Have you ever found yourself waiting for that magical moment of inspiration before sitting down to produce music? The belief that creativity and inspiration should always go hand in hand is deeply ingrained in our minds. But relying solely on feeling inspired could be holding you back from reaching your full potential as a music producer?
In this post, we’re going to challenge the notion that making music when you “feel” like it is a requirement for success. In fact, I’ll go as far as saying that waiting for inspiration is a trait of the weak-minded. If you truly aspire to be a professional music producer, it’s time to shift your mindset and understand that the path to success lies in making music consistently, regardless of how you feel in the moment.
We’ve all experienced those moments of immense creativity and inspiration when ideas flow effortlessly. But the reality is, those moments are rare and fleeting. If you wait for inspiration to strike every time you sit down to make music, you’re eliminating most of the available time you have to hone your craft.
To truly excel as a music producer, you need to embrace the challenge of creating even when you don’t feel like it. It’s during these uninspired moments that discipline and dedication shine through, setting you apart from the masses who are waiting for the muse to pay them a visit.
Embracing the Uninspired Moments
Inspiration is not a constant companion on the creative journey. As much as we wish for those lightning bolt moments of genius to strike at will, the reality is far from it. Waiting around for inspiration to magically appear can leave us feeling stagnant and unproductive, with unfinished projects piling up.
I’ve experienced countless moments when the muse seemed to be on vacation, leaving me grappling with the blank canvas of creativity. But I quickly realized that succumbing to the allure of waiting for inspiration was a slippery slope. Instead, I made a conscious decision to push through the uninspired moments and create music, even when every fiber of my being resisted. To my surprise, those were the times that the muse would reappear. I had to make the first move.
There was a time when I was feeling completely uninspired, my mind clouded with self-doubt and a lack of fresh ideas. I stalled for a while, believing I simply had nothing good to offer. It took some time for me to get my shit together and take that first step again. I sat down in my studio, determined to work through the creative block. It wasn’t easy & The initial ideas felt forced and lackluster, but I kept going.
Something incredible happened in the midst of that struggle. As I persisted, a spark emerged. New ideas began to take shape, and things started to flow. It wasn’t the bolt of inspiration I had hoped for, but rather a slow burn that grew brighter over time.
Through this experience and many others like it, I discovered the significance of showing up and putting in the work, regardless of how I felt in the moment. It’s during these uninspired moments that our true dedication and commitment as music producers are put to the test. By pushing through the resistance, we tap into a wellspring of creativity that may have otherwise remained untapped. This is also the period where we learn & grow the most.
Every great artist, from the masters of classical music to the chart-topping contemporary producers, has faced their fair share of uninspired moments. But what sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the craft. They understand that waiting for inspiration is a luxury they can’t afford. Plus, there are usually deadlines to meet.
10X your production time
Imagine for a moment that you have 10 spare hours in a week. If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, chances are that only about 1 hour, or 10% of that time, will feel inspired. The remaining 9 hours will be spent with a lack of inspiration and resistance. That’s a significant chunk of time that could go to waste if we rely solely on feeling inspired.
Relying on inspiration as a prerequisite for action can quickly become a dangerous trap. It becomes an excuse—a convenient way to justify not taking action. We convince ourselves that we need the perfect conditions, the right mood, or a surge of motivation to create something worthwhile. But the truth is, those conditions rarely align on their own.
If we wait for inspiration to strike before making music, we’re surrendering control. We’re allowing external forces to dictate our progress and growth. Instead, we must shift our mindset and view the remaining 90% of our time as an opportunity—a chance to develop discipline, hone our skills, and push through the barriers that hold us back.
Embrace the 90% of time when you don’t feel motivated, and recognize it as an opportunity for growth. Develop a routine that incorporates regular practice, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Treat every moment at your music production station as a chance to evolve, to challenge yourself, and to push beyond your perceived limitations.
By viewing it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance, you’ll develop a sense of discipline that sets you apart from the masses. You’ll discover that the power to create lies within you, regardless of external circumstances or fleeting moments of inspiration. The path to greatness as a music producer is paved with consistency, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the process.
Developing a Routine
In the world of music production, developing a routine can be a game-changer. Establishing a regular music-making schedule not only helps us overcome the challenges of feeling uninspired but also brings a myriad of other benefits to our creative journey.
