Like it or not many of us are stuck on home. While there’s plenty to do around the house (or online) it can also be a perfect opportunity to make your next song…or record. Here are four tried-and-true ways to get you started…

1. write down goals for your music.

   Michael Hyatt, one of my favorite productivity gurus, said it well: “There is a huge power in writing your goals down even if you never develop an action plan or do anything else (not recommended)…When you write something down, you are stating your intention and setting things in motion.” Having a daily planner is helpful for this. I use and recommend the Full Focus Planner.

2. Make an appointment with yourself to write or record your music.

   Another amazing Michael quote: “Making appointments with yourself and scheduling other things around them is key to proactive self-management.” You will be surprised what you will get done when you take this advice. Make an appointment with yourself daily or at least regularly and watch the number and quality of your songs grow.

3. Try writing your song WHILE recording it.

   I found I would get stuck in creative “ruts” when writing primarily on either a guitar or piano. Then I discovered that writing and recording at the same time often broke up the monotony and sparked some creative inspiration. Another way to do this is writing to loops or beats (check out Splice or a similar sample library) or samples. Or try using an app on your mobile device like Garageband or FL Studio Mobile.

4. Go big or go...

   Um, okay so you’re already home. But you get it right? Challenge yourself to do something crazy.

   EXAMPLES:

   • If it feels comfortable to record and release one song, then dare yourself to do three songs instead.

   • Or what if you make a whole album. C’mon…you got this!