Too much self-criticism or writer's block

As a writer, not so much a music writer, I can relate.

One things I've found that makes a lot of the negativity melt away is to walk away from it for a while. Don't force it. With writing, I also get great mileage from something that inspires me that I've recently read. Maybe diving headlong into some new music by other artists will give you that fresh perspective that you're looking for.

Good luck.

Joel

 

For me the advice is the exact opposite. I say force it. I interpret what you wrote as saying it use to come easy to you but, now it doesnt which means, you now have to work at it. Whether writing music or whatever if you show up and actively prepare for inspiration it will show up and begin to show up regularly as you set aside time everyday to meet with it.

You almost have to respect inspiration for it to respect you. Which can mean just quieting your mind and waiting. If it shows up in the hour then great, if not then try again tomorrow. You cant make inspiration show up so you get critical of yourself.

But, as it turns out, people are different. Explore different ideas and see what resonates.

 

Time to recharge the batteries. Get off the computer, turn off the TV, get out of the house, and do some living.

Pretty soon you won't be able to stop the songs from coming out.

If it doesn't work, well then at least you got off the computer, turned off the TV, got out of the house, and did some living.

 

What a great post!

 

You need a vacation. So take vacation... from your problems!

 

well three good songs is three better than most of us! ... at least you know you're not kidding yourself in thinking you are better than you really are (the opposite is likely to be true)

also, it's not until after you've finished the race that you need to rest. Perhaps, you're putting too much pressure on yourself, and actually you need some time out before the creative juices really return again?

transitioning from one job or role to another very rarely goes 100% smoothly immediately ... I think most people need at least 6 months to settle in to a new change of circumstance / job / employment / new city etc.

 

Love it. The endless supply of humor and creativity here in these threads.
Helps me with the stupidity part. Whoops. Now I have to try to be more tolerant. If I'm not stupid, I can be very annoying and take myself way too seriously. Writer's block.....I don't have any answers but like the approach I am seeing here. Good luck. Enjoy the moment. Or at least look for ways to enjoy the moment. They are there.

 

William Faulkner so perfectly said, "If you want to grow a garden, you need plenty of manure." He was referring to writing.

 

Check out The Artists Way for a nice structured program for overcoming these sort of blocks.

 

breakup with your girlfriend LOL you can mine that for some good material everyone is different ..some work through, some take a brake. maybe change up what you are writing like/about ..for example try working on country if you mostly do rock..or go lyrics first if you are mostly music first ...ruts suck but they seem to be a common ailment of writers.. after ruts is the best work for me good luck