Struggling with overthinking your songs? Learn 3 mindset shifts to stop second-guessing, write faster, and finish more songs with confidence.
Introduction
Overthinking is a common obstacle for songwriters, often leading to creative blocks and unfinished songs. Instead of waiting for perfect ideas, successful songwriting involves showing up consistently, writing freely, and refining later. The article presents three essential mindset shifts to overcome overthinking and boost productivity.
1. Separate Writing from Editing
One of the biggest mistakes songwriters make is attempting to write and edit simultaneously. The creative and critical parts of the brain cannot function effectively together. This can lead to stalled progress and frustration—comparable to trying to drive with the parking brake on.
- Example: Paul McCartney wrote “Yesterday” entirely before refining the lyrics. Originally, he used placeholder lyrics like “Scrambled Eggs” to maintain his creative flow.
- Technique: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write without pausing or self-correcting. Even if you hit a mental block, write, “I don’t know what comes next,” and continue.
- Goal: The primary aim of a first draft is not to be perfect but to simply exist. The real artistry comes during the editing phase, after taking a break and returning with fresh ears.
2. Treat Songwriting Like a Numbers Game
Professional songwriters increase their chances of success by writing many songs, not by aiming for perfection with every single one. The pressure to create a masterpiece diminishes when songwriting becomes a regular, habitual practice.
- Pro Insight: Hitmaker Max Martin writes daily, knowing that productivity and repetition lead to higher quality over time.
- Practical Tips:
- Set a specific songwriting goal, like writing one song per week or even per day.
- Maintain a “junk” folder for ideas that aren’t working instead of obsessing over them.
- Understand that even bad songs contribute to honing your skills, offering lessons for future work.
3. Stop Writing for an Imaginary Audience
Overthinking often stems from worrying about what others—like industry professionals or critics—might think. This mindset creates pressure and stalls creativity.
- Success Story: Billie Eilish and Finneas wrote “Bad Guy” by following their instincts, not by aiming to fit industry standards. The song’s unique style helped them stand out.
- Approach:
- Write songs that resonate with you personally, as authenticity often connects best with listeners.
- Avoid chasing trends because by the time you catch up, they’ve likely evolved.
- Prioritize finishing songs, even if they are not perfect, as completed work holds more value than endless drafts.
The Bottom Line
Shifting your mindset can transform songwriting from a stressful endeavor into a freeing, productive process. Writing first and editing later, focusing on quantity to enhance quality, and creating for yourself instead of an imagined audience can lead to more finished songs and a more enjoyable creative journey.
