Songwriting

5 Ways To Stay Motivated As A Songwriter

by Marty Dodson
Mar 9, 2024

Sometimes, it can be hard to stay motivated as a songwriter…

Whether you write books, songs, poetry, plays or any other kind of “word” work. When the progress seems slow (or non-existent) and the rewards seem small, here are things I try to do to keep my head in the game.

Write what I like.

Sometimes when I get frustrated, I realize I’m chasing something that I don’t really like. That’s no fun. So, I try to get back to writing something I love. If I love it, someone else is bound to love it too.

Enjoy the journey.

Sometimes I get so focused on a goal that is out of my control, that I lose all of the joy that I could get from the journey. I get to sit in a room each day with creative people and do something I LOVE. That’s priceless all by itself. I don’t have to have commercial success to enjoy writing each day.

Take one step toward my goal.

Even when things are moving slowly, I can figure out ONE step that I can make in the direction of my goal. I can make one phone call. I can search for one great idea. Taking that one step helps me stay pointed in the right direction and encouraged.

Don’t compare.

Another frustration for me is comparing myself to other writers and their success. I’m not them. They aren’t me. I do best when I just focus on being the best writer I can be each day without comparing myself to others.

Get better each day.

I can also find ways each day to improve my craft. I can read about it, watch a video, practice – there is SOMETHING I can do each day to get better. Doing those little things add up and a year down the road, I’m a lot better than I was.

Stay encouraged. Write on.

~MD

Marty Dodson

Marty Dodson

Marty Dodson is a multi #1 songwriter, co-founder of SongTown, and co-author of  The Songwriter’s Guide To Mastering Cowriting and Song Building: Mastering Lyric Writing

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