5 Tips to Achieve Your Musical Goals Faster

There are some things that you can do besides just wishing for things that will expedite your journey towards your goals as a songwriter and musician:

1. Think Positive

Believe in yourself, even when you think no one else does…especially when you think no one else believes.  Believe that metamorphosis is possible even when you have not seen the changes that you want yet. I bet if you think about it you can come up with examples in your life when you did not expect something to happen and then suddenly it appeared.  If you can’t find examples from your own life history, look outward and find somebody else that this happened to.  Read and absorb stories about “incredible people” who overcame seemingly incredible odds to achieve tremendous transformation in their lives.  Find a musical icon to learn from or some other person who is a success story.  The person I am presently focusing on myself is Lance Armstrong.  You might want to read along as we progress through the book.  Any one can make it.

2. Stay in the Present

If I am running and I look at the clock for how much longer I have until I can quit, my body…actually my mind…wants to quit right then and there.  If I take my eyes off the clock and just run…usually listening to music at the same time….the time seems to fly by and before I know it I have achieved my goal and I wish I didn’t have to stop.  How weird right?  Remember the past is past, tomorrow is not here yet and all we really have is this present moment.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Don’t expect too much too soon, you’ll only get discouraged. Aiming high is nice to say but truly it is easier to stay positive if you set your sites on realistic, smaller goals.  If you just started playing guitar last week, do you really think you are going to be invited to be the opening act for U2 when they go on tour next month?

4. Eliminate Temptation

Remove distractions. For example, if you are songwriting, you need to create an environment that is conducive to creativity and free flow of ideas.  Don’t try to balance your checkbook when you are trying to come up with the hook for the chorus of your next killer song.  Surround yourself with people and an environment that reflect the goals that you have for yourself. Hang out with happy, creative people, read inspiring books, and listen to some great music that motivates you to get moving and take action.

5. Stop Making Excuses

Everyone can always find an excuse for something.  It doesn’t take much effort to think up one.  I bet you have even used some yourself.  When you want to change more than you fear change you will chuck the excuses and nothing will stand in your way from achieving your goals, whatever they might be…writing a hit song, becoming a “guitar hero”, starting your own band, whatever.

So what are you waiting for?  Like Lance Armstrong says, “When it’s raining, I just put on my rain jacket and go.”   Ready?  Go!