How “Doing Nothing” Makes You a Better Artist

Most musicians are stuck in go mode. Always creating, always pushing, always looking for the next move. And sure, that hustle feels productive. But if you never stop to think, you’re just running on autopilot.

Real growth doesn’t happen when you’re grinding 24/7. It happens when you step back, reflect, and adjust.

“Ever had a melody pop into your head while making coffee? That’s what happens when you give your brain space to connect the dots.”

The Trap of Constant Creation

Making more music doesn’t automatically make you better. If you’re not taking time to think about what you’re doing, you’ll keep repeating the same patterns, making the same mistakes, and wondering why you’re stuck.

Thinking time isn’t wasted time. It’s what helps you:

• Spot what’s working (and what’s not)
• Refine your sound instead of chasing trends
• Set better goals instead of throwing darts in the dark
• Let ideas breathe instead of forcing creativity

It’s the difference between making noise and making progress.

Why Thinking Time Makes You a Better Musician

1. You Make Smarter Moves
Without thinking time, you’re always reacting instead of choosing your path. Do you really need another plugin, or do you need to practice arrangement? Are you releasing tracks too soon? Taking time to reflect keeps you from making impulsive choices that slow you down.

2. You Build a Stronger Artistic Identity
If you don’t stop to think about why you make music, you’ll end up sounding like everyone else. Thinking time helps you stay connected to your vision instead of just following what’s trending.

3. You Practice With Purpose
Mindless repetition won’t make you better. If you don’t take time to analyze your weaknesses, you’ll keep practicing the wrong things. Thinking time helps you focus on what actually moves the needle.

4. You Avoid Burnout
Creativity isn’t just about doing. It’s also about being. If you never pause, you’ll run yourself into the ground. Thinking time keeps your fire lit instead of burning it out.

5. You Get More Breakthroughs
Some of your best ideas will come when you’re not forcing it. Ever had a melody pop into your head while making coffee? That’s what happens when you give your brain space to connect the dots.

How to Add Thinking Time to Your Routine

1. Schedule it. If it’s not on your calendar, it won’t happen.
2. Step away from screens. No phone, no distractions, just space to think.
3. Change your environment. A walk, a coffee shop, a different room.. Switch it up.
4. Write it down. Big ideas come and go. Capture them.
5. Ask yourself better questions. What’s working? What’s holding me back? What’s next?

The Power of Monthly Check-Ins

This is exactly why our monthly coaching sessions can be a game-changer. It forces you to take that step back, look at where you’re going, and adjust course if needed. Just like thinking time, it’s a way to break the cycle of autopilot mode and make sure you’re actually moving forward and not just staying busy.

If you don’t give yourself that space to reflect, how do you expect to grow? Taking time for yourself every month isn’t just a luxury. It’s what separates artists who stay stuck from artists who level up.