1 GETTING STARTED
When I don’t have a deadline to work towards I sometimes get caught up in the procrastination loop, finding anything at all to do before I sit down and do the work, whether it be a mix, a songwriting session or learning a new skill. In this post I’ll talk about some of the things I do to stay on track.
The composer Chris O’Neill and I were recently asked by APRA AMCOS for some tips and tricks on how to get around this frustrating cycle (You can read that article here). I wanted to elaborate on this here on my blog because it’s a huge topic and a real skill I’ve had to learn over the years!
Setting Goals
If you just sit down to try and start working you’ll faff around not really achieving anything because you don’t have a clear defined goal. Most likely you’ll set up your gear, check your socials, go and make a cup of tea and then promise yourself you’ll start when you get back.
Most evenings I’ll jot down a ‘to do’ list before bed, that way I don’t lay awake thinking about all the things I need to do tomorrow.
An example:
- Mix changes for Meres
- Email Cath re contracts
- Check flagged emails since Monday and put deadlines in calendar
- Organise pre production with Go Get Mum
- Pay electricity and toll road account
- Spend 1 hour on new plugin
Make the list specific and realistic – otherwise you’ll get overwhelmed and might not even start. Break down bigger goals into smaller achievable tasks.
That way when I work up in the morning I can schedule the day according to the type of tasks I have to do. For example – All admin together. Then in the afternoon when I’ve got my DAW open I am just being creative and not worrying about all the other slightly boring but necessary stuff!!
Avoid Distractions
Like the plague, avoid the eaters of time… we know the obvious ones…social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat etc etc (If you can delete them off your phone do it!) but there’s also really tempting alternatives to self imposed work deadlines like Netflix, Youtube, endless hours of online video content……….such a trap. Do not get sucked in. Netflix’s marketing people say the biggest competition they have is SLEEP. Now that’s a terrifying testament to how addictive it is.
Pro tip: Get some snacks, a hot drink and a water bottle. Do not allow yourself anything else until lunch/knock off time. It’s important to keep your blood sugar up and stay hydrated but if you don’t give yourself boundaries you’ll use it as an excuse.
Go Deeper
You’re chasing that deep creative state that is so rewarding. Catching yourself in the moment is exciting and exhilarating. I’m getting flutters just thinking about it.
If you’ve done all of the above and something is brewing, whatever you do…don’t start patting yourself on the back just yet! Sometimes I think I actually have a fear of success. I start to freak out a little if something is really great. This is a great time to practice focus. Dig in, go deeper, see what else you can come up with.
Conclusion
The key is to be organised.
Don’t get distracted, put your phone away, allocate snacks and WORK!!
JUST DO IT! And then stay there in the moment.