Are You A Successful Songwriter? That Depends...

Your reasons are important, because what if you never attain the wealth? Does that mean you're not successful? Well, if you're doing what you love to do, and doing what you love to do is also a part of your definition of success, not making a lot of money won't necessarily mean that you're not successful. But if the only reason you're doing it is to make money, and you don't make money... uh oh, it may be time to expand your personal definition of success.

It's quite an imposing pressure to feel that you have to "make it" in the music business, especially if "making it" is based on the influence of media glorification and other people's opinions. It may help to get clear on what success is to you, and what it will take to accomplish it. One way to do that might be to set smaller, more easily achievable goals for yourself, all of which are in some way essential to that bigger picture. It could be writing every day, finishing a demo this month, attending an industry event next week and coming home with five business cards to follow up on, sending out your songs to ten publishers, getting a cut this year, writing a song of which you're proud. Then you have the chance to enjoy lots of successes along the way, as well as having a better chance to achieve your more encompassing goals.

The first step in achieving success is enjoying at least part of the process that will eventually get you there. If you love what you're doing, and at least part of your definition of success is to love what you do, you're experiencing some success already!

Finally, always allow yourself room to grow. That includes allowing your personal barometer of success to change as you do. Maybe you've come to a point where you'd prefer your songs to be recorded by lesser-known artists whom you respect, rather than mega-stars whose music you don't particularly relate to. Maybe you'd like playing in local clubs to a loyal audience now, whereas previously you had a desire to go on the road. I think many people are afraid to change their own agendas out of fear they're copping out. Ain't necessarily so! Commercial success may always be measured by record sales and market play, but personal satisfaction can be determined by you alone.

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