the process. Because the progress is real — even when you can’t yet see the it paying off.

-Marty