Even when we’ve got deadlines and loads to do, procrastination can get in the way. You don’t have to be beaten by it, though!

Overcoming procrastination can be a serious challenge for musicians. The impossible-feeling cocktail of needing to get so much done, but wanting everything to be perfect, can actually lead us to not doing anything at all. Our best laid plans don’t need to be thwarted by procrastination, and we’ve got some top tips to help you through it.

It can be easy to get down on yourself and mistake procrastination for laziness. It’s important to remember that the two are not the same. It’s common, in fact, for people who procrastinate, to work for long stretches just before a deadline. So, what is the reason that procrastination so often gets in the way?

Procrastination tends to be rooted in emotions and (generally) negative feelings. Rather than a decision to put things off until another day, it’s often due to feelings like fear of failing, anxiety, boredom, frustration, or insecurity. All that fun stuff. Letting these emotions take control, and passively waiting for a time that you feel more productive, can be a real blocker on your music career. Instead, why not think of productivity as something you can generate and build. It’s not necessarily easy, but it is incredibly worthwhile.

With that said, here are some of our best pointers for putting procrastination back in its box.

Identify the root of your procrastination

If you can understand where procrastination is coming from for you, you can get past it much more easily. However, this one may take some soul searching.

Some artists may procrastinate because they have a large and daunting project or task ahead, and are avoiding it rather than tackling it. Others may struggle because they are worried their work might not meet the expectations of others, or even themselves. Plenty of artists procrastinate due to a fear of failing or not producing work that is “good enough”.

Whilst totally valid, these feelings are all just obstacles of the mind. If you can identify your root cause of procrastination, you can start to break it down and work through it.

If you feel really stuck, you could try talking it out with a trusted friend or seek out some mental health resources for musicians, who might help you look a bit more introspectively.

Be gentle with yourself

Beating yourself up over the fact you’re putting tasks off isn’t going to help anything get done faster. Being kind to yourself will be a much more effective approach, and help create a mindset of acceptance and eventually productivity. Even just acknowledging the fact you’re procrastinating is a big part of the battle, so feel proud that you’ve achieved that first step.

Set achievable goals

One of the biggest challenges in overcoming procrastination is feeling overwhelmed by the size of a task. If you’re trying to write an album, perfect a performance, or need to schedule the distribution of your new single. the scope can feel daunting. Break the task into smaller, more manageable pieces.

For example, set a goal to write a single verse or melody today, rather than tackling an entire song at once. Daily or weekly goals can help you focus, build momentum, and make progress. A sense of achievement with smaller tasks will give you a nice hit of dopamine and encourage you to continue.

Create a consistent practice regime

Discipline is key when it comes to productivity, especially in creative fields. Not in a sense that you need to bully yourself into working, but establishing a routine you can stick to helps no end. Work out a regular practice or work routine that fits your lifestyle. Whether it’s dedicating half an hour each morning to songwriting or scheduling specific days for recording, consistency helps build habits.

Time management techniques like time-blocking (allocating specific time slots for focused work) or the Pomodoro method (working for 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks) can enhance focus and productivity. Even on days when inspiration doesn’t flow naturally, the routine can keep you progressing.

Eliminate distractions

Distractions, especially digital ones, can be a huge hindrance to creative work. Phones, emails, and social media notifications can ping constantly, and are a nightmare for interrupting your flow. Before beginning your work session, turn off unnecessary distractions by putting your phone on silent, disabling non-essential notifications, or using apps that block certain websites for a designated period.

Additionally, creating a dedicated workspace for music-making can help. When you enter that space, you signal to yourself that it’s time to focus, reducing the temptation to procrastinate.

Seek support and accountability

Sometimes, a little outside help is all it takes to stay on track. Whether it’s joining a music community, forming a collaboration group, or finding a mentor, having others hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator. Share your goals with trusted friends or peers who can check in on your progress and remind you of the goals you set for yourself.

Regularly discussing your work with others helps you stay motivated and provides a support network when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired. Additionally, feedback from others can boost your confidence and push you forward.

Summing up

Procrastination is a natural part of the creative process, but it doesn’t have to control your progress. By recognising its triggers, setting achievable goals, developing a routine, limiting distractions, and seeking accountability, you can take significant steps towards overcoming procrastination as a musician.

Remember, creativity isn’t always about inspiration striking in a moment of clarity. You have to generate inspiration sometimes, and creativity is also about showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and you’ll be creating some of your best music before you know it.