5 Steps to Stop Procrastinating and Build a Rewarding Daily Practice

Why should you have a strong daily practice as an artist? 

Because without it, you won’t be able to rise to the top—or—stay on top. In the words of John Mayer – “The most important thing you do is TRAIN.”

It’s the fastest way to becoming a great artist. Developing a strong daily practice routine is so critical to your success that we wrote a whole module helping you—whether you have 10 or 30 minutes a day—in my recently revised popular Step Up to the Spotlight Program 3.0. Click here to JOIN US on your artist journey.

1. Identify what stops you 

Usually the biggest issue is figuring out why you are procrastinating. Go through this list and see which ones apply to you. 

• Fear: fear of failure, insecurity, fear you’re not good enough, performance anxiety—you name it, fear is usually the number one reason and can fuel other reasons. 
• Skill: sometimes it’s the lack of skill that keeps you from practicing your voice or your instrument because you don’t like what you hear (this was me!) Often musicians have really good ears and when it’s not pleasing it’s harder to practice. Everyone struggles with this at first. You have to fight your way through this. 
• Hitting a lull or a recent rejection or disappointment: a career in music fluctuates up and down. Sometimes you feel totally on track and then you hit a lull or a rejection that sets you back. When this happens, go on artist dates to get re-inspired. 
• Not enough time: this is a big one. Most people complain about not having enough time. But it’s usually because you don’t realize you can practice in micro-doses. Start with just 10 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week to flex your practice muscles. Before you know it, you’re making progress!
• Soundproofing or privacy: this is also a big one that stops most artists from their practice. Paper-thin walls in your apartment? Find a time when your neighbors are usually not home that you are (ask them!). Or share a rehearsal space with other musicians and slot some time where you won’t be bothered (or heard!) 
• No support: musicians need support. From mentors and other musicians. Mentors can save you time and energy going in the wrong direction. Other musicians can understand and inspire you! 
• Other: _______________ (fill in the blank)

You can also set up a buddy system with another artist to keep yourself accountable—or rehearse with other musicians as a part of your practice. 

Come get inspired! Join our Step Up to the Spotlight curated community of artists doing-the-work—it’s a non-competitive supportive and empowering experience. One you can follow at your own pace. JOIN HERE.

2. Find the right time

I wrestled with my daily practice—until one day I didn’t anymore. What made the difference? I realized that I would never know who I could have become if I didn’t apply myself. And looking at my life from my golden years knowing I didn’t give my all wasn’t okay with me. That was enough for me to stop putting off what I know I wanted. I started practicing 5 days a week and my entire life changed. Without it, I never would have accomplished any of my achievements.

The key was finding the right time to do my practice. At the time I was going to music school and waitressing. I made a pact with myself that I would get my practice done in the morning before I left the house for either school or my job. If I missed a day, I had to make it up.

Finding the right time that works for you is crucial—and then stick to it! Hold yourself accountable—especially when you realize that your future depends on it.

3. Treat your music like a job and it will treat you with respect 

Most people think that opportunity comes and then you commit but it’s the other way around. Commitment comes first. Then an opportunity comes. Your success is BORN from your commitment. 

Treat your music like a job and it will be there to support you when that opportunity comes. Show up to do your daily practice. Start with 10 minutes a day and build from there.

4. Make it non-negotiable

The biggest challenge with a daily practice is to stick to it. But when you are connected to your “why” it’s easier. 

Make your practice non-negotiable. Again – treat it like a job. Your job is not negotiable. If you don’t show up you get fired. 

Once I identified that I was afraid of failure, found the right time, decided my music was my job and I made a pact with myself—the final step was to stick to it. I did that by making my practice non-negotiable. 

Here’s what I did. 

I set my schedule for 5 days a week – Monday through Friday (I wanted to have my weekends free!) So if I missed Monday, I had to make it up on Saturday. If I also missed Tuesday I had to work straight through the weekend and I didn’t want to do that. This little trick worked so well! 

Make a rule with yourself that if you miss a day you make it up—see how that works for you!

5. Get help and join a community of other artists doing-the-work. 

Nothing is more inspiring than being with other artists and musicians who are doing-the-work. Often music is a second job on top of a day job. Only artists and creatives understand this kind of devotion and passion. Being in a community of non-competitive and supportive artists and professionals can make all of the difference in the world! We have one! Come get connected!

Start here: with my 6 WEEK ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Step Up to the Spotlight. Step Up is a high-value online program for music artists looking to step up their craft, confidence, mindset, and industry know-how. Shave years off of your climb, you avoid all the common music career pitfalls, and gain momentum. Grow your plan, stop procrastinating, and become the artist of your life. Learn more here.