Habits and Routines: The Key to Unlocking Growth
If there’s one truth about success in music production—or in life, for that matter—it’s this: Your habits and routines shape your future. The people you admire, whether it’s top producers, artists, or entrepreneurs, didn’t get to where they are by chance. Their success is built on small, consistent actions repeated over time. Habits are what separate the dreamers from the achievers.
But here's the thing: Self-discipline is what transforms those habits into results.
It’s easy to feel inspired after watching a video or reading a success story, but how do you sustain that energy long enough to see real progress? How do you go from inconsistent bursts of creativity to a structured workflow that 10x your results in the studio?
As the legendary producer Quincy Jones once said, “You have to go to your limits and then surpass them.” Success doesn’t come from one big effort—it’s built through the discipline of showing up every day, pushing those limits a little further each time. And yes, this applies to music production too.
The Power of Consistency
Imagine this: You sit down to make music only when you feel inspired. Sometimes that inspiration strikes, but often you’re staring at a blank screen, frustrated and waiting for that magic moment to arrive. Sound familiar?
Now, imagine if you had a consistent routine that got you into the studio, whether or not you felt inspired. You begin by tweaking a sound or layering some chords, and before you know it, the music starts to flow. That’s the power of routine.
Even the most successful producers faced days when they didn’t feel like creating, but they did it anyway. Take Hans Zimmer, for instance. Known for his epic scores, Zimmer's success isn't just about his talent; it's his habit of working consistently, even when he doesn’t feel like it. He shows up, day after day, and that’s what keeps him at the top.
Breaking the Cycle of Procrastination
We’ve all been there: “I’ll start tomorrow.” But tomorrow turns into next week, and next week into next month. Before you know it, you’re no further along than you were last year. This cycle of procrastination is the enemy of growth.
The trick to breaking out of it? Start small, start today. Your new habits don’t have to be grand. Start with dedicating just 30 minutes a day to your music. Set a timer, eliminate distractions, and focus entirely on that one task. It’s not the size of the habit that matters, but the consistency.
As Tony Robbins says, “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” That applies to your music production journey too. Even if you’re just making small adjustments to a track, recording a new sound, or learning a new technique—each small step compounds over time.
Developing Self-Discipline: The Game Changer
We often think of discipline as something restrictive, something that takes the fun out of life. But in reality, discipline is freedom. Discipline allows you to take control of your time and direct it toward what really matters—creating, growing, and achieving your goals.
So, how do you develop this kind of discipline, especially in a creative field like music production, where inspiration can be so unpredictable?
- Create a Routine That Works for You Find the time of day when you're most productive and make it sacred. Block out that time for music production and commit to it. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, consistency is what matters. The routine becomes the space where creativity can thrive without distractions.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection One of the main reasons we lose discipline is because we expect perfection from ourselves. We want every track to be a hit, every session to be flawless. But remember, even the best producers create rough drafts and go through revisions. Focus on progress—on getting a little better with each session—rather than on creating a perfect track every time. Perfectionism kills progress, while small wins build momentum.
As the great Rick Rubin once said, “Great art doesn’t come from trying to please everyone; it comes from an authentic place, which requires a willingness to make mistakes.” Allow yourself to make those mistakes, and use them as stepping stones toward growth.
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Set Clear, Achievable Goals Without clear goals, it’s easy to get lost in the process. Define exactly what you want to achieve in a given time period. Maybe it’s finishing a track a week, learning a new mixing technique, or experimenting with different sounds for a month. Whatever it is, make it specific and time-bound.
When you have something tangible to work towards, discipline comes more naturally. It’s no longer about just showing up—it’s about moving toward a concrete goal. - Surround Yourself with Inspiration The people you admire didn’t achieve success in isolation. They had mentors, collaborators, and a supportive environment. Surround yourself with other producers, musicians, and creators who inspire you and hold you accountable. Join online communities, share your progress, and stay connected to your passion for music.
- Celebrate Your Wins Every time you complete a track, master a new technique, or finish a productive session, celebrate it. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small it seems. This positive reinforcement will help you build the habit of discipline by associating it with the rewards that come from consistency.
Success Stories: From Humble Beginnings to Greatness
Let’s look at some of the top producers who started from humble beginnings but built legendary careers through sheer perseverance and discipline.
Deadmau5, one of the most influential electronic music producers, didn’t become a global sensation overnight. He spent years producing tracks in his bedroom, releasing them online, and constantly refining his craft. It was his daily grind, combined with a relentless commitment to growth, that eventually landed him on the biggest stages in the world.
Similarly, Pharrell Williams, known for his chart-topping hits, started out producing tracks in small studios, often for free. His success didn’t come from luck but from his dedication to mastering the craft. Pharrell’s ability to continuously reinvent himself, learn new skills, and embrace every opportunity laid the foundation for his rise to stardom.
These producers didn’t have overnight success. They stayed consistent, trusted the process, and most importantly, maintained discipline in their work ethic. They faced setbacks, but instead of giving up, they used those moments to fuel their creativity and keep pushing forward.
The Takeaway: Your Time Will Come
You may feel like success is far off, or that the effort you’re putting in now isn’t paying off. But remember, every small action builds toward your larger goal. The producers you admire once stood where you are now, uncertain of what the future held. But they kept moving forward, creating music day after day, knowing that patience and discipline would eventually bring them the success they dreamed of.
So, take control of your habits and routines. Build a structure that supports your creativity. Develop the discipline to show up for yourself and your craft every day.
As Bruce Lee wisely said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Keep practicing, keep improving, and know that your moment is coming.
Your music is waiting to be heard, and the world is waiting to listen. Stay disciplined, stay patient, and keep creating. Your journey is just beginning, and with the right habits and mindset, there's no limit to what you can achieve.
You’ve got this.
Cheers and have a great day!