Productivity Habits That Accelerate Your Music Career
Musicians find themselves constantly searching for ways to “move the needle” and improve their music career. What most of us don’t realize is that the success of a music career is predicated on small, consistent, productive habits that eventually come to fruition in the form of positive opportunities!
We call Nashville a 10-year town for a reason — there’s no such thing as an overnight success!
Establishing a routine of productive habits is crucial for every developing musician. And, repeating these habits over an extended period of time increases the likelihood of reaching your career goals. But, why are routines so challenging? Unfortunately, the motivation to get started comes and goes and there are plenty of days when we feel unmotivated or uninspired. If you rely on being productive ONLY during the times that you feel motivated, you will find that you may spend a lot of time thinking about what to do and less time actually doing it!
(Searching for more inspiration or ways to get motivated? Check out my previous blog on “Inspiration & Motivation — and Where to Find Them”)
In my opinion, the best place to start is by creating a system of productivity that includes small, achievable goals. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small it may seem!
PRODUCTIVITY
First, let’s define what productivity looks like for a musician. My definition of productivity…
PRODUCTIVITY: anything that you do to help your mind, body, or artistry that will have a positive effect on your career—whether the impact can be seen now or in the future.
We are all aware of the multitude of things we “should be” doing to further our career. (Posting more on social media, releasing more music, networking, etc. etc…) This can be extremely overwhelming. And, if you’re anything like me, I have a difficult time finding a place to start!
To help our New Roots community, I created a "Productivity Planner” that includes simple, achievable tasks. Completing each of these tiny habits — when leveraged over a long period of time — can have a PROFOUND impact on your career.
If you are short on time or don’t know where to begin, use this tool to help get you started!
PRODUCTIVITY PLANNER
How it Works:
This planner is divided into three sections ( 5, 10, 15 minutes ) based on the time it takes to complete one of the tasks listed below.
Within these timed sections are the categories: Mind, Body, and Action.
The Mind tasks focus on your mindset, mental health, imagination, and overall wellbeing.
Body centers around tasks that get you moving, help to develop your stamina, and improve your physical strength.
Lastly, the Action column is comprised of simple tasks you can complete that will help you grow your network, create opportunities, and take action on your career!
STEP 1:
Determine how much time you have available. If you only have 5 minutes to spare, begin by selecting just ONE task from any of the Mind, Body, Action categories in the 5 minute section.
Looking to be productive over the course of 30 minutes? Choose one task from EACH of the 5, 10, 15 minute sections, for a total of 30 minutes! You can mix up different categories, or stick with just one.
For example: I might choose 5 minutes of Positive Affirmation (MIND), 10 minutes of Yoga (BODY), and 15 minutes Writing a Song (ACTION).
STEP 2:
Reflect briefly on your experience, highlight any positive moments, and acknowledge the progress you have made towards your goals!
*Remember, it’s best that you start small, accomplish your task, and continue onto the next one. Trust your gut and forgive yourself if you run overtime. This planner is simply a tool to help you get started!
There’s just nothing like being a part of a supportive community. We’re here to help! If you are a female artist and would love to participate in one of our weekends, please be sure to apply for our next event! Applications are free :)
Click the link below to apply…
Warmly,
Mark