No Fear in the Mirror

There are two ways we can miss the songwriting target.

First, we can think too highly of our abilities. Consequences of this kind of thinking are:

• Feeling discouraged because you aren't writing with any big-name, hit writers
• Feeling angry because other people (less-qualified songwriters) are having success that you deserve
• Feeling desperation because you don't have enough irons in the fire

Second, we can think too lowly of our abilities. Consequences of this kind of thinking are:

• Avoiding opportunities to write with people we look up to
• Not enjoying the fruit of our labor because of a focus on what was done wrong or could have been done better
• Not taking creative chances, risking that what we do could be seen as silly or irrelevant

Having an honest community of people (not just songwriters) will give you a healthy and honest understanding of where you stand.

Keep writing,

Ben

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Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!

Aiming at the Right Target

I've had a lot of conversations with other songwriters lately about how exactly one should approach writing songs. In general, one of the best ways I've found to think about it is through the concept of archery.

Only by having a clear understanding of my own abilities and weaknesses will I know at which target I should aim. Instead of only taking into account distance, consider the different directions you can aim. Sometimes your appropriate target is not what you first think.

My wife and I are currently working on an album of kids songs. Six months ago, I would have told you there wasn't a possibility of us doing such a thing, but here we are. If I had been only aiming at the conventional targets in front of me, I would have missed out on one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I've ever worked on.

There are so many more ways to exercise the gift of writing songs than just trying to get music onto the radio. Where else are you able to use your music to impact people?

Keep writing,

Ben

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Would you or someone you know like to go on a songwriting retreat with industry professionals? Visit SongbirdCamp.com for more details!