The Inner Game Of Songwriting
I’d like to talk to you today about something very important if you want to become a great songwriter.
Or even if you’re just starting out, and you want to get good really quick.
Now, I’ll be perfectly honest with you. I’ve been thinking about writing this article for quite a while. The reason being, the topic we’re about to delve into can impact the songs you write more than talent itself.
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In fact, I’m good friends with a songwriter who has a problem in the area we’re about to discuss… this man is an extraordinary talent. He has potential to do absolutely ANYTHING in the world of music, yet he has gone nowhere.
Why?
He hasn’t mastered what I call, the inner game of songwriting
If he did he would power his way to the top.
That’s the influence your “inner game” can have on your songwriting.
So what exactly am I talking about?
Here’s the scoop…
Your inner game is the way your mind is “set up” to think about music, and the way you feel about your ability to write.
In a way it’s like your level of songwriting confidence.
Have you ever wondered why certain people seem to be “winners”, and everything they do seems to go stunningly well?
On the other side of the coin, there are people who seem to have what it takes to “win”, but they never do.
Well, the difference is the inner game
People with a “losing mentality” always find a way to sabotage themselves. Just like my friend who I mentioned above. He has what it takes to reach the world stage with his music, he just doesn’t have the mentality to take him there.
On the other hand, people who are winners can reach the top even if they aren’t the best of the best. They’re winning mentality carries them further than anything else could.
So what on earth does this have to do with songwriting?
Songwriting is one of the things where it’s crucial to have your inner game together.
Why?
Because in any form of art there is ALWAYS ego involved.
Feelings can get hurt easily. It’s not out of the question to listen back to a song you wrote and absolutely hate it. And when this happens, it slows you down. You begin to believe you’re a terrible songwriter.
Before I learned some powerful ideas to get this inner game stuff together, it felt like I was on a crazy emotional roller coaster.
One day I would feel great about my songwriting, the next day I felt the lowest of lows.
And these constant “mood swings” impacted my writing like you wouldn’t believe.
People with a “losing mentality” always find a way to sabotage themselves.
Just like my friend who I mentioned above. He has what it takes to reach the world stage with his music, he just doesn’t have the mentality to take him there.
Imagine sitting there with your instrument thinking to yourself, “why are you even doing this… you are NO GOOD and this is POINTLESS!”
As well, every time I went to show a song to someone, it was this massive event where if they didn’t like it, I would be devastated.
Also, because of this mindset, it was common place for me to begin a song and never finish it because I suddenly felt it wasn’t worth it.
Do you have any unfinished songs sitting around because of similar reasons?
If so, keep reading because you’re about to discover some ideas that will completely eliminate this problem.
After realizing the massive impact this was having on my songwriting, I did some research into how to create an inner game so strong that nothing would hold me back from writing song after song.
I discovered some brilliant tools that are highly effective at developing a rock solid inner game… and in doing so many miraculous things began to happen…
For one, songwriting is SO incredibly fun now. I love every moment, because I never have to worry about feeling vulnerable or scared that my songs are no good.
Also, I got very VERY good in a very short time (after years of struggle). It you don’t keep your inner game in check it really damages your ability to develop as a songwriter.
It stops you from writing consistently. And it forces you to always doubt what your writing. So as a result of getting my inner game back into check, I moved forward very quickly…
I hope I’ve managed to convince you of the importance of developing a rock solid inner game which will allow you to accomplish all you want to in your music career.
Even if you are fairly good in this area, the following ideas I’m going to share with you will help make you better.
And if you are struggling at this point with your inner game, these next few paragraphs will be gold to you.
Ok, let’s get this into check!
What I’m going to do now is discuss a powerful “mental tool” that will allow you to develop a inner game that will fill you with so much confidence and belief in yourself, you’ll surge forward in your songwriting.
The 80/20 principle
The 80/20 principle is amazing.
I heard this idea at least three times before I understood the sheer power of it.
This principle is similar to a natural law, such as gravity.
It holds true with absolute consistency.
There are many facets to this rule, but let’s discuss one that’s very important to your songwriting.
According to this principle, 20% of your songs will results in 80% of your success as a musician.
And the other 80% of your songs will form 20% of your success.
Also, when you create song ideas, 20% of the ideas will form 80% of your best material.
Now let’s examine why this is important and how you can use it to streamline your songwriting process.
Firstly, if you write 20 songs… 4 of these songs will form 80% of your success. And out of these 4 songs, 1 will form 80% of that 80%...
This means that approximately 64% of your success will come from every 1 song out of 20 songs you write!
I’m sure this makes sense to you as well… It’s usually that one song that impresses a record label… does well on the radio… resonates especially well with your fans…
How To Use This
What you need to do is always realize that out of everything you do in your songwriting, 80% of your results will come from 20% of the work.
Your job is to pay attention and work out which 20% is pulling all the results.
For example, if you write 20 songs… which is the one that will bring you the most success?
Use your instincts and ask your fans to work out the answer. Then USE this song to it’s full potential.
Give this song special attention in the studio to make it as good as it can be.
When you present yourself to record labels, agents, radio stations… lead with this song. Use it to get your foot in the door.
End concerts with it to send your fans on their way humming the tune to themselves.
Another way to use this 80/20 principle is to effectively sort through your song ideas throughout the songwriting process.
As you create, realize that 20% of your ideas will form 80% of your songwriting results.
This will do wonders for your confidence because you know deep downthat much of what you create will be tossed out…. Which leaves you to create in a carefree manner (one of the secrets to maximizing your creativity).
Also, when you sort through these ideas you know you are searching for that 20% that will really deliver when developed into a full piece.
And when you have a session that leaves you wondering if you have any songwriting ability at all, you can realize that 80% of the time you won’tbe producing your best stuff, which will allow you to go easy on yourself.
Quite simply this 80/20 principle allows you to streamline your songwriting process, because you are constantly honed in on the gold, and always trimming the fat.
Also, you’re confidence is always sky high because you realize that you don’t always have to be perfect. You just need to chip away until you uncover the 20% that’s going to blow your fans away. And you can cast away the 80% and not feel any worse for it!
Now the 80/20 principle is just one “mental tool” that will allow you to get MAXIMUM results from your songwriting efforts. There are a few others that will take things even further – strengthening your confidence and belief in your ability until it’s rock solid.
You can discover every element of your inner game in The Songwriting Genius Within You. Not only will you master your inner game quickly as you go through this course, you’ll also use songwriting techniques that will unblock the barriers that are stifling your inner genius. When you do this, you will begin to write songs of a quality that will astound even yourself.
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