One of the key advantages of having a routine is that it creates a structure for consistent practice. By setting aside dedicated time for music-making, we establish a sense of discipline and commitment to our craft. Whether it’s an hour each day or a few dedicated sessions per week, having a routine ensures that we show up and put in the work, regardless of how we feel in the moment.
When establishing your routine, take into account your natural rhythm and energy patterns. Identify the time of day when you feel most alert and focused, and allocate it to your music-making sessions. This way, you can train your brain for a consistent time for creativity. I prefer the quieter hours early morning or late at night.
Even with consistency, there will still be days when you simply don’t want to sit down in the studio to work. These are good days for experimentation & trying out tools you aren’t familiar with. On these days, it’s not about pushing a song forward. It’s about throwing ideas at the wall & seeing if it inspires new ways of working or creating interesting sounds. The act of showing up and engaging, keeps the creative momentum alive.
To maintain accountability and stay on track with your routine, consider finding an accountability partner. Share your goals and progress with others who can provide support, encouragement, while also checking in and holding you responsible. This external support system can help you stay on track when it’s tempting to give in to procrastination.
Additionally, break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Set specific targets for each practice session, and celebrate your progress along the way. By focusing on these smaller goals, you create a sense of accomplishment and build momentum, even when the bigger picture feels overwhelming.
Embracing Imperfections and Growth
When we find ourselves uninspired, it’s natural to worry about creating subpar music. The fear of not meeting our own expectations or producing work that falls short can be paralyzing. In these times, it’s important to remember that embracing imperfection can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and immense growth as a music producer.
In the pursuit of perfection, we often stifle our creativity. We wait for the perfect moment of inspiration, the ideal conditions, and the flawless ideas to align. But the truth is, those moments are rare. By accepting that not every piece of music we create will be a masterpiece, we free ourselves from the constraints of perfectionism.
In my own journey as a music producer, I’ve encountered numerous instances where embracing imperfections opened doors to new possibilities. Sometimes the happy accidents become the best part of the song. By releasing the pressure to be flawless and embracing the process of trial and error, I discovered my own distinctive style and sound. When you can break free of expectations, enjoy the moment and celebrate small wins, you will find it easier to come back to it again & again.
Being uninspired is mostly a byproduct of fear. Use these times as an opportunity for self discovery. working through these feelings will build your confidence & help you get to the conclusion that there was really nothing to fear after all.
The Professional Mindset
Transitioning from an amateur to a professional musician requires more than just honing your technical skills and producing great music. It demands a mindset shift—an unwavering commitment to your craft, discipline in your practice, and perseverance in the face of challenges. Adopting the mindset of a professional is crucial if you want to elevate your music career to new heights.
It’s about making a conscious decision to prioritize your music and treat it as more than just a hobby. Professionals understand that creating music is not just a matter of feeling inspired; it’s a lifelong dedication that requires consistent effort and sacrifice. It means showing up day after day, even when you don’t feel like it, and putting in the work to refine your skills and create something meaningful.
Discipline plays a vital role in nurturing a professional mindset. It’s about establishing a routine and sticking to it, regardless of external circumstances or internal resistance. Professionals understand that motivation may come and go, but discipline is what keeps them on track. Treat your music-making time as sacred and non-negotiable. Over time, this disciplined approach will become a habit that propels you forward, even on days when inspiration seems elusive.
Professionals understand that success rarely happens overnight. They are willing to weather the storms, learn from failures, and keep going, even when it feels like progress is slow or non-existent. Cultivate resilience and a positive attitude, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. Remember that every great musician has faced their fair share of obstacles but overcame them through sheer perseverance.
Adopting a professional mindset means viewing yourself as a creator, and artist. It involves taking ownership of your music and treating it as a valuable commodity. It means understanding that waiting for inspiration or the “perfect moment” is a luxury professionals cannot afford. The majority of their time will be spent outside the realm of inspiration, but they create anyway. They recognize that true mastery is not just about the moments of brilliance but the consistent effort put into their craft.
That said, if you would like a coach who has been through all the ups & downs of the music production process to guide you & hold you accountable for your success, schedule a call with me here: https://www.musicsoftwaretraining.com/private-coaching/ . We can see if we are a good fit for each other & create a personalized approach to get you the best results while avoiding the most common challenges.
Now, go forth, armed with this newfound understanding, and let your music be a testament to your unwavering commitment and unyielding spirit. By showing up and putting in the work, even when the muse seems absent, you’ll unlock a wellspring of creativity within yourself that you never knew existed.
Happy music making!