Last week, we covered two categories of things songwriters should do every day, even if they don't get any real songwriting done. Here are two more categories that can help that we've discussed before, but they are important-refer to some of my previous articles on these for some additional ideas.
DID YOU DO SOMETHING TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF?
Another no-brainer. This can be as simple as creating a new file for your drawer for those clippings of local bands that you know that might use your music or let you open for them. You could open up that pile of mail on your desk and properly handle each one--pay the bills you can, file the rest where you can easily find them, toss the junk mail, file the goodies where you can find them later, answer those letters--then you will have a clear desk and fewer worries that will interfere with your songwriting. Put that gig on your calendar, write down that TV appearance of your favorite music artist, write down that concert you want to attend so you don't miss it, and make sure that calendar is where you won't miss it--I spend lots of time online, so it makes sense to have one of those huge desk calendars on the wall behind my computer so I will SEE those important dates. Post ads for those upcoming conventions to a bulletin board or tape them where you will see them, and not let them get lost on your desk or in a file. Doing these little things on a daily basis saves lots on heartbreak later.
DID YOU REWARD YOURSELF TODAY?
This should be a given. We have such a tough road, and failure is common. No one else may ever give us those pats we need on our backs, so do something to treat yourself every day, even if it's just to give yourself time to listen to a favorite album track, or buy a new favorite pencil or pen to write with. Make sure the reward is truly rewarding, though--if you need to lose some weight, don't make your reward something fattening, unless it's just a very small portion, and stop at that. If you have a spending problem that keeps you from paying your bills, make sure anything you get is something you really need and will use anyway, like a new set of guitar strings if yours are worn, or just do a no-cost something, like take a walk through your favorite park for a few minutes during lunch. Go ask for a hug from your sweetie--they will probably want one his or herself, anyway! Take a long hot bath or shower with your favorite scent added, or burn your favorite incense if you have some around. The point is to do something to make you feel good--I'm having fun reading a favorite book right now, myself--this falls under all the above categories! I'm sure you can come up with some even better ones--give yourself a hug every day!
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