Tips on how to build discipline as a musician

We’ve all have been there: You feel bad because you didn’t practice or you didn’t start creating new songs but you don’t know how to get out of the loop. Here we have collected some tips so you don’t get inside the rabbit hole.

1. Finish your tracks before starting a new one

This will help to focus your efforts but it’s also useful to build discipline. Of course, you won’t feel like finishing the mix or the guitar arrangements because you’re tired of that already but you know that in the long run, it will be more beneficial to you. Even if you don’t feel creative enough at that exact moment, if you’re patient enough, the ideas will start appearing.

2. Make time in your schedule to focus on your music

It’s easier to procrastinate if you have several options on what to do than if you only have one job: to get it done. That’s why creating a plan is a task itself as you won’t have to think about what are you going to do or when.

3. Work with someone to enhance your motivation

If you feel like you won’t be able to commit to a task, you could try teamwork. If you’re not the only one involved in the project, there’s a higher chance that you will achieve your goals and get them on time. If teamwork is not something that you’re into, maybe you could find an accountability partner and bet something with them.

4. Turn off your phone while making music

We get it. You’re waiting for your crush to write you a message but it’s better to commit fully to something at least for 20 minutes than to be doing 5 things at the same time without finishing any of them.

5. Try to create something every day

Yes. Even if it sucks! There are two reasons for this:

1. Your creativity muscle will be more developed.
2. Practice makes the master.

6. Practice mindfulness on a daily basis to increase your focus skills

If you struggle with focusing, you could try to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. This technique consists of being fully present for a certain amount of time. This will train you to bring your attention back to the present moment and to be more efficient.

7. If you like challenges, try to join musicians that are more skilled than you.

This won’t work for everyone, though. If you tend to abandon quickly or you’re prone to frustration, it’s better to practice on your own or with people that are on the same level as you.

8. Be aware of what you’re saying to yourself. Judging yourself is the opposite of helpful

If you talk to yourself on negative terms every time you make a mistake, that will rewire your mindset and you won’t even try to do stuff as your brain doesn’t want to be exposed to that feeling. Instead of being destructive, you could try a more positive approach. Talk to yourself as you would talk to a friend. It will be far more helpful.

We hope that these tips were helpful. If you want to learn more, make sure to check out our previous posts!