Musicians Do You Procrastinate? 11 Ways to Understand What’s Holding You Back

After working with artists for over 3 decades and being one myself, I know that a self-motivated career without official deadlines is tough to navigate. It’s also hard to invest time in yourself when you’re not sure of the outcome. Procrastination is no stranger to the creative entrepreneur and it comes in many forms and it’s not always your fault.

Do you procrastinate? It might not be what you think. There is always a reason.

First, ask yourself what is behind it?

1. Fear is the #1 reason in most cases. As humans, we tend to shy away from things that cause fear. It makes perfect sense if you have some of these fears that you would procrastinate.

2. Fear of showing up and what that requires. Sometimes it’s the fear that while you could do it once, could you do it repeatedly on the level required? I know many singers shy away from going for their career because they are afraid their voice won’t hold up or they won’t be able to deliver night after night.

3. Fear of being the artist you know in your heart that you are. It’s scary to stand in those big shoes, so you sabotage yourself, taking you further away from your dreams.

4. Fear of “being seen”. This is a huge one for many people and makes perfect sense why it shuts you down.

5. Fear of criticism. Many people had people around them that were critical of them – parents, teachers, bosses. It’s more common than you think and it will quell your enthusiasm for projects if you fear being criticized. It can also make you change your course in order to please others and not actually deliver on your instincts.

6. “Imposter syndrome”. Wikipedia says “Impostor syndrome involves feeling like a fraud despite one’s achievements. It can cause feelings of anxiety and affect relationships, school, and work. It is a psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon do not believe they deserve their success or “luck.”

7. Missing ingredient/s. You are missing some key ingredients to do the thing you are putting off. For example: You need to demo some songs but you are waiting on a new piece of gear to arrive.

8. You want to start writing your new record but you recently moved and your home studio is not set up or you are pulled in ten different directions with work and life and haven’t carved out enough time to focus.

9. You want to do your daily practice regimen but you haven’t downloaded your exercises properly or you can’t stand how you sound so you put it off.

10. Maybe you didn’t make adequate time in your calendar and always end up squeezing things in last minute – or not getting to it at all. (“Living the calendar” is king).

11. Overwhelm = Freeze. You are trying to bite off more than you can chew and you freeze. This happens to me when I take on too much.

How do you beat it? Here are some helpful solutions to stop procrastination in its tracks.

1. Examine your fears. Are they real? False. Evidence. Appearing. Real. Usually fear is bigger in your mind than it is in reality. What’s one small step you can take towards your goals #babysteps

2. Make a list of things to do to make the task easier (or delegate it to someone else!)

3. Start breaking up bigger goals into small, daily actions.

4. Work with a coach who is experienced in these issues and can help you move forward (me ????)

If you’re looking to break through the barrier of procrastination, find out what happens to you when you really don’t hold back and you give your all, even its just for one week.

You’ll be surprised by what you can accomplish.

If you’re looking for a proven system to develop a plan, that meets you right where you are, addresses the pitfalls, helps you build confidence, savvy, know-how, and the tools to overcome procrastination you can join my Online Artist Development Program: Step Up to the Spotlight. This 6 month Artist Development plan provides great tips, solutions, and free guidance. This program has helped over 15,000 artists amplify their impact and skyrocket their careers and I want you to be next!