How Are Those Resolutions Going?
My wife’s birthday was yesterday. (Happy Birthday, Natalie!)
January 8th is also the time when I return to bad habits, ones I vowed to break with New Years resolutions, so I’ll let Nat’s birthday be reminder to reflect on some goals.
Here are some habits I’m doing to be a more productive musician and songwriter:
1. Delete all social networking apps from my iPhone.
I deleted all social media apps from my phone in early 2014, and it’s been a blessing. One, my hands needed a break from devices since I worry about carpel tunnel. Two, I had to cut out distractions. I’m continuing this for 2015. No Facebook or Twitter on my phone. I’m considering deleting Instagram, too.
2. Start the day exercising or practicing guitar
This is the most difficult habit for me to achieve. Breakfast, coffee, and my computer have been my morning routine, but I’m wasting too much time at the kitchen table. I need to start the day off working sooner.
3. Use a pen, notebook and non-Internet-connecting recording when songwriting.
I mentioned in my blog this last month, and I’m sticking too it! No more Internet distractions or phone with me when I’m writing.
4. Read more, preferably a book a week
One would assume a former English teacher doesn’t need to prioritize reading, but I do. As of December, I’ve been reading again at a pace that equals my college years! In December, I finished or reading some of Jack Keuroac’s works. Last week, I reread the Hobbit and skimmed the Fellowship of the Ring. Now I’m reading the last two books of the Lord of the Rings series for the first time. I also picked up some of Donald Hall’s poetry books at John King Book Store.
5. Carry a tiny notebook everywhere I go
Natalie put me a little notebook in my stocking for Christmas. It’s always in my pocket in case a lyric or idea comes to mind. I’ve relied too much on my iPhone to store new ideas, and I’m returning to my old writing habits of my college days. Forget the phone; it’s back to pen, paper and a prepared mind!
6. Write out tomorrow’s schedule the day before
My free-flowing life as a musician can often be too unscheduled. Since I set most of my own deadlines, I need to set my schedule and routine more specifically.
7. Get Lois, our dog, daily exercise
Lois is an energetic, basket case in constant need of attention, but it’s easy for us to hibernate in the winter. I’m vowing to get Lois more exercise, which might be as simple as throw the tennis ball in the backyard for 15 minutes on extremely cold days.
8. No phone in the bedroom
Again, one of my most important goals this year is to cut down on screen time, and I’ve broken one of my worst habits: reading news sites and blogs on my iPhone when I can’t sleep. I’ve been fighting some insomnia as of late, and I’m starting to get better rest.
Hope everyone is sticking to their resolutions! Also, wishing you artists, writers, and songwriters a productive 2015!
Is the pen mightier than the computer? My notebook and Zoom H4 recorder
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